Description
This Valentine Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast is a sweet, indulgent breakfast or brunch dish that’s perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day. With creamy, rich cream cheese and fresh strawberries nestled between fluffy, golden-brown French toast, it’s a delicious way to treat your loved one! The addition of powdered sugar and a drizzle of syrup makes it extra special.
Ingredients
Scale
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (preferably brioche or challah)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free milk of your choice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp butter (for cooking)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (dairy-free option: use vegan cream cheese)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
To Serve:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup (or agave syrup for a vegan option)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative) until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
- In a small bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (optional). Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release some juices and become syrupy.
- Make the French Toast:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add butter to coat the surface.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are soaked. Place the soaked bread slices onto the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the French toast from the skillet and set aside. Repeat with the remaining bread slices.
- Assemble the Valentine’s Day French Toast:
- Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese filling on one slice of French toast. Top with another slice to create a sandwich.
- Repeat with the remaining slices of French toast and cream cheese filling.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Place the stuffed French toast on serving plates. Top with the marinated strawberries and drizzle any extra syrup or juices over the top.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve with a side of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, you can add a layer of sliced bananas or chocolate chips inside the cream cheese filling.
- If you prefer your strawberries warm, you can heat them in a small saucepan over low heat until soft and warm before serving.
- You can also use gluten-free bread if needed for a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg