Berries and Cream Stuffed French Toast

I love breakfasts like this! Starting the day with something as sweet and delicious as this French toast makes it a little bit easier to get out of bed.

This stuffed French toast is made easier by layering the ingredients instead of actually stuffing the  the bread. Slices of French bread are place in a baking dish, then topped with a cheesecake like filling and then layered with berries and more slices of bread are placed on top and finally an egg mixture is poured over everything.

Berries and Cream Stuffed French Toast

Ingredients:
French Toast

• 1- 16 ounce loaf fresh French bread
• 7 eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup half and half

Cheese Filling

• 8 ounces reduced fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup + 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed berries
• powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350º F. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Slice the bread into 16 slices.
3. Place 8 slices of bread, in a single layer, into the prepared baking dish.
4. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy about 3 minutes.
5. Add in the vanilla extract, egg and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Mix until well blended.
6. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the bread slices in the baking dish and spread into an even layer.
7. In a large bowl combine the frozen berries and 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar.
8. Even place the berries over the cheese filling.
9. Place the remaining 8 bread slices on top and lightly press down.
10. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, ground cinnamon and vanilla extract until well mixed.
11. Gently whisk in the milk and half and half.
12. Evenly and slowly pour the egg mixture over top of the casserole, making sure all of the bread is coated well.
13. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until lightly browned.
14. Allow to sit for 10-20 minutes before serving.
15. Dust each serving with powdered sugar.

Enjoy!!!

Notes:
You can use a 1/2 cup of fresh blackberries, blueberries and raspberries instead of the frozen mixed berries.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 374
Total Fat		19.5g
Saturated Fat		9.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat		1.5g
Monounsaturated Fat		5.3g
Trans Fat		0g
Cholesterol		230.3g
Sodium		485mg
Potassium		199.6mg
Total Carbohydrates		36.8g
Dietary Fiber		1.2g
Sugars		7.4g
Protein		14.9g
Vitamin A 16.6% Vitamin C 0.72%
Calcium 12.23% Iron 11.73%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Certified Pastry Aficionado.