Raspberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast
There’s something truly magical about breakfast treats, especially when they combine the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the comforting warmth of French toast. That’s why I absolutely adore Raspberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast. It all started one bright Sunday morning when I decided to treat my family to something special. I had some fresh raspberries and a block of cream cheese sitting in the fridge, and before I knew it, I was whipping up this indulgent recipe that quickly became a weekend favorite. The combination of tangy raspberry jam and creamy cheese nestled between slices of perfectly cooked French toast creates an irresistible dish that’s hard to resist. Every bite is a delightful experience that’s rich in flavor yet light enough to enjoy any time of day. I remember my kids’ eyes lighting up as they took their first bites, their smiles saying it all. Whether it’s a family brunch or a special occasion, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy. So, let’s dive in and explore how to make this delightful breakfast dish!
Recipe Snapshot
30 mins
15 mins
15 mins
Medium
360 kcal
12 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
15 g
Blender, Food Processor, Wooden Spoon, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl
The Appeal of This Raspberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast
Apples and Oranges? No Way!
One of the standout features of Raspberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast is how the sweet and tart flavors of raspberry jam pair beautifully with the creamy texture of Neufchatel cheese. It’s a combination that feels luxurious yet is surprisingly easy to prepare!
A Breakfast Worth Waking Up For
This dish transforms ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary experience. Just imagine waking up to the aroma of warm French toast sizzling on the griddle. Who wouldn’t want to jump out of bed for that?
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a festive brunch with friends, Raspberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast fits the bill. It’s versatile enough for both casual breakfasts and elegant gatherings.
Family-Friendly Fun
This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults alike. The interactive process of stuffing the bread and dipping it in the batter makes cooking fun for the whole family. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to teach kids how to cook!
Easy to Customize
You can easily modify this recipe to suit your family’s tastes. Want to switch out the raspberry jam for something else? Go ahead! The possibilities for flavor combinations are endless.
Indulgent Yet Light
Despite its decadent flavor profile, Raspberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast doesn’t overly weigh you down. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and satisfying without feeling heavy.
What’s In This Raspberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast
In crafting the perfect Raspberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast, the ingredients play a crucial role. Each element complements the others, creating a delicious balance of flavors and textures. The stars of this dish include Neufchatel cheese, raspberry jam, and day-old French bread. The creamy cheese and sweet jam combine to create a rich filling, while the bread soaks up the egg mixture for a delightful crispiness.
- Neufchatel Cheese or Cream Cheese: About 5 ounces provides a creamy, tangy base for the filling.
- Raspberry Jam: Half a cup offers a sweet and tart contrast to the cheese.
- Buttermilk: This ingredient adds tenderness to the mix.
- Milk: A half cup of milk is mixed with the egg for a rich batter.
- Large Eggs: Five eggs help bind everything together and create a custard-like filling.
- All-Purpose Flour: Two tablespoons help to thicken the batter just enough.
- Baking Powder: An eighth of a teaspoon adds a little lift.
- Ground Cinnamon: Three-quarters of a teaspoon brings warmth and spice.
- Ground Nutmeg: An eighth of a teaspoon adds depth to the flavor profile.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the other flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon for a touch of sweetness.
- Graham Cracker Sheets: Ten sheets add a crunchy texture, or substitute with crushed cornflakes.
- French Bread: Ten slices of day-old bread are perfect for soaking up the batter.
- Vanilla Cream Syrup: For serving, this syrup elevates the dish even further.
- Sweetened Whipped Cream: Optional, but can add an extra layer of indulgence.
Step by Step Guide for Raspberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast
Making Raspberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast is a delightful process that combines preparation and anticipation. Each step brings you closer to enjoying this delicious breakfast. Let’s walk through the steps together!
- Start by preheating a nonstick griddle over medium heat or set an electric griddle to 325 degrees. This will ensure that your toast cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden-brown color.
- In a mixing bowl, combine Neufchatel cheese and raspberry jam using a fork. Stir until well combined and nearly smooth, but don’t worry if there are a few small lumps; they’ll add texture to the filling.
- Next, grab a blender and combine buttermilk, milk, large eggs, all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Blend on low speed for about ten seconds until everything is just mixed.
- Pour this mixture into a shallow bowl and set it aside. Then, pour the crushed graham crackers or cornflakes into a separate shallow bowl and set that aside as well.
- Prepare the slices of French bread by making a slit down the center of each, cutting about three-quarters of the way down. This is like creating a butterfly, keeping the bread connected.
- Take about one and a half tablespoons of the raspberry mixture and spread it inside each slice of bread where you made the slit. Gently press the bread together to seal the filling inside.
- Butter your preheated griddle, then dip one side of each filled slice of bread into the milk and egg mixture. Allow it to soak for a few seconds; just make sure not to soak the center filled with the raspberry mixture.
- Flip the bread over and dip the opposite side for another few seconds. Let any excess drip off, then coat both sides in the crushed graham crackers or cornflakes for that extra crunch.
- Place the coated slice on the griddle and cook until golden brown, usually about two to three minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it, looking for that perfect color.
- Once golden, lift the French toast with a spatula, butter the griddle again, and flip the toast to cook the opposite side until it also becomes golden brown.
- Repeat this process with the remaining slices of bread.
- Serve the cooked French toast immediately, topped with vanilla cream syrup and optional sweetened whipped cream. Enjoy!
Things Worth Knowing
- Day-Old Bread: Using day-old French bread is key because it absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart.
- Mixing Techniques: When combining the Neufchatel cheese and raspberry jam, ensure it’s well mixed but not overly smooth for a delicious texture.
- Griddle Temperature: Make sure your griddle is hot enough before adding the bread to achieve an even golden brown.
- Serving Fresh: It’s best to serve these immediately after cooking for the optimal taste and texture.
Customization Ideas
If you want to make Raspberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast your own, there are so many ways to customize it! Here are some ideas to inspire you.
- Flavor Variations: Swap the raspberry jam for other flavors like strawberry, blueberry, or even chocolate hazelnut spread for a unique twist.
- Different Breads: While French bread is traditional, feel free to experiment with challah or brioche for an even richer flavor.
- Nutty Touch: Add chopped nuts to the filling or topping for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Fruit Toppings: Top your finished French toast with fresh fruits such as strawberries, bananas, or blueberries for added freshness.
- Healthier Options: If you’re looking for a healthier version, use whole grain bread and a reduced-fat cream cheese.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the batter for a different flavor profile.
- Serving Styles: Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert option!
Accompaniments for Raspberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast
When serving Raspberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast, the right accompaniments can elevate your meal. Here are some ideas to enhance your breakfast experience:
- Fresh Fruits: Serve with a side of mixed berries or sliced bananas to add freshness and a burst of flavor.
- Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt can add a creamy contrast and a healthy touch.
- Maple Syrup: Traditional maple syrup is always a classic choice to drizzle over your French toast.
- Breakfast Meat: For those who enjoy savory with sweet, consider serving with a side of turkey sausage or chicken sausage.
- Special Occasions: This dish is perfect for brunches, holidays, or any special gatherings with family and friends.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be reheated on a griddle or microwave.
- Seasonal Pairings: In spring, serve with light salads, while in winter, pair with spiced drinks like chai or hot chocolate.
FAQ
Conclusion
In summary, Raspberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast is a delightful way to enjoy breakfast, combining rich flavors and comforting textures. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So why wait? Treat yourself to this indulgent breakfast and make some memorable moments around the table!
Raspberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat a nonstick griddle over medium heat or an electric griddle to 325 degrees.
- In a mixing bowl, using a fork, combine Neufchatel Cheese and raspberry jam, stir until well combined and nearly smooth (it's ok if there are a few small lumps); set aside.
- In a blender combine buttermilk, milk, eggs, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla. Blend on low speed for ten seconds. Pour mixture into a shallow bowl; set aside.
- Pour crushed graham crackers or cornflakes into a separate shallow bowl; set aside.
- Make a slit down the center of each slice of French bread, cutting about three-quarters of the way down (basically you're making a butterfly, the bread should be slit down the middle but still connected).
- Spread one and a half tablespoons of the raspberry mixture on one side of the inside of each slice of bread where the slit was made, then very gently press bread together.
- Butter preheated griddle and dip one side of filled bread into milk/egg mixture (giving it a few seconds to soak up mixture and being careful not to immerse the center filled with raspberry mixture), then flip and dip opposite side several seconds. Allow a bit of the excess to drip off, then dip and coat both sides in crushed graham crackers. Place coated slice on preheated buttered griddle and cook until golden brown (about two to three minutes), then lift French toast with a spatula, butter griddle again, and flip French toast. Cook opposite side until golden. Repeat process with remaining slices of bread.
- Serve cooked French toast immediately along with vanilla cream syrup and optional sweetened whipped cream.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked French toast. Reheat in the toaster or an oven before serving.
- Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
- Variations: Experiment with different fruit jams or bread types to find your favorite combination.
