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- 4 thick slices of brioche or challah bread - 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest - 1/4 cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish) - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup whole milk - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - Maple syrup for drizzling and serving - Mixing bowls - Hand mixer or whisk - Skillet or frying pan - Spatula Gather all these ingredients before you start. It helps make the cooking process smooth. I love using brioche or challah bread for this recipe. Their thick slices soak up the flavors well. The cream cheese gives a rich texture, while the lemon zest adds a bright taste. Fresh blueberries burst with sweetness, making each bite special. You can use regular milk, but whole milk makes it creamier. For tools, you need a mixing bowl to combine your cream cheese and sweeteners. A hand mixer or whisk works great for blending. A skillet is where the magic happens, cooking the sandwiches to golden perfection. Lastly, a spatula helps flip and serve them easily. Having everything ready makes the cooking fun and easy! To start, take a medium bowl. Add 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Then, mix in 1/4 cup of sifted powdered sugar. Next, pour in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth. After this, gently fold in 1/4 cup of fresh blueberries. Be careful not to crush them; you want to keep their shape. Now, grab your thick slices of brioche or challah bread. Take each slice and spread a generous layer of the blueberry cream cheese mixture on one side. Then, place another slice on top to form a sandwich. Make sure the cream cheese mixture is well covered. In a separate bowl, crack 2 large eggs. Add 1/2 cup of whole milk and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk these together until well-mixed and frothy. Next, preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt and coat the bottom of the skillet. Now, dip each sandwich into the egg mixture. Make sure both sides are coated, then let the excess drip back into the bowl. Carefully place the sandwiches in the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them to turn a rich golden brown. When done, transfer the French toast sandwiches to a plate. Top with extra blueberries and maple syrup, then enjoy! Monitor cooking times for ideal crispiness. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes. Check for a rich golden color. If they brown too fast, lower the heat. You want a crisp outside and soft inside. Drizzle with maple syrup and garnish with blueberries. The syrup adds sweetness, while the berries bring freshness. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a lovely finish. Stack with lemon zest for an eye-catching look. Arrange the stacks slightly askew for a fun vibe. Add more blueberries around the plate for pops of color. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes. {{image_4}} You can swap blueberries for other fruits. Try using strawberries, raspberries, or peaches. Each fruit gives a new twist. Strawberries add sweetness, while raspberries give a tart kick. Peaches bring a lovely juiciness and flavor. Experiment with what you love! To make it even better, add spices like nutmeg or cardamom. These spices add warmth and depth. You can also mix in a splash of almond extract for a nutty taste. This small change can really elevate the dish. If you want a vegan option, you can swap cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese. There are many brands available that taste great. For gluten-free needs, choose gluten-free bread. You can still enjoy this treat without worry! To store leftover French toast sandwiches, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain their taste and texture. For the best results when reheating, use a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add a little butter to keep the toast moist. Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side until warm and crispy. You can also use a microwave, but it may not keep the crispiness. You can freeze these sandwiches for later. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to a month. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. Reheat them in a skillet or toaster for the best texture. Yes, you can prepare some parts in advance. You can mix the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest a day before. Store it in the fridge. You can also cut the bread ahead of time. Just assemble the sandwiches and cook them fresh in the morning. This keeps them warm and crispy. If you need a substitute, you can use thick slices of Texas toast or sourdough bread. These options also work well for French toast. They hold the filling nicely and provide a good texture. Just make sure the bread is thick enough for the best result. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. You can find many types at stores today. Ensure your other ingredients, like the powdered sugar and vanilla, are gluten-free too. This way, you can enjoy this tasty treat without worry. Leftovers can last up to three days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat. This helps restore some crispness while warming them through. This recipe for Skillet Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake French Toast blends sweet and creamy with bright notes. We covered the key ingredients and tools you need to succeed. The step-by-step guide ensures you create the best flavor. Remember to monitor your cooking times for that perfect crunch. You can adapt this recipe with different fruits or dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting with new twists! You’ll love serving this dish any day.

Skillet Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake French Toast

Indulge in a delightful breakfast with Skillet Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake French Toast! This easy recipe features layers of sweet, creamy cheesecake between thick slices of brioche, cooked to perfection and topped with fresh blueberries and a drizzle of maple syrup. Perfect for a cozy morning treat, this twist on classic French toast will wow your taste buds. Click to discover the full recipe and enjoy a delicious start to your day!
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Ingredients
  

4 thick slices of brioche or challah bread

1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest

1/4 cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for garnish)

2 large eggs

1/2 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Maple syrup for drizzling and serving

Instructions
 

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Beat together with a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Once mixed, gently fold in the fresh blueberries, taking care not to crush them.

    Spread a generous layer of the blueberry cheesecake mixture onto one side of each slice of brioche, then place another slice on top to create a sandwich.

      In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together with the milk and ground cinnamon until everything is well incorporated and frothy.

        Preheat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the butter, allowing it to melt and coat the bottom of the skillet evenly.

          Dip each cream cheese sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated, then allow any excess mixture to drip back into the bowl.

            Carefully place the coated sandwiches into the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a rich golden brown and have a slightly crispy exterior.

              Once cooked through, transfer the French toast sandwiches to a serving plate. Top them with additional blueberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

                Serve immediately while warm, drizzled with maple syrup for a sweet finish.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 2

                    - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching presentation, stack the French toast sandwiches slightly askew on the plate and sprinkle some lemon zest and blueberries around for color contrast.