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Baked Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Recipe

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This Baked Strawberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast is a decadent breakfast treat featuring challah bread stuffed with creamy whipped cream cheese and sweet strawberry jam. The bread is soaked in a rich egg and milk custard, baked until golden and fluffy, and served with fresh honey-lemon strawberries and maple syrup for an irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

For the Stuffed French Toast

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 loaf challah bread, sliced into 1 1/2 inch thick slices
  • 1 jar (10 ounces) strawberry jam
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • kosher salt, to taste

For the Strawberry Topping

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Whip Cream Cheese: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. In a bowl, whip the cream cheese until it becomes fluffy and smooth, about 1-2 minutes, which makes it easier to spread inside the bread.
  2. Slice and Stuff the Bread: Take each slice of challah bread and slice it almost all the way through horizontally, leaving about 1/4 inch at the bottom to keep it hinged. Spread whipped cream cheese inside the cut, followed by strawberry jam, pressing the bread slices gently to enclose the filling. Use approximately two-thirds of the jam for stuffing.
  3. Mix the Egg Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt. This custard mixture will soak the bread, lending richness and flavor.
  4. Soak the Bread: Submerge each stuffed bread piece into the egg mixture, allowing each slice to soak for at least one minute to absorb the custard. Arrange the soaked bread slices in the prepared baking dish. Pour any remaining custard mixture evenly over the top. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
  5. Bake the French Toast: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes covered, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed up and golden brown on top.
  6. Prepare the Strawberry Topping: While baking the French toast, toss fresh strawberries with honey and lemon juice in a bowl. This fresh topping adds brightness and sweetness to the dish.
  7. Serve: Serve the baked French toast warm, topped with the honey-lemon strawberries, additional whipped cream if desired, and maple syrup on the side for drizzling. Enjoy a delightful and indulgent breakfast experience!

Notes

  • Challah bread is preferred for its rich texture and ability to absorb custard well, but brioche or Texas toast can be used as alternatives.
  • For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk.
  • The soaking time can be extended overnight to deepen the flavors and improve texture.
  • Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup to your taste.
  • Fresh strawberries can be substituted with other berries or fruit preserves as desired.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/baked-strawberry-cream-cheese-stuffed-french-toast-recipe/