OMG, you guys! This is the best breakfast. Ever.
I know that you probably hear that about a lot of recipes.
I mean, when I was a kid, I thought that those cinnamon sugar covered cereal squares were the best breakfast ever.
In high school I graduated to the puffed cereal infused with all the peanut butter and chocolate goodness.
Then in college, when the entire school cafeteria was available to me, I began to fall in love with Belgian waffles.
Finally, the love of French toast set in when I got my own kitchen.
French toast is one of those breakfast dishes that my grandmother used to make for our weekly family brunches.
It was one of those recipes that she loved to make because it was so easy. All she had to do was whisk together something to soak the thick pieces of challah in, and then she’d cook them up.
The golden brown slices of bread would go on a giant platter and we would all build our own with ample amounts of fruit, maple syrup, and a thick coating of powdered sugar for us kids.
My mom never had time to make it during the week when I was growing up, so it became a special treat.
Well, my friends, this special treat just got so much better.
If you’ve never had a stuffed version before, be prepared to have your mind blown. Those of you out there that have had it before know exactly what I am talking about.
This particular recipe is fresh, vibrant, and oh-so-creamy. The strawberries are macerated to bring out their natural sweetness, making them the ideal addition to pair with creamy mascarpone cheese, a type of fresh Italian cheese made from full-fat cream.
The filling ends up being sweet, tangy, and creamy, which is perfect sandwiched between two buttery pieces of challah.
When you make the mixture for the bread coating, buttermilk is added for a delightful tang that you get right at the very end of each bite.
It’s like the ultimate strawberries and cream combination, but for breakfast instead of dessert.
This dreamy breakfast is also so simple to pull together.
I like to bring this out when we have company staying overnight in our home. The strawberries can be macerated overnight, so all you have to do when you wake up is make the simple French toast.
Spread the sultry filling in between two freshly cooked slices of bread, and just like that, breakfast is on the table.
Now that berries are back in season, it’s just what we have all been craving all winter long.
Just don’t forget the dusting of powdered sugar and a side of maple syrup, or berry syrup for another layer of fruity flavor, to serve with every plate of deliciousness.
If you want to up the ante on the presentation, plate the meal for each individual guest with powdered sugar. Then top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sliced strawberry.
This is such a memorable dish that’s perfect for family gatherings. Everyone will be asking you for the recipe as soon as they lick their plates clean.
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Strawberry Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast
- Total Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
When you need something extra decadent and fruity in the morning, this strawberry mascarpone stuffed French toast is the best recipe.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1/8 cup granulated sugar
- 1 8-oz container mascarpone cheese
- 1/8 cup powdered sugar
For the French Toast:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 slices challah bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Combine the strawberries with the granulated sugar in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, or overnight to allow them to macerate.
- Beat the eggs well in a large, shallow baking dish. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, buttermilk, and vanilla. Beat to combine.
- Coat the surface of a large frying pan and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Place over medium heat and allow butter to melt, tilting the pan to coat.
- Soak two slices of bread in the egg mixture, flipping once, until drenched, about 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer to the hot pan. You will work in batches of about 2 slices at a time, depending on the size of your pan.
- Cook until browned on one side, about 2-3 minute per side. Using a spatula, flip bread over and repeat with the other side. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan between each set of slices and repeat the process, continuing until all of the bread is coated and cooked.
- In a medium bowl, combine mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar, and stir until well combined. Using a slotted spoon, add the chilled strawberries to the bowl and mix gently to incorporate.
- Spread 1/2 cup strawberry filling between two slices of cooked French toast. Repeat with remaining filling and French toast slices. Dust with powdered sugar, and serve drizzled with maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: French Toast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Breakfast
Keywords: French toast, Mother's Day, breakfast, strawberries, mascarpone, brunch
Cooking by the Numbers…
Step 1 – Prep and Measure Remaining Ingredients
Remove the tops of the strawberries and slice until you have 2 cups in total. I used about one full 16-ounce container.
Slice enough challah so you have 8 slices total.
Measure out all remaining ingredients as listed on the ingredients list.
Step 2 – Macerate Fruit
Add the strawberries to a medium bowl with the granulated sugar. Stir to combine.
Place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, up to overnight.
Step 3 – Cook
Add the eggs to a large, shallow baking dish. Beat with a whisk to combine.
Whisk in cinnamon, nutmeg, buttermilk, and vanilla until combined.
Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to a large skillet. Place over medium heat and melt the butter, tilting to coat the pan.
Soak bread, two slices at a time, in the egg mixture. Flip once, soaking until drenched but not falling apart, about 1-2 minutes per side.
