Double Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake French Toast

I made cheesecake-stuffed chocolate-cherry French toast for a kid’s tenth birthday breakfast catering job. Slices of brioche stuffed with sweetened cream cheese and cherry preserves, dipped in a chocolate-cocoa custard, pan-fried, dusted with powdered sugar. Reimbursement $50 tip $40.

The recipe is below.

Double Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake French Toast

Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 slices thick brioche or Texas toast
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup cherry preserves
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• Whipped cream and fresh cherries, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the filling. In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
2. Assemble the sandwiches. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on 4 slices of bread. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cherry preserves over the cream cheese on each slice. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, then top each with a second slice of bread, pressing gently to seal.
3. Make the egg wash. In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until fully combined and smooth with no dry cocoa streaks remaining.
4. Dip the sandwiches. One at a time, dip each stuffed sandwich into the chocolate egg wash, letting it soak for about 20–30 seconds per side so the bread absorbs the mixture without falling apart.
5. Cook the French toast. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook 2 sandwiches at a time for 3–4 minutes per side, until the exterior is set, deeply golden, and the chocolate coating looks slightly crisped. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter for the second batch.
6. Serve. Slice each sandwich diagonally and serve warm, topped with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh cherries if you have them. Eat immediately — this is not a recipe that waits.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 520 | Protein: 13g | Fat: 24g | Carbs: 65g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 390mg