Indulge in a delightful breakfast treat with this Lemon Cream Stuffed French Toast. Combining the tangy zest of lemon with the rich creaminess of cheese, nestled between slices of golden-brown French toast, this dish is perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weekend brunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright and Citrusy Flavor: The lemon-infused cream cheese filling adds a refreshing twist to traditional French toast.
Creamy Texture: The smooth filling contrasts beautifully with the crispy exterior of the toast.
Versatile: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet treat.
Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry items, making it easy to prepare without a special trip to the store.

Ingredients

4 thick slices of your favorite bread (day-old brioche or challah works well)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Butter, for frying
Maple syrup or agave syrup, for serving
Optional: powdered sugar and fresh fruit for serving

Lemon Cream Filling:

4 ounces (1/2 cup) of your choice of ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, or cream cheese
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Juice and zest of 1 lemon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Bread:
- If using day-old bread, proceed as is. If using fresh bread, lightly toast the slices to help them absorb the custard mixture without becoming too soft.
Make the Lemon Cream Filling:
- In a medium bowl, whip together the chosen cheese (ricotta, mascarpone, or cream cheese) with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and freshly grated lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Prepare the Custard Mixture:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and eggs until well combined.
Assemble the French Toast:
- If using thick slices of bread, slice a small pocket in the middle of each slice and spoon some of the lemon cream filling into the pocket. If using thinner pre-sliced bread, spread the lemon filling on one slice and top with another slice to create a sandwich.
Cook the French Toast:
- Heat a drizzle of oil and a small pat of butter in a large pan over medium-low heat.
- Dip each filled slice or sandwich into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for a minute on each side.
- Place the soaked bread onto the heated pan and cook slowly until each side is set and golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.
Serve:
- Remove from the pan and serve immediately with maple syrup or agave syrup. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh fruit.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields 2 servings.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Berry Addition: Add a layer of fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, inside the sandwich for added flavor and texture.
Alternative Fillings: Substitute the lemon cream with other flavored fillings, such as orange zest or vanilla bean, to change the flavor profile.
Bread Options: Experiment with different types of bread, like sourdough or whole grain, to add a unique twist to the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I prepare the lemon cream filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before spreading to ensure easy application.

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Thick, sturdy breads like brioche or challah are ideal due to their ability to hold the filling without becoming too soggy.

Is it necessary to use day-old bread?

Using day-old bread helps prevent the French toast from becoming too soft. If fresh bread is all you have, lightly toast it before assembling.

Can I freeze the assembled French toast?

It’s not recommended to freeze assembled stuffed French toast, as the texture may suffer upon thawing.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the filling and substitute milk with almond or soy milk. Ensure the bread used is also dairy-free.

What can I serve alongside this French toast?

Fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a simple green salad can complement the richness of the stuffed French toast.

Can I bake the French toast instead of frying?

Yes, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the assembled and dipped sandwiches on a baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking?

Ensure the bread slices are well-pressed together and avoid overfilling to minimize leakage.

Lemon Cream Stuffed French Toast

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Author: Emma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Method: Pan-fried
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a luxurious breakfast with Lemon Cream Stuffed French Toast. Featuring a creamy, citrus-infused filling nestled between golden-brown slices of toast, this recipe is perfect for brunch, special occasions, or an indulgent treat.

Instructions

Prepare the Bread:
Lightly toast fresh bread slices if not using day-old bread.
Make the Lemon Cream Filling:
In a bowl, whip the cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and zest until creamy.
Prepare the Custard:
In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Assemble the French Toast:
- For thick bread: Slice a pocket and fill with lemon cream.
- For thinner bread: Spread filling on one slice and top with another.
Cook the French Toast:
- Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium-low heat.
- Dip each filled slice in custard, soak for 1 minute on each side.
- Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
Serve:
Top with syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar. Serve immediately

Notes

Use day-old bread for better texture.
Experiment with fillings or add fresh berries for variety.
For a dairy-free option, use alternatives like almond milk and plant-based cream cheese.