Place two slices of bread in the hot pan at a time. Work in batches, cooking until browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan between each set of slices, repeating until all of the bread slices are coated and cooked.
Set aside and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
Step 4 – Make Mascarpone Filling
Add mascarpone and powdered sugar to a medium bowl. Stir well until combined.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the chilled strawberries from the bowl. Be sure to drain them well, or the filling will get runny.
Add to the mascarpone mixture and stir to combine.
Step 5 – Stuff and Serve
Spread 1/2 cup of the strawberry mascarpone filling between two slices of cooked French toast. Repeat with the rest of the filling and bread slices.
Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup.
Make It a Brunch Buffet
When you want to serve this dish to a crowd, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply make the stuffed French toast and add them all to a platter, doubling the recipe as needed. Dust the entire platter with powdered sugar.
Set this out with a side of maple syrup and any other toppings that you might enjoy, such as additional sliced strawberries and fresh whipped cream. Guests can take what they want, along with whatever else you have available for your brunch buffet spread.
Do you need more ideas for delicious homemade French toast? Check out these recipes:
- Overnight Raspberry & Chocolate French Toast Casserole
- Sourdough Banana Bread French Toast
- Berry Breakfast Bake
What special occasion would you serve this French toast at? Tell us in the comments below and be sure to come back to rate the recipe once you try it.
Photos by Meghan Yager, © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Originally published by Lynne Jaques on March 3, 2014. Last updated: September 16, 2023 at 17:14 pm.
Nutritional information derived from a database of known generic and branded foods and ingredients and was not compiled by a registered dietitian or submitted for lab testing. It should be viewed as an approximation.
About Meghan Yager
Meghan Yager is a food addict turned food and travel writer with a love for creating uncomplicated, gourmet recipes and devouring anything the world serves up. As the author of the food and travel blog Cake 'n Knife, Meghan focuses on unique foodie experiences from around the world to right at home in your own kitchen.
This looks delicious! I really want to try to make this on the weekend. So excited! I’ve never had stuffed french toast.
I’m thinking about trying this with peach slices this weekend, looks delicious.
I love french toast, and treat myself once every couple of weeks to french toast with cinnamon and walnuts. But again, you have surprised me with your take on this classic, I have never seen marscarpone and strawberries in combination as a stuffing.
Having said that i had trashed breads and loaves a long long time ago, i believe once in a whole while leniency can serve its purpose, this is one of those situations, that french toast looks mighty delicious from where i am {staring is rude and in this case i can’t help it}….this is the best way to brighten up a chilly cold dull morning…a definite must try.
I have made similar stuffed french toast with a hot pocket sandwich maker. Have to say this looks much more appetizing. We always use texas toast to make ours. It can be quite filling as you can expect. Love this recipe, I will have to try it out soon. My boys love strawberries.
Can I ask what is texas toast? I’ve never heard of it…
Texas Toast is a type of bread you can buy in the bread aisle of the grocery store sometimes. It comes in an orange bag, at least the brand I’ve seen. It’s sliced nice and thick and makes great french toast bread to really absorb all that goodness.
Looking at this made my mouth water.
I love strawberries and french toast!
This would take care of my breakfast and sweet tooth.
I think it would make a great brunch.
Same here! The pictures on this blog always make me salivate at the mouth. I think it looks amazing! Can’t wait to make it. I’m sure it will be yummy!
I have never tried marscarpone or stuffed french toast. It does look good. All your food looks good! I would love to make this for brunch one of these days.
I was just thinking how everything looks so good. So good in fact, that it makes me hungry when I visit here. This recipe is no exception.
I haven’t had the marscarpone either, but I have had stuffed French Toast with cream cheese. This looks and sounds even yummier. I’ve never tried making it stuff though, so I’ll have to try my hand.
This look so delicious. My husband is a huge strawberry fan. This would be excellent to try. I did have to look up what marscarpone cheese was. (On a side note does anyone know where to find the cheese and how much it usually costs?) It does look like fun.
French toast is french toast! How much more if there are strawberry preserves, powdered sugar and marscarpone cheese?? I am so thankful for sharing this recipe. The photo looks really yummy. A delicious way to start my day. I am craving for it! I would definitely prepare this during holidays or special celebrations!
I feel like I should make this as soon as possible! I’m going to try it with cream cheese and plain milk, though. I don’t have the patience to wait for a grocery trip!
My family is going to like me today! A perfect little brunch.
