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This strawberry stuffed French toast is made with whipped mascarpone, fresh strawberries, and thinly sliced Italian bread, and is perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Guys, the calendar did a thing.
It changed from February to March.
That's right-- it's SPRING!
Technically it's not spring until March 19th, but I'm rolling with it. Today was warm and sunny, and things are looking up.
Summer (and my vegetable garden) will arrive any day (or week, or month). And I'm beyond ready.
To celebrate spring, I decided to revisit this strawberry stuffed French toast recipe. It was one of the first recipes published on Champagne Tastes, and even though it was delicious as it was, I knew it could be even better.
Over the years, I've been practicing my French toast skills. In other words, I've been eating and cooking massive amounts of French toast.
I love classic French toast (like this coconut French toast), French toast casseroles (like this apple French toast bake or this pumpkin French toast bake), and of course, I've been testing different versions of stuffed French toast, like this pumpkin stuffed French toast.
This (updated) strawberry stuffed French toast is perfect for brunch, can be (partially) prepared ahead of time, and feels oh-so-fancy even though it's actually pretty easy to make.
Can I Add Rhubarb to This Stuffed French Toast?
You sure can!
Originally, this recipe included rhubarb. And it's delicious with rhubarb, but guys-- it takes so much longer to make this when you add rhubarb.
And that means that I rarely made this stuffed French toast. So now, it's a little simpler, faster, and easier.
That said, if you're a rhubarb fan and want all the rhubarb, you can have it!
Simply add a thin layer of rhubarb compote to the mascarpone and strawberry filling. If you'd rather buy a rhubarb filling, add a little of this Bonne Maman rhubarb jam.
Start With Toasted Bread
French toast is best with stale bread.
If your bread is soft and fresh, start by toasting it in the oven for about five minutes. If your bread is stale, skip this step.
Does It Matter What Kind of Bread I Use?
You can use whatever soft loaf of bread you want, but make sure to use thin slices of bread. You'll be serving two slices of bread together, so it's better if they're thin.
I use a pre-sliced Italian loaf from the grocery store bakery.
How to Make Mascarpone Whipped Cream
This French toast is stuffed with strawberries and mascarpone whipped cream.
To make the mascarpone cream, simply add mascarpone, whipping cream, and a little powdered sugar to a cold bowl. Use an electric mixer, and beat on high until it's creamy.
It should look like the photo below.
I Can't Find Mascarpone. Can I Use a Different Cheese?
Yes, absolutely!
I usually find mascarpone cheese with the gourmet cheese at the grocery store, but where I live, Kroger carries it and Walmart doesn't.
If you can't find mascarpone, you can swap it for either cream cheese or ricotta (or homemade ricotta!).
Make the Stuffed French Toast Sandwiches
Spread a layer of whipped mascarpone on half the bread.
Make sure to leave a thin border of plain bread. The custard will soak into the border and help seal the French toast sandwiches together.
Top the mascarpone with sliced strawberries.
Spread mascarpone on the remaining bread slices, and then top the other slices to create sandwiches.
Set the sandwiches aside while you whisk together the French toast custard.
Set the sandwiches inside a casserole dish, and pour the custard over the sandwiches.
Let the sandwiches sit for about ten minutes. While they soak, preheat a skillet or pan.
Cook Strawberry Stuffed French Toast
Melt butter in a large cast-iron pan or a pancake skillet. I use a 12″ cast-iron skillet.
Use a slotted spatula to transfer the sandwiches from the custard to the pan. Try to drain off a little of the custard liquid before setting the sandwiches in the pan.
Grill the strawberry stuffed French toast for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until both sides are golden and delicious.
Serve this stuffed French toast with extra strawberries, the remaining mascarpone whipped cream, and some honey or maple syrup.
Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over your toast, and dig in immediately to this decadent spring breakfast!
Strawberry Stuffed French Toast
Ingredients
- 8 slices thinly sliced Italian loaf Or use another thinly sliced bread
Mascarpone Whip:
- ½ cup mascarpone, room temperature Or substitute ricotta or cream cheese
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 ounce Grand Marnier (optional) Or substitute another citrus or floral liqueur (like St-Germain)
French Toast Custard:
- 1 cup milk
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Remaining Ingredients:
- 1 quart strawberries, sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- (Optional) honey or maple syrup, to serve
Instructions
Toast Bread:
- If bread is soft and fresh, place a single layer on two baking sheets, and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes. If bread is stale, skip this step.
