If you’re a breakfast lover looking for something delightfully indulgent yet surprisingly simple, this Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Blackberry Recipe is about to become your new favorite morning treat. Picture fluffy slices of brioche or challah bread enveloping a luscious cream cheese and fresh blackberry filling, all golden-fried to perfection and drizzled with maple syrup. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity that instantly elevates your brunch game and warms your heart with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Blackberry Recipe lies in its straightforward but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, bringing together delicious textures, vibrant colors, and unforgettable flavors that make this dish truly special.
- 8 slices brioche or challah bread: These rich, soft breads soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds the perfect creamy tang and smooth texture to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling lightly without overpowering the berries.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor complexity with a warm, sweet aroma.
- 1 cup fresh or thawed blackberries: Bursting with juicy freshness and a slight tartness, blackberries make the filling pop.
- 4 large eggs: The foundation of the custard, giving the French toast its rich, silky coating.
- 1 cup whole milk: Keeps the custard creamy and tender for the perfect soak.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a hint of warmth and spice to complement the fruitiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall flavors.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking): Creates a golden, crispy crust and adds a subtle richness.
- Additional powdered sugar and maple syrup: For serving, offering sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Blackberry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese and Blackberry Filling
Start by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creates a luscious base for the berries. Then gently mash the blackberries with a fork, so they release just enough juice to swirl through the cream cheese, adding bursts of sweet and tangy flavor without making it too watery. Folding the berries into the cream cheese ensures a balanced filling that’s both rich and refreshing.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread the prepared cream cheese and blackberry filling evenly onto four slices of your bread. Carefully top each with the remaining slices to form four beautiful sandwiches. This step is really fun, and using thick slices like brioche or challah ensures each bite has enough filling without the bread falling apart during cooking.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. This fragrant custard will soak into the bread, giving your French toast a fluffy, velvety texture with a touch of warmth from the cinnamon.
Step 4: Cook the Stuffed French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter until it’s foamy and fragrant. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides well but not soak them so long the bread falls apart. Then place them on the skillet and cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The smell at this point is simply irresistible!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Blackberry Recipe
Garnishes
Serve your Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Blackberry Recipe warm with a generous dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy finish and a drizzle of rich maple syrup that ties all the flavors together beautifully. Fresh blackberries on top can add an extra pop of color and berry goodness.
Side Dishes
Pair this stuffed French toast with a light side salad of mixed greens and citrus segments for a refreshing contrast, or keep it classic with crispy bacon or sausage for some savory balance. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also works perfectly for an extra special treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressively beautiful brunch spread, slice the stuffed French toast sandwiches diagonally and arrange them in a fan shape on your plate. You can drizzle berry coulis or even a little chocolate sauce for an elegant touch. Mini skewers with fresh berries and mint can add a playful, sophisticated vibe that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, and the flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day breakfast or snack.
Freezing
This Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Blackberry Recipe also freezes well for meal prep. Freeze the sandwiches on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can keep for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stuffed French toast in a skillet over low heat or pop it in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy and lose that delightful crust.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah work best for their soft, rich texture, you can experiment with other thick-cut breads like Texas toast or even sourdough. Just make sure the slices are sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you want a lighter option, try mascarpone or ricotta cheese. Both provide a creamy texture but with a slightly different flavor profile. Just be mindful of moisture content so your filling doesn’t become too runny.
Can I prepare the stuffed French toast the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the sandwiches and store them in the refrigerator overnight. When ready, dip in the custard mixture and cook fresh in the morning for the best texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Use dairy-free cream cheese and milk alternatives, and replace eggs with a plant-based egg substitute or a flaxseed mixture. Cook with a vegan butter alternative. The result will still be delicious and satisfying.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
The key is to not soak the bread slices too long in the custard mixture—just enough to absorb some custard without falling apart. Also, cooking on medium heat ensures the outside crisps up nicely while the inside cooks through without becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Blackberry Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more wonderful to share with loved ones. Its creamy, fruity filling combined with the crispy, eggy bread feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or a special occasion, it promises smiles, satisfied appetites, and plenty of requests to make it again soon. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Blackberry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and indulgent Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Blackberry offers a perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and fruity flavors. This recipe features soft brioche or challah bread stuffed with a luscious cream cheese and mashed blackberry filling, dipped in a cinnamon-spiced custard, and cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop. Ideal for a special breakfast or brunch, it’s easy to prepare and serves four.
Ingredients
Bread and Filling
- 8 slices brioche or challah bread (about 1-inch thick)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or thawed blackberries
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Cooking and Serving
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
- Additional powdered sugar (for serving)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gently mash the blackberries with a fork and fold them into the cream cheese mixture, blending well but keeping some texture.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the cream cheese and blackberry filling evenly onto 4 slices of bread. Top each with the remaining 4 slices to create 4 sandwiches, pressing lightly to seal.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and slightly frothy.
- Heat the Pan: Warm a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter to coat the surface evenly.
- Dip the Sandwiches: Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, allowing both sides to soak for a few seconds to absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
- Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked sandwiches on the heated skillet. Cook each side for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping carefully to avoid breaking.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed French toast warm, dusted generously with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup for a delightful sweet finish.
Notes
- For a tangier twist, add a splash of lemon juice to the blackberry filling.
- Strawberries or blueberries can be used instead of blackberries as a delicious variation.
- Using day-old bread yields better texture by absorbing the custard without falling apart.
- Make sure not to oversoak the bread to prevent it from becoming too soggy and difficult to handle.
