Ingredients:
Bread:
- 6-8 thick slices of brioche, Texas toast, or challah bread.
Filling:
- 4 oz (1/2 package) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Custard:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or milk alternative of choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Butter: for cooking
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Cinnabon frosting (warmed slightly)
Instructions
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
- Cut pockets in the bread: Using a serrated knife, carefully cut a deep pocket into the side of each bread slice, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff the French toast: Divide the filling evenly among the bread slices, stuffing it generously into the pockets.
- Prepare the custard: In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Dip and cook: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Melt a tablespoon of butter in the pan. Dip each stuffed bread slice into the custard mixture, coating both sides well. Place in the hot skillet/griddle. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat for remaining slices, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
- Serve: Transfer cooked French toast to plates. Top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, warmed Cinnabon frosting, or any other desired toppings. Enjoy immediately!
Tips:
- Bread choice: Brioche, challah, or Texas toast will give the best richness and texture. However, other sturdy breads will work as well.
- Overnight prep: Assemble the stuffed French toast and soak them in the custard overnight in the refrigerator for even more decadent flavor and ease in the morning.
- Baked variation: Instead of frying, layer the soaked Cinnabon stuffed French toast in a greased baking dish, cover, and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30-35 minutes until the custard is set.
- Don’t overstuff: It’s tempting, but overfilling the bread can lead to it splitting while cooking.
