This Strawberry French Toast is like a sweet hug on a plate! With crispy bread, juicy strawberries, and a drizzle of syrup, it’s a morning treat you’ll love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick bread like Brioche or Challah gives a soft texture. If they’re not available, you can use Texas toast or even French bread. Just make sure it’s a bit stale to hold up better when soaked.
Eggs: Fresh eggs are key for a rich custard. If you’re looking to make it lighter, try egg substitutes like flax eggs or even silken tofu blended smooth.
Milk/Cream: Whole milk provides creaminess, but use low-fat or even almond milk if you’re cutting calories or have lactose intolerance. Coconut cream can add a fun twist!
Cream Cheese: For a lighter option, consider mascarpone or Greek yogurt. Both will give you a creamy texture, just be cautious with the sweetness level.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are great, but if they’re out of season, use frozen berries – just thaw and drain them first. You could also experiment with other fruits like blueberries or bananas!
How Do I Get the Perfect Custard for My French Toast?
Creating a perfect custard is crucial for that creamy inside. Start by whisking your eggs and milk together well. Here’s how to nail it:
- Use a shallow dish for soaking, so the bread can evenly absorb the custard.
- Let the bread sit for about 20-30 seconds on each side, ensuring it doesn’t fall apart. A nice soak equals a custardy center!
- Don’t rush the cooking! Medium heat allows the bread to toast nicely without burning while the inside cooks through.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to adjust how long you soak or cook until it feels just right!
How to Make Strawberry French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The French Toast:
- 8 slices thick bread (Brioche or Challah recommended)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For The Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for cream cheese mixture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese mixture)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
For Cooking and Serving:
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Whole strawberries, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Strawberry French Toast recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10-15 minutes of cooking time. Total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a delicious breakfast or brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is nice and smooth. Then, gently fold in about half of the sliced strawberries to create a strawberry cream cheese filling that’s both creamy and fruity.
2. Making the Custard:
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk (or cream), 2 tablespoons sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon (if you like that extra kick), and a pinch of salt until everything is well combined. This will be your rich custard for soaking the bread.
3. Assembling the French Toast Sandwiches:
Place half of the bread slices on a plate. Spread a generous layer of the strawberry cream cheese mixture on each slice. Feel free to load it up! Top with additional sliced strawberries and then cover with the remaining bread slices, making cozy little sandwiches.
4. Dipping the Sandwiches:
Carefully dip each sandwich into your egg custard mixture. Let it soak for about 20-30 seconds on each side. You want the bread to soak up some of that lovely custard, but not so much that it falls apart!
5. Cooking the French Toast:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking. Place the soaked sandwiches on the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crispy, and the custard inside is cooked.
6. Serving:
Stack your scrumptious French toast sandwiches on a plate. Drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and garnish with whole strawberries for a beautiful presentation. Serve right away and watch everyone dig in with smiles!
Enjoy your delightful, rich, and creamy Strawberry French Toast experience!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Bread Instead of Brioche or Challah?
Absolutely! Whole wheat bread can be used for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that it may give a denser texture, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Make the Cream Cheese Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese filling up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll be ready for you when you’re ready to make your French toast!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or warm them on a skillet until heated through. Add a little syrup or fresh strawberries when serving again for extra flavor!
Can I Use Other Fruits Aside from Strawberries?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative and use other fruits like bananas, blueberries, or raspberries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar level according to the sweetness of the fruits you choose!
