This Stuffed Challah French Toast is the ultimate brunch indulgence! Filled with a creamy whipped cream cheese and fresh strawberry mixture, this French toast is soft and rich on the inside with a caramelized crust outside. Perfect for weekend brunches or hosting a crowd, it’s customizable, easy to make, and simply irresistible. Top it with fresh berries and maple syrup for a beautiful presentation and delightful flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the French Toast:

• 1 large loaf challah bread, unsliced
• Unsalted butter, for cooking
• Fresh berries, for topping
• Maple syrup, for drizzling

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup heavy cream (plus more if needed)
• ¼ cup honey (or more to taste)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced

For the Custard:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon honey (or granulated sugar)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Filling
   In a bowl, whip the softened cream cheese with heavy cream and honey using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Fold in diced strawberries gently with a spatula. Set aside.
2. Slice and Prep Bread
   Slice the challah bread into 1.5-inch-thick pieces. Use a serrated knife to carefully cut a pocket in each slice, ensuring you don’t cut through. Fill each pocket with the strawberry cream cheese mixture, taking care not to overstuff.
3. Prepare the Custard
   In a baking pan, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until smooth and well combined.
4. Soak and Cook the Bread
   Dip each stuffed bread slice into the custard, letting it soak for 3–5 minutes per side. In a preheated griddle or skillet over medium heat, melt butter and cook the stuffed bread slices for about 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve
   Top with fresh berries and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 606 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 41g
• Saturated Fat: 23g
• Cholesterol: 283mg
• Sodium: 541mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g

This recipe is a show-stopping addition to any breakfast table! 😊

Why Stuffed Challah French Toast Stands Out

This recipe is more than just French toast—it’s an elevated version that feels both indulgent and celebratory. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish:

1. Pillowy Bread: Challah’s soft, slightly sweet texture makes it ideal for absorbing the custard while maintaining its structure.
2. Rich Custard: A blend of eggs, milk, cream, and warm spices creates a luscious custard that infuses the bread with flavor.
3. Decadent Filling: The cream cheese and fresh strawberry filling adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the richness of the toast.
4. Caramelized Crust: Cooking the toast in butter creates a golden, slightly crisp exterior that pairs beautifully with the soft interior.

These elements come together to create a dish that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare.

The Role of Key Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe contributes to its unique flavor and texture:

1. Challah Bread: Challah’s slightly sweet and fluffy nature makes it the perfect base for French toast. Its structure holds up well during soaking and cooking, ensuring the toast doesn’t fall apart.
2. Cream Cheese Filling: The whipped cream cheese, sweetened with honey and studded with fresh strawberries, adds a creamy, fruity element that contrasts beautifully with the toast’s crisp edges.
3. Custard Mixture: The custard, flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of honey, soaks into the challah, creating a rich and flavorful foundation.
4. Butter: Cooking the toast in butter enhances its flavor and helps achieve the signature golden-brown crust.
5. Fresh Berries and Maple Syrup: These toppings add brightness and sweetness, balancing the dish and enhancing its visual appeal.

Tips for Perfecting Stuffed Challah French Toast

1. Choose the Right Bread: Fresh challah works well, but slightly stale challah is even better, as it absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy.
2. Cut Even Slices: Slice the bread into thick, even pieces to ensure uniform cooking and plenty of room for the filling.
3. Don’t Overstuff: While the filling is delicious, overstuffing the bread can cause it to spill out during cooking.
4. Soak Thoroughly: Let the bread soak in the custard for a few minutes to ensure it’s fully infused with flavor, but avoid over-soaking to maintain structure.
5. Cook Over Medium Heat: Cooking the toast over medium heat allows it to cook through without burning the exterior.

Customizing Your French Toast

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ways to customize it:

1. Change the Filling: Swap strawberries for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. You can also add chocolate chips or nuts for extra indulgence.
2. Experiment with Toppings: Beyond fresh berries and maple syrup, try whipped cream, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
3. Add Spices to the Custard: Enhance the flavor by adding nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of ground ginger to the custard.
4. Use a Different Bread: While challah is ideal, brioche or thick-sliced Texas toast are excellent alternatives.
5. Make It Savory: Omit the sweet filling and custard flavors, and instead, fill the bread with savory ingredients like cheese, spinach, and smoked salmon for a unique twist.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Notes

While Stuffed Challah French Toast is an indulgent treat, it also offers some nutritional benefits:

1. High in Protein: The eggs, cream cheese, and challah provide a good source of protein to keep you full and satisfied.
2. Rich in Calcium: The dairy components, including cream and cream cheese, contribute calcium for strong bones.
3. Customizable Sweetness: Using honey instead of sugar for the filling and custard allows for a natural sweetness that you can adjust to taste.
4. Nutrient Boost from Berries: Fresh strawberries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, adding a nutritional boost to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed Challah French Toast is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:

1. For Brunch: Pair it with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a balanced meal.
2. With Beverages: Serve alongside freshly brewed coffee, a latte, or a mimosa for a complete brunch experience.
3. As a Dessert: Transform it into a dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone.
4. Family-Style: Serve it on a large platter, topped with a mix of berries and a drizzle of syrup, for guests to help themselves.

Storage and Reheating Tips

While Stuffed Challah French Toast is best enjoyed fresh, it can be stored and reheated with great results:

1. Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
2. Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
3. Reheating: Warm the toast in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or reheat it in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Any Occasion

Stuffed Challah French Toast is a show-stopping dish that’s ideal for both casual and formal occasions. Its rich flavors and elegant presentation make it perfect for holidays, birthday breakfasts, or special weekend brunches. At the same time, its simplicity and ease of preparation mean you can enjoy it any time you’re craving a decadent treat.

Conclusion

Stuffed Challah French Toast is more than just a breakfast dish—it’s an experience. With its fluffy challah, creamy strawberry filling, and golden-brown crust, it’s a recipe that brings joy to any table. The combination of flavors and textures is indulgent yet balanced, making it a dish that satisfies both the palate and the soul.

Whether you’re serving it for a family breakfast, a celebratory brunch, or as a dessert, this recipe is sure to impress. Its adaptability and ease of preparation make it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Try Stuffed Challah French Toast for your next special occasion or weekend treat, and enjoy the delicious blend of comfort and elegance it offers!