Blueberry Stuffed French Toast

Blueberry stuffed French toast is the kind of breakfast that feels like a celebration on a plate. It’s rich, creamy, fruity, and satisfying – a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Imagine soft bread slices, perfectly golden and crisp on the outside, filled with a delicious blueberry cream cheese mixture that bursts with flavor. Every bite is a combination of tangy blueberries, smooth cream cheese, and the sweet, eggy richness of French toast. And yes, it’s just as heavenly as it sounds!

Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, treating yourself to a special breakfast, or surprising someone with breakfast in bed, this blueberry stuffed French toast will steal the show. What’s even better? It’s surprisingly easy to make! You don’t need to be a pro chef to whip up this impressive dish – just follow a few simple steps, and you’ll have a meal that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy brunch spot.

I first made this recipe when I was looking for a way to elevate a classic French toast breakfast. I wanted something indulgent yet fruity, and blueberries were in season, so I decided to experiment. The result was so good that it quickly became a favorite in our household. Now, it’s my go-to recipe for special occasions, family brunches, or anytime I want to serve something that’s both comforting and impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Stuffed French Toast

1. Rich and Creamy Filling: The combination of blueberries and cream cheese makes the filling irresistibly creamy and flavorful. The tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly complements the sweetness of the blueberries, creating a balanced bite in every forkful.
2. Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday brunch, a birthday breakfast, or even just a lazy weekend treat, this stuffed French toast feels fancy and festive without being overly complicated.
3. Bursting with Blueberry Flavor: If you’re a blueberry lover, this recipe is for you. The blueberries add a pop of fruity freshness that brightens up the rich flavors of the dish. Plus, the color contrast between the golden toast and the vibrant blueberries is simply stunning!
4. Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside: The texture is just as delightful as the taste. The outer layer of the French toast is perfectly crisp, while the inside stays soft, tender, and oozing with that luscious blueberry cream cheese filling.
5. Customizable: While blueberries are a fantastic choice for this recipe, you can easily swap them out for other berries, fruits, or fillings to suit your preferences. Strawberries, raspberries, or even bananas work beautifully.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10-12 minutes
• Total time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Carbs: 46g
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 19g

Ingredients

For the Stuffed French Toast:

• 8 slices of thick bread (brioche or challah works best)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (for the filling)
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup milk (whole milk works best, but any kind of milk is fine)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon sugar (for the egg mixture)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Butter or oil for cooking (about 1-2 tablespoons)

For the Toppings:

• Maple syrup
• Fresh blueberries
• Powdered sugar
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Fresh mint (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Blueberry Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of blueberries. Gently fold the blueberries into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to mash them too much. You want the blueberries to remain mostly intact to give the filling bursts of fresh blueberry flavor. Set aside the mixture while you prepare the bread and egg mixture.

Step 2: Prep the Bread

Lay out your slices of bread. You’ll need two slices for each stuffed French toast, so four total pairs of bread. If you’re using thick-sliced brioche or challah, you’ll have the perfect base for holding the filling. Brioche and challah are ideal because they’re soft, absorb the egg mixture well, and have a slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the filling. Spread a generous amount of the blueberry cream cheese filling on four of the slices, then top with the remaining four slices to create “sandwiches.”

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a shallow bowl or pie dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Make sure the egg mixture is well combined, with no streaks of egg yolk or cinnamon.

Step 4: Dip the Stuffed Bread in the Egg Mixture

Carefully dip each “sandwich” into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Don’t let the bread soak too long in the mixture, as it may become too soggy and difficult to handle. A quick dip on each side will ensure the bread is moist but still holds its shape.

Step 5: Cook the Stuffed French Toast

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter or oil. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, carefully place the stuffed French toast sandwiches in the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the outside is golden brown and crispy, and the inside is warm and gooey. You may need to cook the sandwiches in batches, depending on the size of your pan.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once the French toast is cooked, transfer to a plate and slice each sandwich in half to reveal the delicious blueberry filling. Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and top with a handful of fresh blueberries. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a beautiful finish.

