This Strawberry French Toast is a delightful breakfast treat! Soft bread soaked in a sweet egg mixture gets topped with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Honestly, starting the day with this fruity delight feels like a mini celebration! I love serving it with maple syrup for extra sweetness—just irresistible!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: I recommend using thick bread like brioche or challah for a rich texture. If you’re out of those, sourdough or Texas toast works nicely too!
Eggs: Fresh large eggs are the way to go for the best flavor. For a vegan option, try using a mixture of flaxseed meal and water or silken tofu to mimic the egg’s texture.
Milk: Whole milk gives a creamy base, but feel free to swap in almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk you prefer for a lighter option.
Cream cheese: If you’re looking to reduce calories, low-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative will work well. I sometimes use mascarpone as a treat!
Fresh Strawberries: You can easily substitute with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even bananas if strawberries aren’t in season.
How Do You Get the French Toast to Not Fall Apart?
One challenge with French toast is soaking the bread without it becoming mushy. The key is to dip the bread quickly. Here’s how:
- Whisk the egg mixture just until combined—overmixing can make it tough.
- Use thick slices of bread; they hold up better when soaked.
- Dip each sandwich only for a few seconds on each side, just enough to soak without falling apart.
- Let the excess drip off before placing the sandwiches in the pan, which helps them cook evenly.
Remember, patience while cooking will pay off—allow the sandwiches to golden nicely for great texture!
How to Make Strawberry French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices thick bread (such as brioche or challah)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
For the Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Unsalted butter, for cooking
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh whole strawberries, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Strawberry French Toast recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until everything is well combined. This mixture will soak into your bread, giving it that custardy goodness!
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and lemon zest (if using) until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious filling for your French toast sandwiches.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Take out 4 slices of bread and spread an even layer of the sweetened cream cheese on each slice. Top the cream cheese with sliced strawberries, then place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top to form sandwiches. Feel free to press them down slightly to secure the filling.
4. Heat the Pan:
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a generous knob of butter to the pan and let it melt, coating the bottom. This will give your French toast a lovely golden color!
5. Dip the Sandwiches:
Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, letting the bread soak for a couple of seconds on each side. Be careful not to soak them too long; you want them to be moist but sturdy enough to hold together.
6. Cook the French Toast:
Place the dipped sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to adjust the heat to ensure they cook evenly without burning.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once cooked, transfer the French toast to plates. If you like, cut them in half for a better presentation. Dust with powdered sugar, top with fresh whole strawberries, and drizzle generously with maple syrup.
8. Enjoy!
Dig into your delicious Strawberry French Toast! It’s creamy, fruity, and utterly delightful, perfect for starting your day with a smile!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Bread Instead of Brioche or Challah?
Absolutely! Whole wheat bread can be a healthier option and works well. Just keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly, but it will still taste delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Mascarpone or ricotta cheese can also make a lovely substitute for a creamier texture.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese filling and assemble the sandwiches the night before. Just keep them covered in the fridge. In the morning, dip them in the egg mixture and cook as directed!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.