Strawberry French Toast: A Delicious & Easy Breakfast Recipe

Strawberry French Toast: Just the name conjures images of sunny weekend mornings, doesn’t it? Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of strawberries mingling with the comforting scent of golden-brown toast, all kissed with a hint of vanilla. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience, a delightful indulgence that transforms an ordinary day into something special.

French toast, in its simplest form, has a surprisingly long history, dating back to ancient Rome! While the Romans dipped bread in milk and eggs, our modern version, often called “pain perdu” (lost bread) in France, evolved as a way to use up stale bread. Adding fresh, juicy strawberries elevates this classic dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

What makes Strawberry French Toast so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The slightly crisp exterior gives way to a soft, custardy interior, while the sweet and tart strawberries burst with freshness. It’s a symphony of sensations that delights the palate. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you can whip up this delightful breakfast treat in no time. Get ready to experience a breakfast that’s both comforting and exciting – your taste buds will thank you!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the French Toast:
• 1 loaf of challah bread, brioche, or Texas toast (about 1 inch thick slices)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
• For the Strawberry Sauce:
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• Optional Toppings:
• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Maple syrup
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling:

This step can be done ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the French toast. It’s super easy and adds a delightful creamy tang that complements the strawberries perfectly.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
3. Gradually add the milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat. Adjust the amount of liquid until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. You want it to be easy to spread on the French toast without being too runny.
4. Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness if needed. Add a little more powdered sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use. This will help the filling firm up slightly and make it easier to spread.

Making the Strawberry Sauce:

The strawberry sauce is the star of the show! It’s bright, flavorful, and adds a beautiful touch of sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the French toast. Don’t skip this step!

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the strawberries have softened and released their juices, and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract. The butter will add a nice sheen and richness to the sauce.
5. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or acidity if needed. Add a little more sugar if you prefer it sweeter, or a squeeze of lemon juice if you want a bit more tang.
6. Let the sauce cool slightly before using. You can use it warm or cold, depending on your preference. If you’re making it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Preparing the French Toast Batter:

The batter is what transforms ordinary bread into delectable French toast. The key is to get the right balance of eggs, milk, and flavorings to create a rich and custardy coating.

1. In a large, shallow dish (like a baking dish or pie plate), whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined and there are no streaks of egg yolk remaining.
2. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy. This ensures that the bread will soak up the batter evenly.

Cooking the French Toast:

This is where the magic happens! Cooking the French toast properly is essential for achieving that golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior and a soft, custardy interior. Patience is key!

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. The butter should coat the bottom of the skillet evenly.
2. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, carefully dip each slice of bread into the French toast batter, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Let the bread soak in the batter for about 15-20 seconds per side. This allows the bread to absorb the batter and become nice and custardy.
3. Lift the soaked bread out of the batter and let any excess batter drip off.
4. Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. You may need to cook the French toast in batches.
5. Cook the French toast for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the bread and the heat of your skillet.
6. Flip the French toast carefully using a spatula and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. If the French toast is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. If it’s not browning enough, increase the heat slightly.
8. Once the French toast is cooked through and golden brown on both sides, remove it from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to keep it warm.
9. Repeat the process with the remaining bread slices, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.

Assembling the Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast:

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where you get to create a beautiful and delicious masterpiece.

1. Take one slice of cooked French toast and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese filling on top.
2. Top the cream cheese filling with a spoonful or two of the strawberry sauce.
3. Place another slice of French toast on top of the strawberry sauce, creating a sandwich.
4. Repeat the process with the remaining French toast slices, cream cheese filling, and strawberry sauce.
5. Once all the French toast sandwiches are assembled, you can add some optional toppings.
6. Dust the French toast with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and elegance.
7. Top with fresh sliced strawberries for added flavor and visual appeal.
8. Serve immediately with maple syrup, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings, if desired.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast:

• Use good quality bread: Challah, brioche, or Texas toast are all excellent choices for French toast. They are rich, flavorful, and absorb the batter well.
• Don’t oversoak the bread: Soaking the bread for too long will result in soggy French toast. Aim for about 15-20 seconds per side.
• Cook over medium heat: Cooking the French toast over medium heat will ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.
• Keep the French toast warm: Place the cooked French toast on a wire rack in a warm oven (about 200°F) to keep it warm while you’re cooking the remaining slices.
• Get creative with toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings, such as blueberries, raspberries, bananas, chocolate chips, or nuts.
• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the cream cheese filling and strawberry sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. You can also cook the French toast ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Variations:

• Nutella Cream Cheese French Toast: Substitute Nutella for the cream cheese filling for a chocolatey twist.
• Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast: Add fresh blueberries to the cream cheese filling or strawberry sauce.
• Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Use cinnamon swirl bread instead of challah or brioche.
• Savory French Toast: Omit the sugar from the batter and add herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder. Serve with a fried egg and bacon.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Strawberry French Toast recipe is more than just breakfast; it’s a celebration of flavor, a burst of sunshine on your plate, and a guaranteed way to start your day (or end it – breakfast for dinner, anyone?) with a smile. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves a little bit of indulgence without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s absolutely delicious.

But why is it a must-try? Beyond the obvious (strawberries and French toast – a match made in heaven!), this recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes. The slightly crisp exterior of the toast gives way to a soft, custardy interior, perfectly complemented by the sweet and slightly tart strawberries. The hint of vanilla extract elevates the entire dish, adding a touch of warmth and sophistication. And let’s not forget the visual appeal! The vibrant red strawberries against the golden-brown toast make for a truly stunning presentation.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations because the possibilities are endless! For a truly decadent experience, top your Strawberry French Toast with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, for a bit of crunch.

Want to switch things up? Feel free to experiment with different types of bread. Challah bread or brioche would be fantastic choices, adding even more richness and flavor. You could also try using different berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, depending on what’s in season and what you prefer. For a more savory twist, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture.

Another fun variation is to make this recipe into a baked French toast casserole. Simply arrange the bread slices in a baking dish, pour the egg mixture over them, top with the strawberries, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. This is a great option for feeding a crowd or for making ahead of time.

I’m so confident that you’re going to love this recipe. It’s become a staple in my own kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of making and eating it yourself. It’s perfect for a special occasion, a weekend brunch, or even just a simple weekday treat.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to create some magic in the kitchen. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe as is, or did you add your own unique twist? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories with me in the comments below. I’m always eager to see your creations and learn from your experiences. Let’s spread the love of delicious Strawberry French Toast far and wide! Happy cooking!