Mascarpone Whip:
- Chill a glass (Pyrex) bowl in the freezer until it’s cold to the touch.
- Remove it from the freezer, add the mascarpone, whipping cream, sugar, and Grand Marnier (if using). Use an electric mixer to whip on high until it's smooth and creamy. Chill until you're ready to use.
- Make mascarpone whipped cream up to 1 day before serving.
Make French Toast Sandwiches:
- Spread mascarpone whip on 4 of the slices of bread, leaving a small border. Top the mascarpone with sliced strawberries.Spread more mascarpone on the remaining slices of bread, and set them on top of the other slices (mascarpone to mascarpone) to create sandwiches.
Soak the Bread:
- Whisk together all the French Toast Custard ingredients.
- Set the French toast sandwiches in a casserole dish, and pour the custard over the sandwiches. Let them soak for 10 minutes.
Make the French Toast:
- While the French toast soaks, heat the butter in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. (I use a 12" cast-iron pan or a pancake skillet.)
- When they've soaked for 10 minutes, use a slotted spatula to remove the sandwiches from the custard. Drain off as much of the liquid as possible.Set each sandwich on the hot pan, cooking 3-4 minutes per side or until both sides are golden.
- Serve immediately, along with the remaining mascarpone and sliced strawberries. Top with honey or maple syrup if desired.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
There is no spring weather around here yet...matter of fact, we had snow today!!! Yes, again. Oh my!! That's ok, though, this French toast will make me feel better! This looks deliciously good! We grow rhubarb and strawberries in our garden so once the weather warms and it grows (maybe September at this rate, lol), then I'll make this recipe with my very own rhubarb and berries! Yay!
champagne-tastes
Oh man... I've even got most of my herbs outside already! Move south Dawn! Move south!
Brandi Crawford
I love rhubarb! I don't see enough recipes with it. This looks perfect!
Debra C.
My two favorite foods, strawberry and rhubarb! One of the reasons I LOVE spring! Your dessert looks absolutely fabulous and that drizzle of honey is the perfect touch!!
Emma @ Supper in the Suburbs
Omg STUFFED French toast?! That looks EPIC! Rhubarb is also one of my favourite fruits (or is it a veggie?!) in the whole world. I know what I'm making this weekend....
champagne-tastes
Lol.. I have no idea if it's a fruit or veggie.. I think veggie? Yay! Enjoy!!!
Julie
Wow, that is one amazing stack of french toast! I don't make this enough and John loves it. So happy to see the rhubarb strawberry combinations, it just says hey Spring is here to stay.
Meg | Meg is Well
I never order stuffed French toast at restaurants either-it's just too much. I love this version because it's not as rich and sweet, and you can't argue with the awesomeness of rhubarb. Also, now I can't get the idea of using rhubarb simple syrup in EVERYTHING.
champagne-tastes
Just wait a few days.. Rhubarb simple syrup is about to show up in ALL THE THINGS here. Lololol
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
You are absolutely killing me with this one. My husband and I have been on a no-carb diet in preparation for a "bathing suit" vacation. This is so embarrassing --I want to lick my screen! I'll save it until after -- or better yet -- maybe the last day of vacay!!!
champagne-tastes
No carb diets make me feel homicidal.. I wish you the best! ????
Jenni
Oh, wow! This sounds so fantastic! I never order the stuffed french toast, either, because its just sooooo sweet! But I like that you used ricotta and only slightly sweetened it! Great recipe!
champagne-tastes
Thank you!
Samantha @mykitchenlove
Looks perfectly decadent! I have resorted to buying frozen rhubarb since I still can't buy it fresh yet 😐 I have this recipe pinned to make with. Fingers crossed Spring arrives soon!
champagne-tastes
I'm sure it'll come very soon!!!!
Leah
This sounds so delicious, and I can just imagine sitting on our deck and eating this for brunch! What a lovely spring flavor combo, I don't think it can get better than this! How delicious!
Rebecca | Let's Eat Cake
Yaaaaaaaaas! I have been on the hunt for rhubarb this year and when I find it, I'm making this!
champagne-tastes
haha yes! do it!!!
J @ Bless Her Heart Y'all
Mmmm! Ricotta, rhubarb, and strawberries! That filling sounds amazing! I am used to rhubarb pies and I agree that if you don't sweeten it it is pretty bitter. I like that this recipe allows you to cook the rhubarb ahead of time. I can only imagine how delicious of a morning it is when this is on the menu!