And, hey. I use whatever bread I have for french toast. French toast snobs may say you need thick, crusty bread, but they lie. 😉
That sounds absolutely amazing. It is very difficult to hangout on this site on an empty stomach but at least it gives me a very good reason to hop into the kitchen. This doesn’t seem too difficult to make. I look forward to giving it a shot,
This sounds amazing. I LOVE french toast, but my husband doesn’t. Where at Disneyland did you eat stuffed french toast? We are going in the fall. I have eaten AMAZING french toast at Storyteller’s in the Grand Californian, but it wasn’t stuffed. I prefer cherries to strawberries, but it definitely seems that would be an easy substitute in this recipe.
I just printed this to make on Sunday for breakfast! I can’t wait!
I need this! I love strawberries with cream cheese or cheesecake so I know I will like this combo. I have a few bins of strawberries in the fridge now. I think this will be what I use them for.
This looks and sounds delicious! My five year old is really into princess everything. I think I am going to make this with her, serve it on Disney princess plates, and tell her it’s what princesses have for breakfast. She will love it!
I made this recipe this morning for brunch and it was a big hit! I will definitely be making it in the future. The mascarpone with fresh fruit was delicious. I love french toast so I ate mine so quickly, lol. Thanks for the recipe!
I could not have picked a worse time to stumble upon this article: right now, I’m waiting ravenously for lunch to be served, and seeing that mouth-watering image of the stuffed French toast did absolutely nothing to appease my grumbling stomach. Its settled then: tomorrow, I shall have stuffed toast for breakfast! Thank you for sharing this amazing dish with us!
I am definitely going to have to try this out tomorrow morning. We have some strawberries left and this looks absolutely delicious. I only hope mine will turn out as great as these look!
This dessert just oozes with creamy and fruity goodness. I find it really practical and economical but at the same time classy. It’s rare for dishes to combine all these elements in one go but your Strawberry Marscarpone Stuffed French Toast is more the exception than the rule. Keeping this recipe for the near future.
I’m a huge fan of Bob Evan’s Stuffed French Toast. All time favorite right there. I have tried on many occasions to make it and have always failed miserably. I love being in the kitchen and creating all sorts of things but this is one food that I struggle with. My husband says i’m too picky and “it’s fine”. oh how I hate that. I want it to be more than “fine”. I want an experience. After seeing this recipe and the beautiful photos, i am motivated to give it another try. Thanks for sharing!
Even though it seems delicious, for me I think it is too sweet to eat for breakfast. But for kids, it’s perfect. I have two nephews and the first thing they ask for in the morning is candy or icecream! As far as I know there are only three breakfast posts and I’d love to see more breakfast recipes on foodal, because lately I’ve been wanting to switch things up, and not eat the same morning meals everyday.
I love stuffed french toast, it’s one of my favorite things to make. It’s even better to scarf down if it tastes super yummy. This might be too sweet for me for breakfast but I will still try it out.
I’m sure that my niece will love this when she comes to visit. She loves french toast but I don’t know if she has ever had stuffed french toast before. It will be a nice surprise. She loves strawberries!
This recipe looks amazingly delicious! Have you tried making it with a different kind of berry? I have a whole bunch of blackberries in my freezer from the summer picking and I am tempted to make this stuffed french toast with them!
I think it could also taste good with blueberries or raspberries as well!
Omg, this looks sooooo good!!! I haven’t had french toast since I was a kid vacationing at Disney World. I’m definitely going to have to give this a try. You’ve actually persuaded me to take an unplanned trip to the grocery store tonight so that I can make this tomorrow. I’m hoping that my store will have this cheese. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it before in the cheese section. But I have my fingers crossed. 🙂
we enjoyed this recipe as we’ve had this dish in the past and always thought it would be one worth trying out. It was very simple overall. Ours did not turn out as pretty as your picture but it was very, very tasty. Maybe we’ll work on the looks next time we make it! Thanks for a great recipe.
The photo you chose for the article is what drew me to it even before I read the title; I knew I had to know what this beautiful dish was and how I could make it. I’ve never actually had stuffed French toast (I had no idea it existed) but now after reading through this article my mouth is truly watering for it!
Thank you for this recipe! I wasn’t a fan of stuffed French toast of any kind until I had some during this summer. They contained marscarpone cheese and were decadently delicious. I’ve thought about that breakfast over the past few months so imagine how pleased I am to find your easy recipe. The French toast I ate, if my memory serves me correctly, contained bananas. I’m concerned about using strawberries because of their water content after chilling them in sugar. I wouldn’t want a watery taste.
This looks sinful. And delicious! I’m more of a raspberry and chocolate person myself, but I would switch over in an instant to this marvel. Only problem is I’ve never seen “marscarpone cheese” in the places I shop… Only ready-made marscarpone products that don’t look this good, to be honest. But maybe I could just use the basic idea of french toasts and strawberry goodness to make a strawberry and creamcheese mix, who knows.
