Stuffed French Toast (Lemon Cream Cheese)
on Jan 04, 2026
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There’s something special about Stuffed French Toast when it’s layered with a bright lemon-cream cheese filling. It upgrades your simple breakfast into a warm, cozy treat, and the balance of citrus and spice makes it feel just a little more exciting than your usual French toast routine. It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe, easy for busy mornings, and still impressive enough to serve at a brunch party.
Brioche sandwiches layered with smooth lemon cream cheese soak up a bold custard seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a comforting breakfast with just the right amount of indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort, and it earns a permanent spot on the weekend rotation.
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🍋 Don’t Miss Out on This Stuffed French Toast
This stuffed French toast hits that perfect sweet spot between nostalgic and new, delivering an indulgent creamy center that keeps you coming back for more!
- Bright Lemon Filling: A little zest gives the cream cheese layer a bright, delicious flavor.
- Bold Custard Flavor: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar bring depth without overpowering the French toast.
- Perfect Weekend Treat: Make brunch impressive, not the typical boring French toast!
- Kid and Parent Approved: Balanced flavors that adults love but still friendly for little taste buds.
- Easy to Scale Up: Ideal for griddles and larger batches when hosting brunch. Use that Blackstone griddle for an efficient Sunday brunch!
🔧 Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed French Toast
A few small tricks go a long way toward making this recipe reliable every time.
- Use Sturdy Bread: Slightly stale brioche or challah holds its shape and soaks up custard beautifully.
- Room Temp Filling: Softened cream cheese spreads easily and keeps the bread from tearing.
- Don’t Oversoak: A quick dip gives structure and prevents sogginess.
- Medium Heat Wins: It allows the center to warm without burning the edges.
- Rest Before Serving: A minute or two helps the filling settle and makes slicing cleaner.
🌈 Substitutions and Variations to Try
This recipe is easy to customize with simple flavor tweaks that fit the occasion, the season, or whatever you have on hand.
- Switch Up the Citrus: Orange zest or even a touch of lime gives a new twist.
- Add Fruit Inside: Thin berries or sliced strawberries tucked into the filling bring bursts of sweetness.
- Try a Different Filling: Mascarpone or ricotta adds a lighter, more delicate flavor.
- Use Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Sweetens things up and creates bakery-style vibes.
- Add Texture: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or granola inside the sandwich for a soft crunch.
🗒️ Ingredients for Stuffed French Toast
🫙 Storing and Reheating Suggestions
Stuffed French toast stores better than most people expect, and with a good reheat method, you can bring back that crisp edge and warm, creamy center.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Lay slices on a sheet pan to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag to store for up to 2 months. Thaw the stuffed French toast in the fridge overnight before warming it the following day.
- Reheat in Air Fryer: 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes to re-crisp edges.
- Reheat on Griddle or Pan: Warm butter in a large pan over medium-low heat and cook until the French toast is warmed through.
- Avoid the Microwave: It softens the bread and loses the crisp texture.
❓ FAQ
Yes. Assemble the sandwiches up to a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge. Dip in custard just before cooking.
Brioche is ideal for its soft texture and flavor, but challah or thick-cut Texas toast also work great.
You can use dairy-free cream cheese and a non-dairy milk, though the flavor and texture will change slightly.
Over-soaking the bread is the most common issue. Give each side just a quick dip and cook over medium heat so it sets properly.
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Stuffed French Toast (Lemon Cream Cheese Filling)
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest, one lemon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Custard
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup whole milk, or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
For the French Toast
- 8 slices brioche, thick slices (or challah)
- 4 tablespoons butter, for the griddle or pan
Instructions
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese filling onto half the brioche slices, top with the remaining slices, and gently press to seal the edges.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, melted butter, and salt.
- Heat a buttered skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip each stuffed sandwich into the custard for a few seconds per side, allowing excess to drip off.
- Place on the griddle or pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, adjusting heat as needed so the exterior browns without burning and the center warms through.
- Rest briefly, then top with powdered sugar, berries, whipped cream, or your favorite syrup.
Video
Notes
- Cook over medium or low-medium heat to ensure the custard is fully cooked and set without burning or overcooking the French toast.
- Using stale bread will help to soak up the custard. But fresh bread also works fine.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
