Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast

This stuffed French toast recipe takes a classic breakfast staple and turns it into a truly brunch-worthy dish. Inspired by my readers’ favorite Diner-Style French Toast recipe, I gave it an upgrade by adding a rich, creamy vanilla cream cheese filling that makes every bite taste decadent. Each filled slice is dipped in a cinnamon-spiced custard, then cooked until golden and crisp on the outside while staying soft, buttery, and custardy inside. This cream cheese stuffed French toast delivers the same reliable, delicious results as my classic version, but with an extra layer of indulgence. Serve it warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar, and you’ll have a brunch that rivals your favorite brunch spot.

Why I Love This Stuffed French Toast Recipe

The first time I made this stuffed French toast was for a family brunch, and everyone thought I had picked it up from a popular brunch spot just down the street. Funny enough, that restaurant’s strawberry cream cheese stuffed French toast was actually what inspired me to try making my own version at home. I used the base from my Denny’s diner-style French toast recipe—which has been a reader favorite for years—and created a rich vanilla cream cheese filling to layer between the golden slices.

I skipped the strawberries that day because my sister was joining us, and she’s allergic (crazy, I know). But even without them, this homemade version was a huge hit. The cream cheese filling turned out tangy, smooth, and just sweet enough, perfectly balancing the crisp, buttery edges of the toast. Honestly, I think it’s even better than anything you could order at a top brunch spot!

I love this recipe because it’s indulgent without being complicated, and it always turns an ordinary breakfast into something special. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can use Texas toast for thick, diner-style slices or brioche for a soft, buttery texture. If you’re craving something extra, add a swirl of strawberry jam, raspberry preserves, or Nutella to the filling for a sweet twist. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch, a lazy Sunday morning, or even breakfast-for-dinner, this stuffed French toast always impresses—and it never fails to get requests for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoon powdered sugar (or more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the French Toast:

• 6 slices Texas toast or brioche
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
• Butter, for cooking

Toppings:

• Maple syrup, berries, and whipped cream

How To Make Stuffed French Toast

Step 1: Make the Filling

In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and spreadable.

Step 2: Assemble the Layers

Spread cream cheese filling on 3 slices of bread. Top each one with another slice of bread to form sandwiches.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard

In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg, milk, cinnamon, and sugar until fully combined.

Step 4: Dip and Cook

Heat butter on a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, coating all sides. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.

Step 5: Serve

Plate the warm stuffed French toast and top with syrup, fresh berries, and whipped cream, or any toppings you want. 

Expert Tips for the Best Stuffed French Toast

• Use thick, sturdy bread. Thick-cut slices like Texas toast or brioche are ideal for stuffed French toast. They’re soft and buttery yet firm enough to hold the cream cheese filling without falling apart after dipping in the custard. Avoid thin sandwich bread—it tends to tear and turn out mushy.
• Soften the cream cheese completely. Cold cream cheese is difficult to spread and can tear the bread. Let it sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes so it becomes smooth and spreadable. This ensures an even layer of filling and perfectly sealed toast.
• Adjust the filling to your taste. Before assembling, taste your cream cheese mixture. If you like it sweeter, add more powdered sugar; for extra tang, mix in a small pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice. This simple tweak makes the filling customizable for any palate.
• Don’t oversoak the bread. A quick dip in the custard is all you need—just enough to coat the surface. If the bread absorbs too much, it can become soggy and difficult to flip. Let any excess custard drip off before placing it on the griddle.
• Cook low and slow for even browning. Medium heat is key. Cooking over too high heat will brown the outside before the center is warmed through. A moderate temperature allows the custard to cook gently, giving you golden-brown edges and a soft, creamy center.
• Batch-cooking tip. If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked slices warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack. The rack allows air to circulate so the toast stays crisp instead of steaming and turning soggy.

Stuffed French Toast Flavor Variations

• Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast: Add ¼ cup finely chopped strawberries to the cream cheese filling for a fruity, tangy twist. As the French toast cooks, the strawberries soften slightly, creating a sweet, jammy layer that tastes just like strawberry cheesecake in breakfast form. You can also top it with fresh berries and powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
• Chocolate Lovers’ French Toast: For a rich, decadent version, stir 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder or a spoonful of Nutella into the cream cheese filling. The chocolate melts slightly as the French toast cooks, giving you a gooey, dessert-like bite. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day brunch or anytime you want a little indulgence.
• Cinnamon Roll Stuffed French Toast: Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup to the cream cheese filling for classic cinnamon roll flavor. Once it’s cooked, top it with a light glaze made from a cup of powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of milk for the full cinnamon roll experience.
• Savory Stuffed French Toast: Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and swap the sweet cream cheese for herbed cream cheese or garlic and chive spread. Layer in cooked bacon, ham, or even smoked salmon for a savory twist. It’s a great brunch option for those who prefer something hearty and not too sweet.

Stuffed French Toast FAQs

What’s the best bread for stuffed French toast?

The best bread for stuffed French toast is thick-cut and slightly sturdy so it can hold the filling without falling apart. Texas toast, brioche, or challah are all excellent options because they absorb the custard evenly while keeping their shape. 

Can I make stuffed French toast ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the cream cheese mixture and custard mixture the night before and store them in airtight containers. In the morning, spread the cream cheese on the bread, and dip it in the custard just before cooking. This method makes breakfast quick and easy—perfect for holidays or brunch gatherings.

Can I bake stuffed French toast instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely. I love this method when I'm doubling the recipe to feed a crowd. To bake, arrange the custard-dipped sandwiches on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. 

How do I store leftover stuffed French toast?

Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in a toaster oven or 350°F oven for about 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make the bread too soggy.

Can I freeze stuffed French toast?

Yes! Let the stuffed French toast cool completely, then freeze the slices in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in a toaster oven for a quick breakfast that tastes freshly made.

How do I keep the filling warm and creamy?

The cream cheese filling will stay soft and melty as long as you cook the toast over medium heat and serve it right away. If you’re cooking multiple batches, keep the finished slices warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack until serving.

What’s the best way to serve stuffed French toast?

Stuffed French toast is delicious with just maple syrup and butter since it's already indulgent, but it's also delicious topped with fresh berries, whipped cream, a caramel drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar. 

My Final Thoughts on This Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast Recipe

This cream cheese stuffed French toast is rich, creamy, and full of comforting flavors. With its sweet, creamy vanilla filling, cinnamon custard soak, and buttery golden crust, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any brunch table. Quick enough for weekends yet indulgent enough for holidays, it’s a recipe that feels like a morning treat every time! If you make it, leave me a comment and review below. I love hearing from you!

Breakfast Recipes To Try Next

• Brioche French toast casserole
• Challah French toast casserole
• French toast recipe for two
• Tres leches pancakes
• Sweet cream pancakes
• Bisquick coffee cake