Decadent Cherry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
A luscious and indulgent stuffed French toast recipe combining creamy cream cheese and tart cherry preserves, perfect for a cozy brunch treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (160 g) cherry preserves or pie filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (optional)
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Powdered sugar and fresh cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with ½ cup cherry preserves, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon powdered sugar until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes with mixer). Set aside.
- Make the French Toast Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined and slightly frothy (1-2 minutes).
- Prepare the Bread: Slice 8 thick slices of brioche or challah bread about 1 to 1½ inches thick. Cut a horizontal slit through the middle of each slice to create a pocket without cutting all the way through.
- Stuff the Bread: Spoon the cream cheese and cherry filling generously into each bread pocket without overstuffing.
- Dip the Stuffed Bread: Dip each stuffed slice into the egg batter, soaking about 20 seconds per side. Let excess drip off gently.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon butter or oil. Cook the dipped bread slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Serve Warm: Transfer to plates, dust with powdered sugar, garnish with fresh cherries if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah to prevent sogginess. Do not overstuff the bread pockets to avoid filling leakage. Cook on medium heat to balance crispy outside and warm filling. If bread is dry, lightly sprinkle water before dipping. For dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and coconut milk; for gluten-free, use gluten-free bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 stuffed slices
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 18
Keywords: cherry cream cheese stuffed french toast, brunch recipe, stuffed french toast, cherry preserves, cream cheese, easy brunch, sweet breakfast