If you’re craving a brunch treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Blackberry Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine thick, buttery brioche slices sandwiching a luscious cream cheese filling bursting with fresh, juicy blackberries, all kissed with cinnamon and cooked to golden perfection. Every bite is a delightful dance of creamy, sweet, tart, and tender textures that effortlessly elevates the classic French toast experience into something truly special and memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on a handful of essentials that each play a crucial part in creating those layers of flavor and texture you’ll love. From the creamy filling to the gently spiced custard soak, these ingredients transform everyday breakfast staples into brunch magic.
- Thick-cut brioche or challah bread: Rich, soft bread that holds up to soaking without falling apart, offering a tender crumb and buttery flavor.
- Cream cheese (softened): The smooth base for our filling, lending creaminess and tang to complement the berries.
- Powdered sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and a silky texture to the filling without graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth into the cream cheese mixture.
- Fresh blackberries: Juicy bursts of tartness that mingle beautifully with the creamy filling.
- Eggs: Essential for creating the custard soak that makes the bread rich and tender.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the custard, ensuring a luscious coating.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings a gentle spice that pairs effortlessly with the fruit and cream cheese.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just right without overpowering the other flavors.
- Butter (for cooking): Helps the French toast develop that irresistible golden crust.
- Maple syrup (for serving): Optional, but highly recommended for drizzling over the finished dish to add an extra layer of sweetness.
How to Make Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Blackberry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by combining the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in the fresh blackberries, breaking some up slightly to release their juice without turning the mixture into a jam. This filling will give your French toast a fresh, tangy burst with each bite.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a generous layer of your cream cheese and blackberry mixture onto four slices of the brioche or challah bread. Top each with one of the remaining slices to create sandwiches. Using thick-cut bread means your sandwiches won’t fall apart and will soak up just the right amount of custard.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a shallow bowl, vigorously whisk together eggs, whole milk, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar. This rich custard will soak into your sandwich, infusing it with flavor and moisture while creating that classic French toast texture.
Step 4: Dip and Cook the Sandwiches
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a bit of butter to prevent sticking. Take each sandwich and carefully dip it into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly soaked but not soggy. Place the sandwiches onto the hot pan and cook until they turn golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This slow cooking warms the filling through and crisps the outside to perfection.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Blackberry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh blackberries scattered over the top not only enhance the natural berry flavors but also add a splash of color that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. You can also dust a little powdered sugar for a classic touch that makes the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty French toast with crisp bacon or sausages for a savory contrast. A light fruit salad or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice makes for a refreshing balance that complements the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your stuffed French toast sandwiches diagonally for a lovely presentation that reveals the luscious filling. Serve stacked high on a wooden board or a colorful plate, and consider offering a side bowl of extra cream cheese and berries for guests to add as they please. This presentation turns a simple meal into a brunch centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they should be refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoyed within 2 days for the best freshness. The custard-soaked bread is delicate, so it’s best eaten sooner rather than later for that perfect texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed and assembled sandwiches before cooking. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge and cook as directed for a convenient and equally delightful breakfast.
Reheating
To bring leftover or thawed French toast back to life, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a small pat of butter to crisp up the outside without drying the inside. Avoid using the microwave to keep the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before folding into the cream cheese mixture so your filling doesn’t get too runny.
What kind of bread works best for Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Blackberry Recipe?
Thick-cut brioche or challah bread is ideal because it’s sturdy and has a rich, slightly sweet flavor that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
While this recipe is naturally creamy and rich, you can experiment with vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk substitutes. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor won’t be quite the same but can still be delicious!
How do I prevent the bread from falling apart when soaking?
Using slightly stale bread is key—it soaks up the custard without becoming too soggy. Also, don’t soak the sandwiches for too long before cooking to maintain their structure.
Is it necessary to use powdered sugar in the filling?
Powdered sugar dissolves smoothly into the cream cheese and helps keep the filling silky. Granulated sugar could be used but might result in a grainier texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like a breakfast that feels both indulgent and comforting, and this Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Blackberry Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s approachable but impressive, perfect for any weekend brunch or special occasion where you want to feel spoiled in the best way. Give it a try—you’ll be making this one again and again, trust me!
Print
Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Blackberry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in this Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with Blackberry, a luscious brunch recipe featuring thick-cut brioche bread filled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese and fresh blackberries. Each sandwich is dipped in a cinnamon-infused egg batter, pan-fried to golden perfection, and served warm with extra berries and maple syrup for a comforting and indulgent breakfast treat.
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blackberries, plus extra for serving
For the French Toast
- 8 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the fresh blackberries, slightly mashing them to release their juices but keeping some texture.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the cream cheese and blackberry mixture evenly over four slices of the brioche or challah bread. Top each with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a little butter to coat the surface.
- Dip the Sandwiches: One at a time, dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated but not soaked through.
- Cook the French Toast: Place the dipped sandwiches onto the hot skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and the cream cheese filling is warmed through.
- Serve Warm: Serve the stuffed French toast warm, garnished with extra blackberries and drizzled with maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- Use slightly stale bread for best results to avoid sogginess and ensure the custard soaks perfectly.
- Frozen blackberries can be substituted if thawed and drained properly to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on bread thickness to ensure thorough warming of the filling.
