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Baked Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

Baked Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

The ultimate comfort food, Baked Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast is a warm, creamy delight that will have you coming back for seconds. Featuring rich cream cheese and sweet strawberry jam, it’s an easy weeknight breakfast that everyone will love. Make it tonight and indulge!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1 loaf challah bread sliced into 1 1/2 inch thick slices
  • 1 jar strawberry jam (10 ounces)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • kosher salt
  • maple syrup for serving
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Chef's Knife
  • Whisk
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Start by greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. This ensures that the French toast doesn’t stick and makes for easy serving later on. The butter will also add a rich flavor.
  2. Now, take the cream cheese and whip it in a bowl until it’s fluffy, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. You'll want it to be light and airy, perfect for spreading.
  3. Next, slice each piece of bread in half. Be careful not to cut all the way through; leave a little hinge at the bottom. This will create a pocket for your delicious filling.
  4. Spread the inside of the bread with the whipped cream cheese and then add a generous layer of strawberry jam. Close the bread to enclose the filling. You only need about two-thirds of the jam for this step.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and a pinch of kosher salt. This mixture is what will soak into the bread and create that custardy texture.
  6. Submerge each stuffed piece of bread into the egg mixture. Let them sit for at least a minute to soak up the egg mixture. This step is crucial for moist and flavorful French toast!
  7. Arrange the soaked bread in the greased baking dish. Pour the remaining egg mixture over the top, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Cover with plastic wrap and place the dish in the fridge for 30 minutes or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld.
  8. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375° F. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow the bread to firm up.
  9. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes. The top should be golden brown, indicating that it's cooked through.
  10. While the French toast is finishing up, toss the fresh strawberries with honey and lemon juice in a bowl. This will create a fresh, zesty topping to brighten the dish.
  11. Finally, serve the Baked Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast warm, topped with whipped cream, the strawberry mixture, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy every bite!

Notes

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container. Consume within three days for the best taste. You can freeze the assembled but uncooked French toast for up to a month. Simply thaw and bake as directed. Serve with a refreshing mix of seasonal fruits for a balanced meal. This recipe serves six, making it perfect for brunch gatherings or family breakfasts.