The Filling: Cream Cheese Magic

The heart of a decadent stuffed French toast lies in its filling, with cream cheese playing the starring role. This creamy, tangy filling not only adds a luxurious texture but also a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy notes of the bread and custard.

• Ingredients for the Filling:
  • 4 oz of softened cream cheese
  • 1.5 tablespoons of granulated white sugar
  • ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Steps to Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the granulated white sugar and vanilla extract.
  2. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. The filling should be creamy and spreadable, ready to be layered between slices of your chosen bread.

This rich filling, when nestled between layers of bread soaked in a sweet custard, transforms the humble French toast into a gourmet delight. For those looking to enhance their breakfast further, consider pairing your stuffed French toast with homemade whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Preparing the Custard

The custard mixture is what sets French toast apart, imbuing the bread with moisture and flavor. For overnight stuffed French toast, the custard not only soaks into the bread but also melds the flavors of the filling and topping into a harmonious breakfast masterpiece.

• Custard Ingredients:
  • 1 large egg
  • 3.5 tablespoons of milk
  • 3.5 tablespoons of heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons of granulated white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• Combining Ingredients for the Custard:
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, heavy cream, granulated white sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon powder until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
  2. This mixture should be poured over the bread layers, ensuring the custard seeps into every nook and cranny, setting the stage for a moist and flavorful French toast.

By carefully preparing the custard with these ingredients, you ensure that every bite of your stuffed French toast is infused with sweetness and spice. For additional guidance on perfecting your breakfast dishes, exploring the best maple syrup brands can provide you with the top choices for drizzling over your finished dish, enhancing its flavor profile.

Assembling the French Toast

Assembling your stuffed French toast is where the magic starts to happen. This step is crucial in ensuring that the flavors meld together perfectly, creating a dish that’s both visually appealing and delicious.

• Layering the Bread and Filling:
  • Start by laying down a slice of your chosen bread in a baking dish that has been lightly coated with non-stick spray.
  • Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese filling on top, then cover with another slice of bread. Repeat this process until all the bread and filling are used.
• Pouring the Custard:
  • Once your bread and filling are layered, slowly pour the custard mixture over the top, making sure to evenly distribute it.
  • Gently press down on the bread layers to ensure they absorb the custard, covering every slice with the flavorful liquid.

This process not only ensures that each bite is infused with the rich, creamy filling and the sweet custard but also sets the stage for a perfectly moist and flavorful outcome. For those looking to elevate their breakfast experience, incorporating fresh fruit pairings can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the toast. Discovering fresh fruit combinations can inspire delicious toppings for your dish.

The Overnight Magic

The overnight soak is what makes this dish truly special, allowing the flavors to deepen and the bread to fully absorb the custard.

• Refrigeration Tips:
  • Make sure to cover your assembled French toast tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator. This helps to keep it moist and prevents any odors from affecting its flavor.
• Why Overnight Soaking Is Crucial:
  • The long soaking period gives the bread ample time to soak up the custard, ensuring that every piece is evenly saturated. This results in a French toast that’s perfectly moist on the inside with a delightful texture once baked.

This step transforms the dish from a simple breakfast to a gourmet experience, making it an ideal choice for leisurely mornings or special occasions. The anticipation of uncovering your stuffed French toast after its overnight transformation adds an element of excitement to morning routines, promising a start to the day that’s as delicious as it is satisfying.

Creating the Streusel Topping

The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness to the stuffed French toast, creating a textural contrast that elevates the dish to new heights.

• Ingredients for Streusel:
  • 3 tablespoons of light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons of chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons of butter, cold and cubed
  • ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• Preparing the Topping:
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon powder.
  2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Stir in the chopped pecans, which add a nutty flavor and additional crunch to the topping.

This mixture should be sprinkled over the soaked French toast just before baking, providing a sweet and crispy finish. For those seeking to master the art of breakfast pastries, exploring recipes for homemade whipped cream can complement the toast’s richness with a light, airy texture.

Baking to Perfection

Baking is the final step that brings all the components of your stuffed French toast together, resulting in a dish that’s crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside.

• Baking Temperature and Time:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake the French toast for 35-45 minutes, uncovered, until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
• Tips for Crispy vs. Soft French Toast:
  • For a crispier exterior, leave the dish in the oven for the full 45 minutes or until the desired crispness is achieved.
  • If you prefer a softer texture, aim for the shorter end of the baking range and check the dish regularly to prevent over-browning.

Adjusting the baking time allows you to customize the texture to your liking, ensuring that every slice of French toast is exactly as you prefer. Pairing your finished dish with the best maple syrup enhances its flavor, making each bite a perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures. For syrup recommendations, consider consulting a guide on the best maple syrup brands to find the perfect match for your breakfast masterpiece.

Serving Suggestions

The presentation and accompaniments can transform your stuffed French toast from a simple breakfast to an extravagant brunch feast.

• Accompaniments and Garnishes:
  • Serve with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for a luxurious touch.
  • Fresh berries or a seasonal fruit salad provide a refreshing contrast to the rich toast.
  • A light drizzle of high-quality maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and elegance.
• Presentation Tips:
  • Slice the French toast diagonally and stack on a plate for a visually appealing presentation.
  • Garnish with mint leaves or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a touch of color and spice.
  • Serve on warm plates to keep the toast crispy and the filling melty.

FAQs

• How do you make sure the French toast doesn’t become too soggy?
  • Use thick slices of bread and avoid over-soaking in the custard. Bread that is slightly stale absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy.
• Can you make stuffed French toast with regular bread?
  • Yes, you can use regular bread, but for optimal results, choose a denser variety like brioche or challah for better custard absorption and texture.
• How far in advance can you prepare the dish?
  • The stuffed French toast can be assembled and soaked in the custard overnight in the refrigerator, up to 24 hours in advance. This allows the flavors to meld and the bread to fully soak up the custard.

Ensuring your French toast achieves the perfect balance of crisp exterior and soft, flavorful interior involves choosing the right ingredients and following the soaking and baking tips closely. For those looking to complement the rich flavors of their breakfast, exploring fresh fruit combinations can add a delightful freshness to your dish. Visit EatingWell for inspiration on fruit pairings that will elevate your stuffed French toast experience.

Stuffed French Toast Recipe Overnight

---

• Author: karma
• Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes (including overnight soaking)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in a luxurious breakfast with our overnight stuffed French toast. This recipe combines the richness of cream cheese and the sweetness of cinnamon for a delightful start to your day. Perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions, it’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 slices of cinnamon raisin bread
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1.5 tablespoons granulated white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 3.5 tablespoons milk
• 3.5 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
• For Streusel Topping:
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons butter, cold
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder

---

Instructions

1. Mix cream cheese, 1.5 tablespoons sugar, and vanilla. Spread between two slices of bread.
2. Whisk egg, milk, cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, and cinnamon. Pour over bread layers in a baking dish.
3. Refrigerate overnight.
4. For streusel, mix brown sugar, flour, pecans, butter, and cinnamon. Sprinkle over bread.
5. Bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes.

Notes

• Stale bread works best for absorbing the custard without becoming soggy.
• Customize your filling with fruit or nuts for added texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: per serving
• Calories: 914
• Sugar: 46g
• Sodium: 565mg
• Fat: 57g
• Saturated Fat: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 88g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 212mg