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Creamy Berry Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast

creamy berry mascarpone stuffed french toast - featured image

A quick and easy breakfast recipe featuring thick-cut brioche or challah bread stuffed with a smooth mascarpone and fresh berry filling, cooked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (about 225 g) mascarpone cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread (about 1-inch thick, day-old preferred)
  • 1 ½ cups (about 225 g) fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), washed and sliced if needed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Maple syrup, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mascarpone filling: In a small bowl, gently whisk together the softened mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  2. Make the custard batter: In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk until fully combined. Add the milk, cinnamon (if using), vanilla extract, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk again until smooth and well blended.
  3. Assemble the stuffed French toast: Lay out the bread slices on a clean surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the mascarpone mixture evenly on one slice of bread, then top with a generous handful of fresh berries. Place another slice of bread on top to form a sandwich. Repeat with remaining slices.
  4. Dip the sandwiches: Preheat your skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Working with one sandwich at a time, dip each side into the custard batter, allowing the bread to soak up some of the mixture but not so much it falls apart. Let excess drip off before placing in the skillet.
  5. Cook the French toast: Place the soaked sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crisp. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning. Add the remaining butter to the pan as you cook more batches.
  6. Serve warm: Transfer the cooked French toast to plates. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and add extra fresh berries on top if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use day-old brioche or challah bread for best results to prevent sogginess. Do not soak bread too long in custard to avoid falling apart. Cook on medium heat to ensure golden crust without burning. Whipping mascarpone filling with a mixer can create a lighter texture. Prepare filling and custard batter the night before for convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast, mascarpone, berries, breakfast, easy recipe, stuffed French toast, brunch, creamy filling