Cream Cheese Strawberry French Toast Muffins Recipe

Fluffy Cream Cheese Strawberry French Toast Muffins Recipe

Weekends call for indulgent breakfast treats that spark joy with every homemade cream cheese strawberry French toast muffins bite.

Sweet strawberries dance through soft, creamy muffins that blend classic French toast flavors into a handheld delight.

Each muffin bursts with tangy cream cheese and juicy fruit nestled in a tender crumb.

The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla fills your kitchen, promising a breakfast that feels like a warm hug.

Breakfast just got an upgrade with these irresistible muffins that transform ordinary mornings into something special.

Simple ingredients come together to create a morning masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Bake these delectable muffins and watch smiles spread around the breakfast table.

Serving Strawberry French Toast Muffins

  • Breakfast Companion: Pair these muffins with a crisp fruit salad for a refreshing morning contrast. The bright strawberry notes will complement the creamy french toast texture.
  • Dessert Transformation: Serve these warm muffins as a decadent after-dinner treat. Dust with extra powdered sugar and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Present these on a beautiful platter with fresh mint leaves and extra strawberry slices. They'll be the centerpiece of your family gathering, drawing everyone to the table with their irresistible aroma.
  • Coffee Shop Style: Drizzle additional glaze in artistic patterns and sprinkle chopped nuts on top. This presentation turns the muffins into a café-worthy delicacy that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Storage Tips for Muffins

  • Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they're completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual muffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed muffins in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their fresh-baked texture.
  • Consume within 2 days for optimal taste and texture. The strawberry filling stays freshest when eaten soon after preparation.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen strawberries completely before dicing to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

  • What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Brioche or challah bread are ideal due to their soft texture and ability to absorb egg mixture without falling apart.

  • How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Slightly stale or day-old bread absorbs the egg mixture better and maintains a firmer structure during baking.

  • Is it possible to make these muffins ahead of time?

Prepare the muffins up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Cream Cheese Strawberry French Toast Muffins: Top Features

Cream Cheese Strawberry French Toast Muffins: Top Features
  • Transform Breakfast Routine: Upgrade your morning meal with these innovative French toast muffins that blend classic breakfast comfort with creative presentation.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for brunch gatherings, potlucks, or family brunches where everyone craves something sweet and visually appealing.
  • Customizable Flavor Adventure: Easily swap strawberries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries to match seasonal availability and personal preferences.
  • Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Straightforward recipe with simple steps that even beginner bakers can master, ensuring delicious results without complex techniques.

Ingredients for Strawberry French Toast Muffins

Bread Base:
  • White Bread: Soft bread that creates the muffin structure and absorbs the egg mixture perfectly.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy base that provides rich texture and tangy flavor to the muffin filling.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and subtle tanginess to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Sweet and juicy fruit that brings bright flavor and natural sweetness to the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm and comforting essence.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and balances the fruit's natural tartness.
Egg Mixture Ingredients:
  • Large Eggs: Binding agent that helps create a custardy texture and provides structure.
  • Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy egg mixture.
  • Brown Sugar: Contributes deep caramel-like sweetness and helps with golden browning.
Topping and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds aromatic flavor and complements the sweet ingredients.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze for topping the muffins.
  • Milk: Thins the powdered sugar to create a drizzle-able glaze.

Steps for French Toast Muffin Success

Steps for French Toast Muffin Success

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a pastry brush and lovingly coat your muffin pan with melted butter, creating a golden, non-stick surface.

Grab your bread and a circular cutter – you’ll want a 4-inch cutter for the bottom bases and a 3-inch cutter for the delightful tops.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, whip together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sugar

Blend until silky smooth.

Gently fold in diced strawberries, creating a luscious, fruity filling that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Whip Up the Egg Bath

In another bowl, whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Brown sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until perfectly combined and slightly frothy.

Step 4: Build the Muffin Bases

Dunk the larger bread circles into the egg mixture.

Press these softened rounds into the buttered muffin cups, creating a perfect nest.

Spoon the strawberry cream cheese filling into each base.

Step 5: Crown with Bread Tops

Take the smaller bread circles and give them a quick dip in the egg mixture.

Carefully place these on top of the filling.

Press the edges firmly to create a tight seal.

Step 6: Sprinkle and Bake

Dust the tops with a magical cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Once done, let them cool for 5-10 minutes.

Step 7: Drizzle with Sweet Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until you have a smooth, glossy glaze.

Drizzle this sweet nectar over the cooled muffins, creating a final touch of deliciousness.

Handy Muffin Tips for Best Results

  • Pat strawberries dry before adding to cream cheese filling to reduce excess moisture and maintain crisp muffin bases.
  • Use day-old or slightly stale brioche or challah for better absorption of egg mixture and more structured muffins.
  • Press bread circles firmly around edges to prevent filling from leaking during baking, ensuring neat and intact muffins.
  • Prepare assembled muffins night before and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning for convenient breakfast preparation.
  • Add milk gradually to powdered sugar to control drizzle thickness, ensuring smooth and controllable glaze application.

Muffin Variations for Extra Flavor

  • Berry Bonanza: Replace strawberries with mixed berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a vibrant fruity flavor combination.
  • Tropical Treat: Swap strawberries for diced mangoes or pineapples and add a touch of coconut extract to the cream cheese filling for a tropical-inspired version.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Mix cocoa powder into the cream cheese filling and use chocolate brioche instead of regular bread for an indulgent chocolate-focused variation.
  • Nutty Crunch: Fold chopped almonds or pecans into the cream cheese filling and sprinkle toasted nuts on top before baking for added texture and nutty flavor.
Print
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Cream Cheese Strawberry French Toast Muffins Recipe

Cream Cheese Strawberry French Toast Muffins Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent cream cheese strawberry French toast muffins blend breakfast comfort with elegant dessert charm. Sweet strawberries and creamy cheese create a morning delight that elevates your brunch experience with irresistible simplicity.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients:

  • 12 slices white bread
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk (60 milliliters)
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Filling Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/31/2 cup diced strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Topping & Glaze Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1/41/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 350°F and generously coat a muffin pan with melted butter. Carefully cut bread circles using 4-inch and 3-inch cutters for bases and tops.
  2. Create a luscious filling by blending cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla, and sugar until silky smooth. Gently incorporate diced strawberries into the mixture.
  3. Craft the egg mixture by whisking eggs, milk, brown sugar, and vanilla until thoroughly combined and slightly frothy.
  4. Immerse larger bread circles into the egg mixture, then carefully press them into muffin cups, forming a sturdy base. Generously spoon the prepared cream cheese and strawberry filling into each bread-lined cup.
  5. Dip smaller bread circles into the egg mixture and delicately place them atop the filling. Firmly press the edges to ensure a complete seal, preventing filling from leaking during baking.
  6. Sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon-sugar mixture over the assembled muffins. Bake for 25 minutes until achieving a beautiful golden-brown color. Allow muffins to rest and cool for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven.
  7. Prepare a smooth glaze by whisking powdered sugar and milk until reaching a perfect drizzling consistency. Artfully drizzle the glaze over the cooled muffins, creating an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Select day-old brioche or challah bread for better absorption and sturdier texture when soaking in egg mixture.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature to create smooth, lump-free filling that blends easily with other ingredients.
  • Pat strawberries dry after dicing to prevent excess moisture from making muffin bases soggy during baking.
  • Modify for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free bread and checking vanilla extract for potential gluten contamination.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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