Oh my goodness! This looks amazing! I can’t wait to try this and just in time for my husband’s birthday! I’ve been searching for something special for him, he’s turning 39 this weekend and he has been sick with a nasty cold. So, I wanted to make this birthday special since he’ll be stuck in bed. The moment I saw this picture I knew exactly what I wanted to do for my hubby: surprise breakfast in bed!!!
When I first saw that I thought it was a strawberry short cake. Either way it looks good. I have always just had regular plain or buttermilk pancakes with syrup, nothing special really. I would love to add more to mine though and this looks like a great recipe for that.
This looks delicious!! I was just watching a documentary marathon about Disney theme-parks and Cruise ships.
I can only imagine what kinds of good foods are served.
Buttermilk in french toast? That’s new to me, all I use: eggs and seasoning (and bread of course). Most of the time I don’t even use regular milk to make french toast. I might try the buttermilk just to see how it makes things taste.
Years ago I saw a show with Samantha Brown in it where she was traveling somewhere, and at one of her stops she had strawberries and what I think was mascarpone cheese. I have wanted to try something like this since then, but I hadn’t thought about it for awhile. The picture here reminded me of it, so I clicked on. So glad I did, and I can’t wait to make this!!
I have been looking for a recipe for a cooking class with my daughter and her friend. The girls have been undecided on suggestions I have made. This looks perfect! I have never used marscarpone cheese. I look forward to trying something new.
How could I never have tried this before?? French toast is awesome, strawberries are awesome and mascarpone, although expensive, is awesome. Guess I know what I’m making for breakfast tomorrow.
Oh, wow. I saw the picture before I decided to read the article & I almost died. I love stuffing my french toast. The ‘craziest’ direction I went: Goat cheese. Love this idea & I’m putting it to good use this weekend. I have PLENTY of strawberries. I won’t skimp.
I cater my entire menu around what my family likes. I am just not a picky water, but I do have my favorites. I am making these for me. Not to sound selfish, but they’ll be lucky if I share at all.
I like the whole concept of this recipe. I love breakfast and when I am in the mood for a sweet breakfast I would go for something like this. Stuffed French toast seems like a decadent treat! I do not like strawberries so I think I would substitute raspberries, and it would be totally delicious…have to make a note to add the ingredients to my shopping list!
It has been many years since I had French toast. I used to love it when my mother prepared it. I never made it on my own. This looks so satisfying and I want to make this recipe. It is a great season for strawberries here, and I am a much better cook these days; ready for new adventures.
I will be adjusting it to vegan with silken tofu in place of eggs. I can use my choice of plant milk and add the flavor I desire. I think almond milk will be nice with the strawberries. My cheese will be soy based, seasoned and creamy.
How fortuitous that I stumbled upon this recipe prior to my grocery store trip. I have strawberries on hand, which is unusual, but not the mascarpone, so I’m adding that to my shopping list. The recipe looks delicious. I will probably add the maple syrup, like your husband, so I’ll keep the sweet ingredients to your half measurements, as listed in the recipe.
This looks so great! I bet my husband would love this! There’s now mascarpone in our area, is there a substitute? would cream cheese do?
So I just started scrolling through the recipes tag, land on the breakfast category and oh my God my mouth started watering at that gorgeous picture thumbnail. I mostly eat strawberries when it’s their season around here, during May and early June, so will keep this recipe in the backlog! I personally don’t see myself overdoing it with maple syrup, but chocolate – you best bet I’m adding quarter of a jar of chocolate spread to this mix. Yum!
French toast was my favorite when I was a kid. I missed this version. It looks seriously rich. Sweetness with cheese and bread. Not to be too over the top funny, but I think that is illegal. Lol, come on now. This is just some serious comfort food. I don’t know why we didn’t have stuff like this when I was young. We certainly had a ton of sweets. I think my family will fall in love with this one.
French toast is easily one of my favorite breakfasts, and I’m definitely trying this out. It looks quite rich, but I think the taste will make up for it. I love marscarpone cheese, as it’s lovely with sweet dishes too. Strawberries are always a summer favorite. Thanks for this recipe, can’t wait to give it a go!
I just wanted to comment that I had a delightful surprise a few weeks back. A dear friend of mine took me shopping, but before we hit the mall she treated me to breakfast at a new place in the city I had a dish like this one it was so absolutely yummy. I told my husband about it, and we are planning on going back soon.
