Stuffed French Toast Recipe

Sink your teeth into the ultimate breakfast (or brunch!) treat — golden brown, crisp-edged Stuffed French Toast, bursting with creamy Nutella, tangy whipped cream cheese, or bright fruit jelly. This crowd-pleasing recipe is quick to prepare, absolutely decadent, and hits all the right notes with pillowy bread, luscious filling, and fragrant hints of cinnamon and vanilla. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a no-stress favorite to make any morning feel special — even busy weekdays!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these essentials, and you’re more than halfway to a swoon-worthy breakfast:

• Sandwich Bread: Acts as the sturdy, fluffy canvas for your filling. White, whole wheat, or brioche all work well, but avoid anything too airy that falls apart.
• Nutella, Whipped Cream Cheese, or Fruit Jelly: The decadent center! Nutella brings rich chocolate-hazelnut notes; cream cheese is dreamy and tangy; jelly adds bright fruitiness. Use one or mix-and-match.
  • Tip: Softened cream cheese or whipped style is easiest to spread. Try layering in fresh berries for extra juiciness!
• Milk (Whole, 2%, or 1%): Makes the custard egg mixture creamy and rich.
• Eggs: Key for that classic French toast custard texture and golden coating.
• Brown Sugar: Adds gentle caramel undertones and a touch of molasses complexity.
• Ground Cinnamon: Essential for warmth and that unmistakable French toast aroma.
• Vanilla Extract: Brightens and balances the custard with its floral sweetness.
• Salt: Just a pinch to keep the sweetness in check and enhance every flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Slightly thickens the custard, ensuring a beautiful, plush coating.
• Salted Butter: For griddling — crisp edges and rich flavor every time.

Variations

This stuffed French toast is a template for tasty creativity. Here are some delicious twists:

• Berry Burst: Add sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries with cream cheese or jelly for a fruity surprise.
• Peanut Butter & Banana: Spread peanut butter and add banana slices inside for a playful, protein-packed variation.
• Apple Cinnamon: Thinly sliced apples and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon tucked inside taste like warm apple pie.
• Savory: Go off the beaten path — try herbed goat cheese and sautéed mushrooms for a unique brunch idea.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite sturdy gluten-free sandwich bread, and proceed as normal.

Tip: Leftover holiday bread (think brioche or challah) is especially decadent here!

How to Make Stuffed French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffed Bread

Lay out 8 slices of sandwich bread and spread a generous layer of Nutella, whipped cream cheese, or fruit jelly over each, leaving a small border. Top with the remaining bread slices to make 8 “sandwiches,” then pinch or crimp the edges so your filling stays put.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk milk and eggs until smooth. Whisk in the brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and flour. Keep whisking until the mixture is totally lump-free and a little thick — this makes for extra plush French toast!

Step 3: Dip and Soak

Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium-high and melt a tablespoon of butter to start. Dip each stuffed sandwich into the custard, allowing it to really soak (about 30–60 seconds per side), but don’t let it get soggy enough to fall apart. Lift out, letting any excess drip off.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden

Work in batches of two, adding more butter for each round. Cook each stuffed sandwich for 4–6 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula and checking for that beautiful golden-brown crust. Flip and repeat on the other side.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the stuffed French toast warm, stacked with your favorite toppings: a dusting of powdered sugar, clouds of whipped cream, fresh berries, or a pour of real maple syrup.

Note: Keep finished pieces warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest — just don’t cover, or they’ll lose their crispness!

How to Serve

To really make your stuffed French toast shine, go all out with toppings and pairings:

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A gentle snowfall for a classic look.
• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add brightness and a pop of color.
• Whipped Cream: Makes every bite feel like dessert.
• Maple Syrup or Warm Fruit Compote: For sweet, sticky joy.

Great Pairings

• Hot Coffee or Tea: Complements the sweet, rich flavors perfectly.
• Bacon or Sausage Links: For salty contrast and a balanced breakfast plate.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: Lightens up this decadent dish.

For a special brunch, offer a toppings “bar” and let everyone build their own masterpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely, then wrap each slice individually or stack with parchment in between. Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Individually wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen.

Reheating

The best way is to warm slices in a toaster oven or in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, which brings back the crispy exterior. For speed, microwave for 30–60 seconds (but the toast may soften more).

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This stuffed French toast recipe is a fantastic way to turn ordinary mornings into special occasions, without any complicated steps or tricky techniques. Whether you keep it classic or experiment with fun fillings, you’ll create pure joy on a plate — and in less than half an hour! Roll up your sleeves, gather your favorite flavors, and savor the magic of homemade stuffed French toast. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes any day feel extraordinary.

Print