Description
This Cream Cheese Stuffed Blackberry Compote French Toast is a decadent breakfast treat featuring thick slices of brioche or challah bread stuffed with whipped cream cheese and optionally blackberry compote. The bread is dipped in a lightly spiced egg and milk mixture, pan-fried to a golden brown, then served topped with warm, tangy blackberry compote and a dusting of powdered sugar for a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices thick, rich bread (brioche or challah)
- 8 ounces whipped cream cheese
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups skim milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Powdered sugar, for garnish
- Optional: ¼ cup blackberry compote, for stuffing
For the Blackberry Compote:
- 12 ounces blackberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Make the Blackberry Compote: In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, sugar, and water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to boil.
- Thicken the Compote: Stir in the cornstarch and continue boiling briefly until the compote thickens. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until desired thickness is achieved, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, skim milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Assemble the Stuffed French Toast: Spread whipped cream cheese evenly on one side of each bread slice. Optionally, spread 1 tablespoon of the cooled blackberry compote over the cream cheese for extra flavor.
- Heat the Pan and Butter: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing it for frying the French toast sandwiches.
- Dip and Cook: Carefully dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Place 2 sandwiches at a time in the hot skillet.
- Fry Until Golden: Cook each side for about 2 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, adding more butter as needed for the remaining sandwiches.
- Serve: Serve the warm French toast immediately, drizzled with additional warm blackberry compote and dusted with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation and extra sweetness.
Notes
- Use thick slices of brioche or challah bread for the best texture and ability to hold the filling.
- For a richer flavor, substitute whole milk or half-and-half instead of skim milk.
- The blackberry compote can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently before serving.
- Adjust the cinnamon amount to your taste preference or try adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute the eggs with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy cream cheese and milk.
- Be careful when dipping the sandwiches to avoid oversaturating so they hold together well during cooking.
