Berry Stuffed French Toast Recipe

Introduction

Berry Stuffed French Toast is a decadent twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Fluffy croissants are generously filled with a creamy berry filling, soaked in a rich custard, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for special mornings or brunch gatherings.

A white round baking dish filled with golden brown croissant bread pudding, the croissant layers are twisted and folded with visible creamy, slightly melted custard and small red and purple berry pieces in between. The surface is dusted with a light layer of powdered sugar and has a shiny drizzle of honey or syrup on top. The dish is placed on a soft beige cloth over a white marbled surface, with some scattered flour and small white flowers around. A transparent glass with amber-colored liquid is to the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup diced strawberries
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1/2 cup raspberries
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 7-8 large croissants

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, beat together eggs, heavy cream, milk, half of the granulated sugar, cinnamon, kosher salt, and vanilla extract until just combined.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth, then fold in the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries gently.
  3. Step 3: Slice each croissant lengthwise down the center to create a pocket. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the berry cream cheese filling into each pocket.
  4. Step 4: Dip the stuffed croissants into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well soaked, then arrange them in a greased 13×9 inch baking dish.
  5. Step 5: Pour the remaining egg custard over the croissants, cover the dish, and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld and the custard soak in.
  6. Step 6: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the French toast uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and set.
  7. Step 7: Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or topped with syrup, honey, and extra fresh berries as desired.

Tips & Variations

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and milk with almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
  • Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the cream cheese filling for a bright citrus flavor.
  • Use brioche buns or sliced challah bread instead of croissants for a different texture.
  • Make this recipe ahead of time for easy entertaining; it reheats well in the oven or toaster oven.

Storage

Store leftover French toast covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to retain crispness. You can also freeze the baked French toast in an airtight container for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white round dish is filled with golden brown croissants sliced in half and layered with a creamy white and pink filling that contains visible chunks of red and dark blue berries. The croissants are arranged tightly together in the dish, showing the flaky texture of the pastry, with the filling slightly spilling out between the layers. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a partially visible dark pink flower near the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen berries in the filling?

Fresh berries work best for the filling to avoid excess moisture, but frozen berries can be used if thawed and drained well.

Do I have to refrigerate the croissants overnight before baking?

While you can bake immediately, refrigerating overnight allows the custard to fully soak the croissants, making the French toast more tender and flavorful.

Print
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Berry Stuffed French Toast Recipe


  • Author: Rafael
  • Total Time: 8 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 78 servings 1x

Description

Delight in this decadent Berry Stuffed French Toast recipe featuring flaky croissants filled with a luscious cream cheese and mixed berry filling, soaked overnight in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a special brunch or comforting breakfast treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Custard Mixture

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Berry Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup diced strawberries
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1/2 cup raspberries

Main Ingredient

  • 78 large croissants

Instructions

  1. Beat Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, heavy cream, milk, half of the granulated sugar, cinnamon, kosher salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until just combined to form a smooth custard.
  2. Prepare Berry Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the diced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries to evenly distribute the berries without breaking them.
  3. Assemble Croissants: Slice each croissant down the center to create a pocket. Fill each pocket with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the berry cream cheese mixture. Then, dip each stuffed croissant briefly into the prepared custard mixture to fully coat.
  4. Arrange to Chill: Place the dipped croissants in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Pour the remaining custard mixture evenly over the croissants. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak.
  5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake the croissants for 35 to 40 minutes or until they are puffy, golden brown, and cooked through.
  6. Serve: Once baked, let the French toast cool slightly. Dust with additional powdered sugar and serve with your favorite toppings such as syrup, honey, or extra fresh berries for a delightful finishing touch.

Notes

  • For best results, refrigerate the assembled croissants overnight to allow deep custard soaking.
  • If fresh berries are not available, frozen berries can be used but drain excess moisture to avoid sogginess.
  • To make the dish ahead, prepare up to baking and keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
  • Use day-old croissants for a sturdier texture and improved soaking.
  • Adjust cinnamon and sugar levels to taste if you prefer a less sweet or more spiced dish.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Berry Stuffed French Toast, Croissants, Cream Cheese Filling, Breakfast, Brunch, Baked French Toast

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