Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast

### 🍓🍞 **Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast** 🍞🍓

Indulge in a delightful breakfast or brunch with this **Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast**! Combining the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the classic comfort of French toast, this dish is sure to impress family and friends. Perfect for special occasions or simply to treat yourself, it’s a delicious way to start the day!

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### **Ingredients:**

#### *For the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:*
1. **8 ounces cream cheese, softened**: This forms the creamy base of the filling.
2. **1/4 cup powdered sugar**: Adds sweetness to the filling.
3. **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**: For a hint of flavor.
4. **1/2 cup diced fresh strawberries**: Bursting with fresh flavor and natural sweetness.

#### *For the French Toast:*
5. **8 slices of bread (like brioche or challah)**: Thick slices work best for a soft, custardy center.
6. **4 large eggs**: The base for the egg mixture that coats the bread.
7. **1/2 cup milk**: Adds richness to the egg mixture.
8. **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**: Enhances the flavor of the custard.
9. **Butter or oil for frying**: To ensure a golden, crispy exterior.

#### *For Serving:*
10. **Maple syrup**: For drizzling on top.
11. **Additional diced fresh strawberries**: For garnish and extra flavor.
12. **Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)**: Adds a lovely finishing touch.

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### **Directions:**

1. **Make the Filling:**
– In a medium-sized bowl, mix the **softened cream cheese**, **powdered sugar**, and **vanilla extract** until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps for a silky filling.
– Gently fold in the **diced fresh strawberries** until evenly distributed. Set the mixture aside to let the flavors meld.

2. **Prepare the French Toast:**
– In a shallow dish, whisk together the **eggs**, **milk**, and **vanilla extract** until well blended. This will create the custard for soaking the bread.

3. **Assemble the Sandwiches:**
– Take one slice of your chosen bread and spread about **2 tablespoons of the strawberry cheesecake filling** on it. Top with another slice of bread to create a sandwich. Repeat this process with the remaining bread and filling until all sandwiches are assembled.

4. **Coat the Sandwiches:**
– Carefully dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring that both sides are evenly coated. Let any excess mixture drip off.

5. **Cook the French Toast:**
– Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little **butter or oil** to the pan and let it melt.
– Place the stuffed sandwiches in the skillet, cooking for about **3-4 minutes on each side**, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.

6. **Serve:**
– Once cooked, transfer the French toast to a plate. Drizzle generously with **maple syrup**, top with **additional diced strawberries**, and sprinkle with **powdered sugar** if desired.

7. **Enjoy:**
– Dig in and savor this delectable **Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast**! It’s a perfect treat for breakfast or brunch that will impress everyone with its delicious flavors and creamy filling.

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### **Tips for Success:**
– **Bread Choice**: Brioche or challah bread works best due to their rich texture, but you can use any thick-sliced bread you prefer.
– **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the cheesecake filling the night before to save time in the morning.
– **Variations**: Try adding chocolate chips to the filling or drizzling with chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent twist!

Enjoy this delightful dish that’s sure to make your morning special! 🍓✨