Ohh damn! I can not wait to try make this! It looks like the perfect “breakfast in bed” treat that everyone should treat their significant other to every once in awhile! Thank you for the idea, I know for a fact that she loves both strawberries and french toast!
Absolutely can’t wait to try this, looks so delicious!
I made this recipe a while back and it was so delicious. This recipe tastes so much than any stuffed french toast I have tried, even at IHOP.
I tried these before and they were amazing. So easy to make too.
I can’t wait to make this! I think I just might have to do it Christmas morning this year. The red and white combination seems perfectly festive, and it looks fairly simple to begin with. Thanks so much for sharing this!
Now I must up my french toast game. I love the idea that it is kind of “stuffed”. Now I’m thinking about all the fillings I could be making. The trip to Disney land must have been a blast. I would like to go there with my siblings since I don’t have any kids.
I am a HUGE stuffed French Toast fan. This looks delicious and I am going to make it ASAP!
Oh wow Lynne! This is the most beautiful and delicious looking French toast I’ve ever seen! My favorite part of the dish is that the French toast is stuffed (LOL) and that it appears so easy to make. I had never heard of marscarpone cheese before. It looks so very creamy! I’m dying to give it a try all on it’s own (I’m a total cheese lover and always looking for different types of cheese I’ve never tried). The furthest I’ve gone with stuffed French toast, is eating it at IHOP, so I’m looking forward to taste this culinary delight.
A great variation on regular French toast, and it will be great with all kinds of berries, blueberries, raspberries or a mixture of different berries. Of course strawberries are one of my favorites. I also love cinnamon and honey French toast. I will give this a try once I can get my hands on some strawberries.
I was looking for the perfect breakfast to make for valentine’s day and I came upon this recipe. Its creamy, it has strawberries. It was perfect! I noticed that it was pretty sweet, so I used my special trick to make the french toast… Salted butter. My family loves the buttery flavor and the salt in it cuts the sweetness of the sugar without ruining the flavor. I use real butter too, since substitutes only make the french toast stick to the pan and they break. I did not want that. I learned to measure using nutmeg since it can overpower the flavor of the toast. The strawberries I used were nice and ripe so it all blended well. This was fun to make and proved to be “berry” filling (pardon the pun). But in all seriousness, its needless to say that it was the perfect breakfast choice. I would even dare to make it as desert someday.
Stuffed french toasts reminds mean of a warm bagel with blueberry cream cheese. I adore french toast with powdered sugar and maybe a few strawberries. The powdered sugar makes me excited. For example when they pour it on a funnel cake at the fair.
Oh my GOODNESS! I absolutely love french toast but my favorite fruit is strawberries hands down. This recipe is a winner. I definitely will have to mimic this recipe and maybe add another fruit with it. My husband isn’t a fan of breakfast food but he love sweets so maybe I can get him to eat this. Well done!
Never had a Strawberry Marscarpone Stuffed French Toast before, so I bet the experience is interesting…
Ooh! This recipe seems to fit perfectly for a tea party or a picnic. It’s unfortunate that strawberries are so hard to get in my area (The Philippines is a tropical country, unfortunately…). I’ll keep in this mind for the near future.
I wonder what drinks would complement this treat. I’m thinking of tea or coffee, but there’s got to be a specific, right? Any suggestions?
On a trip to iHop with a group of friends a while ago I ordered stuffed french toast and have had it on my mind since.I just couldn’t (and still can’t) get over the idea of taking french toast (already a favorite of mine) and making it even more delicious! Especially by stuffing it. The possibilities are endless! At the restaurant mine was stuffed with a cream-cheese icing but I love the idea of using fruit and marscarpone to cut down on the sugar. Thank you so much for sharing this, I’ve been on the hunt for a decent stuffed french toast recipe and it looks like I’ve found the one.
I also was on Disneyland on August of 2013! And I still remember how everything used to taste like… Yum! I’m a big French toast enthusiast but I have never tried them out with strawberries, the last time that I tried them it was with blueberries and cranberries, it wasn’t really a mixture of it, they were on the top of the toast, but still they were amazing. I really need to try this recipe out, it seems like a perfect idea for Sunday breakfast.
One of my favorite things to order from iHop is strawberry stuffed french toast. Nothing beats it! Its simply heaven. Coming across this recipe brings me joy. I will be making this very soon, and I absolutely can’t wait.
My kids would lose their minds if I made this. We all love French toast, but when it’s stuffed with strawberries then it has gone to another level. I might try it over the holiday season, but when strawberry season comes back around, this will surely be a presence at the breakfast table.
This was wicked, decadent, and almost sinful. We loved it!
★★★★★