How to Serve

• Classic Breakfast: Serve the blueberry stuffed French toast warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Pair it with crispy bacon or sausage links for a hearty breakfast.
• Brunch with a Twist: For a special occasion brunch, serve this dish alongside fresh fruit, coffee, and mimosas. The blueberry cream cheese filling makes this French toast feel decadent, yet balanced with the freshness of the blueberries.
• Dessert Option: This dish is sweet enough to double as a dessert! After dinner, serve the stuffed French toast with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of blueberry compote for a dessert that feels like a treat.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Bread: Brioche and challah are the best options for stuffed French toast because they’re thick, soft, and slightly sweet. They soak up the egg mixture beautifully without falling apart. If you don’t have brioche or challah, you can use any sturdy bread like sourdough or French bread, but avoid sandwich bread, which can get too soggy.
2. Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to load up on the blueberry cream cheese filling, be careful not to overstuff the sandwiches. Too much filling can make the bread difficult to cook evenly and lead to the filling spilling out in the pan.
3. Use Fresh Blueberries When Possible: Fresh blueberries offer the best flavor and texture, but if you’re using frozen blueberries, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the cream cheese mixture. Frozen berries tend to release a lot of moisture, which can make the filling too watery.
4. Cook on Medium Heat: It’s important to cook the French toast on medium heat to ensure that the bread gets golden and crispy on the outside while the filling warms up inside. Cooking on high heat might brown the outside too quickly before the inside has a chance to heat through.
5. Let the Bread Rest: After dipping the stuffed sandwiches in the egg mixture, let them sit for a minute or two before placing them in the pan. This gives the bread a chance to absorb the egg mixture evenly, ensuring a more custardy texture.
6. Keep It Warm: If you’re making multiple batches, keep the cooked French toast warm by placing it in a low oven (about 200°F) on a baking sheet. This way, everyone gets to enjoy their French toast hot and fresh.

Recipe Variations

This blueberry stuffed French toast recipe is versatile and can be adapted in a variety of ways depending on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few fun variations to try:

1. Strawberry and Nutella Stuffed French Toast:

Swap the blueberries for fresh strawberries and replace the cream cheese with Nutella for a decadent, chocolate-hazelnut version of this dish. The combination of strawberries and Nutella creates a rich, dessert-like French toast that’s perfect for a special treat.

2. Lemon Blueberry Stuffed French Toast:

For a refreshing twist, add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture and sprinkle a little lemon juice over the finished dish. The bright citrus flavor complements the blueberries beautifully, adding a zesty freshness to the richness of the French toast.

3. Cinnamon Apple Stuffed French Toast:

Use sautéed cinnamon apples instead of blueberries for a warm, comforting fall version of this recipe. Simply cook apple slices with butter, cinnamon, and a little brown sugar until soft, then mix with the cream cheese filling before stuffing the bread.

4. Peanut Butter and Banana Stuffed French Toast:

For a heartier version, spread peanut butter on the bread slices and add sliced bananas to the filling. This protein-packed French toast is perfect for anyone who loves the classic peanut butter and banana combination.

5. Savory Cream Cheese and Herb Stuffed French Toast:

If you’re more of a savory breakfast person, skip the blueberries and add fresh herbs like chives and parsley to the cream cheese. You can even add some crumbled bacon or smoked salmon for a savory twist on this sweet classic.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to reheat, simply pop the stuffed French toast in a toaster oven or skillet to warm through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

Freezing:

This blueberry stuffed French toast is also freezer-friendly. To freeze, let the French toast cool completely after cooking, then wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet or oven.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet or Griddle: A wide skillet or griddle is ideal for cooking multiple pieces of French toast at once.
• Whisk: You’ll need this to combine the eggs, milk, and vanilla for the egg mixture.
• Spatula: A large, flat spatula makes it easier to flip the stuffed French toast without breaking it apart.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing the French toast sandwiches in half to reveal the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the cream cheese mixture. Frozen blueberries can release a lot of water, which may make the filling too runny if not properly drained.

2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?

No problem! You can substitute ricotta, mascarpone, or even Greek yogurt for the cream cheese. Just make sure to sweeten them slightly with powdered sugar to keep the balance of flavors.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the stuffed French toast the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, dip the sandwiches in the egg mixture and cook as directed. You can also cook the French toast ahead of time and reheat it in a toaster oven.

4. What’s the best bread to use for stuffed French toast?

Thick slices of brioche or challah are ideal for stuffed French toast because they’re sturdy yet soft. French bread or sourdough also works well if you prefer a slightly heartier texture. Avoid thin or sandwich bread, which can become too soggy and fall apart.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use almond milk or another non-dairy milk in place of regular milk. The texture and flavor will still be delicious!

Conclusion

Blueberry stuffed French toast is a showstopper of a breakfast. With its rich, creamy filling and crispy, golden bread, it’s everything you want in a morning meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday brunch or just treating yourself to a weekend indulgence, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of blueberries, cream cheese, and perfectly cooked French toast is nothing short of divine, and the best part is that it’s so easy to make!

I can’t wait to see how your blueberry stuffed French toast turns out! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me on social media. I love seeing your delicious breakfast adventures!