Blueberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast

Ingredients for This Recipe:

Brioche Bread: I always choose day-old brioche for its buttery richness and sturdy texture. The slight dryness helps it soak up the custard perfectly without falling apart.

Cream Cheese: The creamy backbone that binds everything together. I select a full-fat version at room temperature for the smoothest, most luxurious filling.

Caster Sugar: I prefer this fine sugar as it dissolves effortlessly into the cream cheese, creating a silky-smooth filling without any graininess.

Vanilla Extract: I only use pure extract for its authentic warmth. This aromatic addition elevates both the filling and the custard mixture with its delicate flavor.

Blueberries: These juicy gems provide bursts of sweet-tart flavor. I find that both fresh and frozen work beautifully, though fresh berries maintain their shape better.

Egg: The essential binder for my custard. I always bring it to room temperature for more even cooking and that perfect golden exterior.

Milk: I use whole milk for richness, creating a custard that coats the bread beautifully without being too heavy.

Cream: My secret weapon for ultimate indulgence. This adds a velvety richness to the soaking mixture that elevates this French toast beyond ordinary.

Cinnamon: I add just enough to provide warmth without overpowering. This aromatic spice enhances the sweetness of the berries and adds visual appeal.

Butter: I only use real butter for frying, as it creates that distinctive nutty aroma and golden crust that makes French toast irresistible.

Serving Garnishes: Extra blueberries, a dusting of icing sugar, and pure maple syrup create the perfect finishing touch – I never skip these final flourishes!

How to Make Blueberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the caster sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until well combined. Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to crush them. The filling should be spreadable but still have visible berry pieces.

2. Create Your French Toast Sandwiches:

Slice the brioche loaf into 8 even pieces, about 1-inch thick. Spread a generous portion (about 2 tablespoons) of the cheesecake filling onto 4 slices, leaving a small border around the edges. Top with the remaining slices, pressing gently to create sandwiches.

3. Prepare the Custard Mixture:

In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg, milk, cream, and cinnamon until smooth and well-combined. The mixture should have a consistent color with the cinnamon evenly distributed.

4. Soak the Sandwiches:

Carefully dip each sandwich into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20 seconds per side. The bread should absorb the custard but still maintain its structure – not become soggy.

5. Cook to Golden Perfection:

Melt a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once bubbling, add the soaked sandwiches (working in batches if needed) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp, with the filling warmed through.

6. Serve with Flair:

Transfer to serving plates while still warm. Top with extra fresh blueberries, a light dusting of icing sugar, and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. Serve immediately while the exterior is crisp and the filling is warm and creamy.

Expert Cooking Tips

Perfect Temperature Control: I always keep my heat at medium-low. Too hot, and the outside burns before the filling warms; too cool, and it becomes soggy.

The Finger Test: I press the bread’s edge gently when soaking. When it gives slightly but doesn’t collapse, it’s perfectly saturated for that custardy interior.

Filling Containment Strategy: I’ve learned to pipe the filling in a spiral, starting from the center. This ensures even distribution and prevents overflow during cooking.

Rest Period Magic: I sometimes let the assembled sandwiches rest for 5 minutes before cooking. This allows the custard to penetrate more deeply for a uniform texture.

Finishing Touch Secret: I finish with a tiny pinch of sea salt on top. This unexpected addition enhances the sweetness and creates a more complex flavor profile.

Proper Storage

Refrigerator Method: Store leftover French toast in an airtight container for up to 2 days. I place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezer Approach: I flash-freeze cooked pieces on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags. This prevents them from freezing together in a clump.

Reheating for Optimal Texture: I recommend reheating in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes. The toaster tends to dry out the edges before warming the filling.

Filling Storage: If you have leftover cream cheese filling, it keeps beautifully for 3 days refrigerated and makes an amazing impromptu fruit dip.

Variations and Substitutions

Berry Bonanza: I sometimes swap blueberries for strawberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry medley. Each brings its unique flavor profile while maintaining that gorgeous jammy texture when warmed.

Citrus Zing: Adding lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese mixture introduces a bright, aromatic dimension that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Dairy Alternatives: For a lighter version, I’ve successfully used Neufch'tel cheese and almond milk. The result is still decadent but with fewer calories.

Bread Variations: When brioche isn’t available, challah or thick-cut Texas toast make excellent substitutes, though each impacts the final texture differently.

Autumn Transformation: During fall, I replace blueberries with sautéed apples and add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling. This creates a wonderful seasonal adaptation.

What Goes with This Recipe

Fresh Fruit Salad: I love serving a light, citrus-dressed fruit medley alongside. The bright acidity balances the richness of the French toast beautifully.

Crispy Bacon: The salty, smoky contrast of well-cooked bacon creates the perfect sweet-savory balance that elevates the entire breakfast experience.

Yogurt Parfait: A small side of Greek yogurt layered with honey and granola offers a refreshing textural contrast and satisfying protein complement.

Hash Browns: Crispy, well-seasoned potato hash browns provide a savory counterpoint that makes this feel like a complete breakfast-for-dinner option.

Mimosas or Fruit Smoothies: A sparkling orange mimosa or berry smoothie depending on the occasion – either brings a refreshing liquid element to cut the richness.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the filling and custard the night before, then assemble and cook in the morning.

Will regular white bread work? In a pinch, but brioche or challah absorb the custard better without falling apart.

How do I prevent soggy centers? Cook on medium-low heat and ensure your bread is properly day-old or lightly toasted first.

Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut milk for similar richness.

Is this freezer-friendly? Absolutely! Freeze after cooking, then reheat in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Author:  Emily Cookson 

Total Time:  25 minutes 

Yield:  4 servings 

Description

Transform your breakfast into an indulgent treat with my Blueberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast – crispy golden exterior, creamy cheesecake center, and bursts of sweet blueberries!

Ingredients

1  loaf day-old brioche

150g  cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons  caster sugar

1 teaspoon  vanilla extract

1/2 cup  blueberries (fresh or frozen)

1  egg

1/2 cup  milk

1/2 cup  cream

1 teaspoon  cinnamon

Butter, for frying

Extra blueberries, icing sugar, and maple syrup, to serve

Instructions

Beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth. Fold in blueberries.

Slice brioche into 8 even pieces. Spread filling on 4 slices and top with remaining slices.

Whisk egg, milk, cream, and cinnamon in a shallow dish.

Soak sandwiches in custard mixture, about 20 seconds per side.

Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.

Serve warm with extra blueberries, icing sugar, and maple syrup.

Prep Time:  15 minutes 

Cook Time:  10 minutes