If you’re craving a breakfast treat that feels like dessert and breakfast all rolled into one, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast recipe. It combines the creamy, rich flavor of cheesecake with the fruity sweetness of fresh strawberries, all nestled between slices of perfectly golden, fluffy French toast. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special occasion, Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast is a delicious way to start your day with a smile and a happy belly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless indulgence: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you can make a gourmet breakfast at home without the fuss.
Perfect balance of flavors: The sweet strawberries and creamy cheesecake contrast beautifully with warm, spiced French toast.
Versatile and customizable: This recipe can be tweaked for dietary preferences or enhanced with your favorite toppings.
Great for any occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or a decadent dessert, this dish fits the bill perfectly.
Impress your guests: It looks and tastes like a fancy café creation that you can easily prepare at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of essential ingredients come together to create this luscious Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and visual appeal, making the final dish a complete sensory delight.

Brioche or challah bread: Thick slices give you that soft and fluffy interior with a crispy outer edge when toasted perfectly.
Cream cheese: Adds that signature creamy cheesecake richness to the batter mixture or filling.
Fresh strawberries: Provide vibrant color, natural sweetness, and a fresh fruity contrast.
Eggs: The heart of the custardy French toast base, binding everything together.
Milk or cream: Helps achieve a silky smooth custard that soaks right into the bread.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.
Cinnamon and sugar: Classic spices that enhance sweetness and add comfort.
Butter: For frying, creating a golden and delicious crust on the toast.
Powdered sugar (optional): A delicate dusting on top for an elegant finishing touch.

Variations for Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast

One of the best parts about Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast is how adaptable it is. Feel free to make it your own by experimenting with flavors, textures, or dietary tweaks. It’s simple to cater to different preferences while keeping things delicious.

Use mixed berries: Swap or add blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a berry medley.
Go dairy-free: Replace cream cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly option.
Add nuts: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans for an extra crunch and nutty aroma.
Drizzle sauces: Top with strawberry syrup, chocolate sauce, or even a balsamic glaze for added flavor complexity.
Make it stuffed: Spread cream cheese and sliced strawberries between bread slices to create a gooey, cheesecake surprise inside.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the custard mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of sugar until everything is well combined and smooth. This mixture will soak the bread and give you that classic French toast texture.

Step 2: Set up the strawberries and cream cheese

Wash and slice fresh strawberries, keeping them ready to either mix in or layer on your toast. Soften the cream cheese slightly by leaving it at room temperature for easier spreading or whisk it directly into the egg mixture for an evenly creamy custard.

Step 3: Dip the bread

Take your chosen bread slices and dunk them into the custard, allowing them to soak up the mixture thoroughly but not so long that they fall apart. The bread should feel moist yet still hold its shape.

Step 4: Cook the French toast

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a generous pat of butter. Place soaked bread slices on the hot surface and cook until golden brown on each side, usually about 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Step 5: Assemble and garnish

Once the French toast is cooked, top it with fresh strawberries, dollops of cream cheese (or drizzle with a strawberry cheesecake sauce if you made one), and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast

Choose thick bread: Thick slices like brioche or challah soak custard well without falling apart during cooking.
Don’t oversoak: Too long in the custard can make the bread soggy; just enough to absorb flavor and moisture.
Fresh strawberries matter: Ripe, juicy berries elevate the dish’s natural sweetness and texture dramatically.
Low and slow cooking: Cook on medium heat so the inside cooks through without burning the exterior.
Preheat your pan: Ensure the pan is hot before adding butter and bread to get that perfect golden crust immediately.

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast

Garnishes

Fresh strawberry slices, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup make elegant, flavorful garnishes. For extra indulgence, add whipped cream or crushed graham crackers mimicking a cheesecake crust.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast with crispy bacon, sausage links, or a simple green salad for balance. Fresh fruit salad or a citrusy yogurt parfait also refresh the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the French toast with layers of strawberries and cream cheese between slices for a “sandwich” effect. Serve on a long platter for sharing or use mini baguette slices to make bite-sized appetizers for brunch parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep toppings separate to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to a month. To reheat, thaw in the fridge and warm in a toaster oven or skillet for best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat or in a toaster oven. Microwave reheating is possible but may result in a less crisp finish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that can make the French toast soggy.

What type of bread works best for Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast?

Thicker breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast are ideal because they soak up the custard well without falling apart.

Can I prepare the custard mixture in advance?

Absolutely! You can mix the custard up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge, just give it a quick stir before dipping the bread.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based milk to keep the creamy texture without dairy.

Is Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast suitable for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe is easily scalable and perfect for feeding a group at a brunch or special breakfast gathering.

Final Thoughts

Making Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast is a wonderful way to treat yourself and your loved ones to a breakfast experience that tastes like a dream. With its creamy filling, fresh fruit, and perfectly golden bread, it’s an easy recipe to master and customize. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy that blissful moment of deliciousness with every bite!

Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast

Print Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the fresh sweetness of strawberries, all nestled between thick, fluffy slices of golden French toast. This easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an indulgent breakfast, brunch, or dessert treat that impresses every time.

Author: Judy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 3 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

6 thick slices of brioche or challah bread

Custard Mixture

3 large eggs
1 cup milk or cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar (plus a pinch for custard)

Fillings and Toppings

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
Butter, for frying (about 2 tablespoons)
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of sugar until smooth and fully combined. This custard will soak into the bread to create the classic French toast texture.
Set up the strawberries and cream cheese: Wash and slice the fresh strawberries. Soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for easier spreading, or whisk it into the custard mixture for a creamy consistency.
Dip the bread: Dunk each slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak up the liquid without becoming overly soggy. The bread should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape.
Cook the French toast: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a pat of butter. Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot surface and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Assemble and garnish: Once cooked, top the French toast with sliced fresh strawberries, dollops of cream cheese or a drizzle of strawberry cheesecake sauce if desired, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Notes

Use thick bread like brioche or challah to prevent sogginess while soaking custard.
Do not oversoak the bread to avoid falling apart during cooking.
Choose ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
Cook on medium heat to ensure the toast cooks through without burning.
Preheat your pan before adding butter and bread to get a perfect golden crust.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 slices
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 10 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg

Keywords: Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast, French Toast, Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Cream Cheese, Strawberries