Thick-cut brioche slices filled with sweetened cream cheese and topped with berries
Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
12 min
Total Time
27 min
Servings
4
4 slices
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Moderate
$$
Recipe at a Glance
Decadent stuffed French toast features thick slices of brioche bread with a sweet cream cheese filling, dipped in cinnamon-vanilla custard and pan-fried until golden. Topped with fresh berries and maple syrup.
Cuisine: American, French
Category: Breakfast
Difficulty: Medium
Cost: $$
Dietary: Vegetarian
Quick Summary
27 min total time|4 servings|Medium difficulty
Decadent stuffed French toast features thick slices of brioche bread with a sweet cream cheese filling, dipped in cinnamon-vanilla custard and pan-fried until golden. Topped with fresh berries and maple syrup.
AmericanFrenchVegetarian
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
If regular French toast is a weekday sedan, stuffed French toast is the weekend convertible. By cutting a pocket into thick slices of brioche and piping in a sweetened cream cheese filling, you create a breakfast that borders on dessert — and nobody is complaining.
The cream cheese stays molten and gooey inside while the exterior gets beautifully caramelized in butter. A shower of fresh berries and a drizzle of real maple syrup is all it needs. This is the recipe to break out when you want to make someone feel special.
Ingredients
- 4 thick slices brioche bread (about 1.5 inches thick)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for custard)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Pure maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- 1
Mix the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until smooth.
- 2
Cut a horizontal pocket into each bread slice through one side, being careful not to cut all the way through. Spoon or pipe about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into each pocket. Press gently to close.
- 3
Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and the remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla in a shallow dish.
- 4
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- 5
Dip each stuffed bread slice into the custard mixture, letting it soak for about 10 seconds per side. Do not over-soak or the bread will fall apart.
- 6
Cook 2 slices at a time for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Add remaining butter and cook the second batch.
- 7
Serve topped with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and warm maple syrup.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve alongside a fresh baguette and salted butter
Pair with a crisp green salad with Dijon vinaigrette
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
BriocheChallah bread
Similarly enriched and produces excellent French toast.
Cream cheeseMascarpone
Even richer and creamier with a more delicate flavor.
Maple syrupBerry compote
Simmer mixed berries with sugar and lemon juice for 10 minutes for a fresh sauce.
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Day-old brioche works best as it is slightly drier and absorbs custard more evenly.
A zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works as a makeshift piping bag for the filling.
For a brûléed finish, sprinkle granulated sugar on the outside before pan-frying.
You can use challah bread as a substitute for brioche with excellent results.
Storage
Store unfilled French toast in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cream cheese filling can be made ahead and stored separately for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Microwave will soften the exterior.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 stuffed slice) · 4 servings
Calories440
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein12g
Carbohydrates42g
Fat26g
Fiber2g
Sugar18g
Sodium340mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use regular sliced bread?
- You need thick-cut bread to create the pocket. Texas toast thickness works if brioche is unavailable.
- Can I make this dairy-free?
- Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk. The results are slightly different but still delicious.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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