Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast

### Step-by-Step Instructions

#### Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend everything together until smooth and creamy. The filling should have a cheesecake-like consistency, perfect for stuffing between the slices of bread. Set the filling aside.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
To make the strawberry topping, place the sliced strawberries in a small bowl. Sprinkle them with sugar and lemon juice, and toss gently to coat. Let the strawberries sit for a few minutes to macerate and release their juices. This will create a sweet, syrupy sauce to drizzle over the stuffed French toast later.

#### Step 3: Make the French Toast Batter
In a shallow bowl or dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This will create the custard-like batter that gives French toast its rich flavor and texture.

#### Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed French Toast
Lay out four slices of bread. Spread a generous amount of the cheesecake filling onto one slice of each piece of bread. Top the filling with another slice of bread to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining slices of bread until you have four stuffed sandwiches.

#### Step 5: Cook the French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter or oil. Once the pan is hot, dip each stuffed sandwich into the French toast batter, ensuring the bread is fully coated on both sides. Carefully place the sandwiches onto the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Make sure the cheesecake filling is warm and slightly melted inside the French toast.

#### Step 6: Serve the Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast
Once the French toast is cooked to perfection, remove it from the skillet and place it on a serving plate. Top each stuffed French toast with the macerated strawberries, allowing the juices to drizzle over the edges. For an extra indulgent touch, dust the French toast with powdered sugar, add a dollop of whipped cream, or drizzle with maple syrup.

### Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast

– **Use thick, hearty bread**: Brioche or challah works best for stuffed French toast because it’s thick and soft, allowing the cheesecake filling to stay in place. Avoid using thin sandwich bread, as it may not hold up well.

– **Make sure the cream cheese is softened**: Softened cream cheese will blend better with the powdered sugar and heavy cream, ensuring a smooth filling without any lumps.

– **Don’t overcrowd the pan**: Cook the French toast in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can result in soggy toast. This way, the bread can crisp up evenly on both sides.

– **Let the strawberries sit**: Allow the strawberries to sit for a few minutes after adding sugar and lemon juice. This helps them release their juices and creates a natural syrup to top the French toast.

– **Try different toppings**: While strawberries are the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even a banana topping. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce can also make this dish even more decadent.

### Why You’ll Make This Recipe Again and Again

**Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast** is the perfect way to elevate your breakfast or brunch with a delightful combination of sweet, creamy, and crispy flavors. The creamy cheesecake filling complements the rich French toast, while the fresh strawberries add a burst of fruity sweetness that balances everything out.

Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion, a holiday breakfast, or just to treat yourself, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. It’s easy to make, indulgent, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and delicious. So go ahead—make this **Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast** for your next breakfast or brunch, and enjoy the ultimate morning indulgence!