This fun and tasty French toast combines sweet challah bread with creamy raspberry cheesecake flavors. It’s perfect for a special breakfast or brunch that feels fancy but is super easy to make!
Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want dessert for breakfast? I love serving this with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s a hit with everyone, even my picky eater! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Challah Bread: This sweet and eggy bread is perfect for French toast. If you can’t find challah, brioche works just as well. Both breads soak up the egg mixture nicely and give a tender texture.
Cream Cheese: Go for full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy filling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, spreadable ricotta or mascarpone could work in a pinch too.
Raspberries: Fresh raspberries are best for flavor, but you can swap in frozen ones if needed. Just be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid extra moisture.
Eggs: Large eggs are standard for this recipe. If you have a dietary restriction or wish to make it vegan, you can use a flax or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed/chia + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
How Do I Ensure My French Toast Is Perfectly Soaked Without Getting Soggy?
The key to soaking your challah sandwiches is finding the right balance. You want to soak them thoroughly to absorb flavor, but not so much that they fall apart. Here’s how:
- Dip each sandwich in the egg mixture for about 5-10 seconds per side. The bread should feel moist but not drenched.
- After dipping, let the sandwiches sit for a minute before cooking. This allows excess liquid to drip off and helps them hold together better.
How Can I Get a Nice Golden Brown Color on My French Toast?
Cooking at the right temperature is crucial. If your skillet is too hot, the outside may burn while the inside remains undercooked. Follow these tips:
- Preheat your skillet on medium heat and test it by splashing a few drops of water. They should dance and evaporate quickly.
- Use enough butter to coat the pan evenly. Butter also helps achieve that delicious golden color.
- Flip the sandwiches carefully with a spatula, and don’t rush! Allow each side to cook for 3-4 minutes, adjusting heat as needed.
Enjoy creating this delightful twist on French toast!
How to Make Raspberry Cheesecake Challah French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf of challah bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Butter (for greasing the pan)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious French toast takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. So, you’ll be enjoying this sweet treat in about 35 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the raspberries, taking care not to crush them too much.
2. Slice the Challah:
Take your challah bread and cut it into thick slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. If your bread is fresh, it helps to let it sit out for a couple of hours beforehand so it dries out a bit—this will make it easier to soak.
3. Assemble the French Toast:
Now, spread a generous amount of your cream cheese and raspberry mixture between two slices of challah to make a tasty sandwich. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all your bread and filling!
4. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you’re using it) until everything is evenly mixed and frothy.
5. Soak the Sandwiches:
Dip each stuffed challah sandwich into the egg mixture, letting it soak for a few seconds on each side to absorb the delicious flavors.
6. Cook:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter to coat the pan. Cook the soaked challah sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through. Yum!
7. Serve:
Once cooked, remove the French toast from the skillet and serve it warm. Drizzle with maple syrup and, if you like, garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves for a lovely touch!
Enjoy this delightful variation of French toast that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake with the wonderful texture of challah!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bread?
Absolutely! While challah adds a lovely flavor and texture, you can use brioche or even thick slices of white or whole wheat bread if you prefer. Just make sure the bread can hold up to the soaking process!
How to Adjust for Different Sweetness Levels?
If you like your French toast less sweet, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese filling to 1/4 cup. You can also serve it with less maple syrup or try a sugar-free alternative!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by using a plant-based cream cheese, non-dairy milk, and flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). Just stir the mixture together and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or on a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can also sprinkle them with a little water before reheating to help maintain moisture.
