Description
Indulgent French Toast Dreams whisks breakfast lovers into a world of sweet, custardy bliss. Crisp edges, pillowy centers, and maple-kissed perfection invite you to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Cheese and Sweet Ingredients:
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Bread and Dairy Ingredients:
- 12 (1-ounce) slices day-old white or brioche bread, crusts removed
- 2/3 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Unsalted butter, for greasing
Serving Ingredient:
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Whip cream cheese in a medium bowl using an electric mixer until airy and smooth, approximately one minute.
- Incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt into the cream cheese mixture, blending until creamy and uniform.
- Generously spread the cream cheese blend across half of the bread slices, ensuring complete coverage to the edges.
- Carefully layer remaining bread slices atop the cream cheese, creating delicate sandwiches.
- Slice each sandwich into four compact squares, producing 24 petite toast pockets.
- Craft a rich custard by whisking milk, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, eggs, additional vanilla extract, and salt in a shallow container until thoroughly combined.
- Heat a nonstick griddle to 325°F or warm a large nonstick skillet over medium temperature, lightly greasing the surface with butter.
- Delicately submerge each sandwich square into the custard mixture, swiftly turning to coat both surfaces and allowing excess liquid to drip away.
- Gently place coated squares onto the heated surface, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side until achieving a golden, crispy exterior.
- Transfer each batch of toasted squares to a serving plate, continuing the process with remaining sandwiches.
- Finish by elegantly dusting the squares with powdered sugar and presenting alongside maple syrup for luxurious dipping.
Notes
- Cream Cheese Tip: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing, making the filling ultra-creamy and spreadable.
- Bread Selection: Choose thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah to prevent soggy sandwiches and maintain structural integrity during cooking.
- Custard Coating Technique: Dip sandwiches quickly and let excess drip off to prevent oversaturation, which can lead to mushy French toast.
- Griddle Temperature Control: Maintain consistent medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior while ensuring the inside remains soft and custardy.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for dairy-free version; use gluten-free bread for celiac-friendly alternative.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare sandwich filling and cut squares in advance, storing in refrigerator to streamline morning cooking process.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts like almond or orange to create unique flavor profiles in cream cheese filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg