Name: French Toast Dreams
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting; 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract, divided; 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided; 12 (1-oz.) day-old white or brioche bread slices, crusts removed; 2/3 cup whole milk or half-and-half; 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar; 1 tsp. ground cinnamon; 4 large eggs; Unsalted butter, for greasing; Maple syrup, for serving

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Short description
French Toast Dreams are little bites of heaven for breakfast or brunch! These bite-sized sandwiches are stuffed with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling and cooked to golden perfection in a custardy, cinnamon-coated crust. Served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup, these dreamy French toasts will make every morning feel special.

French Toast Dreams

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these French Toast Dreams take a classic dish and elevate it into something extra indulgent. The combination of the sweetened cream cheese filling with the warm, cinnamon-soaked bread gives each bite a rich, creamy center and a perfectly crispy outside. They’re easy to make and perfect for serving a crowd. Plus, they’re versatile — you can swap ingredients or add toppings to make them your own!

Ingredients

1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract, divided
1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
12 (1-oz.) day-old white or brioche bread slices, crusts removed
2/3 cup whole milk or half-and-half
2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
4 large eggs
Unsalted butter, for greasing
Maple syrup

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 1 minute. Then, I added powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, mixing until it was combined and fluffy, which took about another minute.
Assemble sandwiches: I spread 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture on half of the bread slices, then topped them with the remaining slices. I cut each sandwich into 4 equal squares to yield 24 small sandwiches.
Make custard: In a shallow dish, I whisked together whole milk, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, eggs, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 3/4 teaspoon salt until well combined.
Cook sandwiches: I heated a nonstick griddle to 325°F (or a large nonstick skillet over medium heat) and lightly greased it with butter. I dipped each sandwich, one at a time, into the custard mixture, quickly flipping to coat both sides. Then, I cooked them in batches until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. I transferred the cooked sandwiches to a plate, dusted them with powdered sugar, and served them warm with maple syrup for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 10 to 12 servings and takes about 30 minutes in total. The prep and cooking time both take around 30 minutes, making it an easy and quick treat to whip up in the morning.

Variations

I love changing up this recipe depending on what I’m in the mood for:

Bread: I can swap the white or brioche bread for challah or cinnamon raisin bread.
Filling: If I want a different twist, I can replace the cream cheese with mascarpone or add a little almond extract, lemon zest, or even some spice like nutmeg or cardamom.
Additions: I sometimes mix in fresh berries, mini chocolate chips, or toasted nuts before cutting the sandwiches. Or, I add a layer of jam or Nutella for an extra flavor boost.
Toppings: For something even more decadent, I like to drizzle the French toast dreams with honey, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce, and serve them with whipped cream, fresh berries, or caramelized bananas.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers (which is rare!), I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I either place them in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil, or reheat them in the microwave or stovetop with a bit of butter until they’re warm and crispy again.

FAQs

How do I keep French toast from becoming soggy?

I avoid oversoaking the bread in the custard. A quick dip on each side is enough to get that golden brown crust without making the bread soggy.

How do I know when the French toast is ready?

The French toast is ready when it’s golden brown on both sides and springs back to the touch. It should also feel firm to the touch, not mushy.

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes! You can use any hearty bread like challah, cinnamon raisin, or even a sturdier white bread. Just make sure it’s day-old, so it soaks up the custard without falling apart.

How can I make the filling a bit more interesting?

To add more flavor to the cream cheese filling, I sometimes mix in extracts like almond or add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also fold in fresh fruit like mashed berries or even chocolate chips!

Can I prepare French toast dreams ahead of time?

I like to prep the cream cheese filling and assemble the sandwiches the night before. Then, I store them in the fridge overnight and just dip and cook them in the morning. You can also prepare the custard in advance and store it in the fridge.

Conclusion

French Toast Dreams are a fun and indulgent twist on traditional French toast. With a creamy filling, a cinnamon-sweet custard soak, and a crisp, golden exterior, these bite-sized delights are perfect for breakfast or brunch. Plus, they’re versatile, allowing me to play with different ingredients and toppings to suit my mood. Whether I’m making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re always a hit!