If you’re craving a breakfast treat that feels indulgent but comes together in a flash, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe. These delightful, bite-sized roll-ups offer the perfect balance of fluffy bread, creamy tangy cheese, and sweet, juicy strawberries all wrapped in a golden, cinnamon-kissed coating. They’re a fun twist on classic French toast that’s as comforting as it is impressive, making them ideal for weekend mornings or special brunches with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines through its simplicity, relying on a handful of ingredients that each bring something essential to the table. From the creamy richness of the cheese to the bright pop of fresh strawberries, these components work together to create layers of texture and flavor. Here’s exactly what you’ll want for your kitchen lineup:
- Fresh white sandwich bread: Soft and pliable for easy rolling and the perfect base for soaking up the egg mixture.
- Cream cheese: Provides a luscious, tangy creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the sweet strawberries.
- Fresh strawberries: Adds natural sweetness and a juicy bite that enhances every mouthful.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for frying to a golden, crispy finish without overpowering flavors.
- Eggs: Create the classic French toast custard that delivers richness and structure.
- Milk: Lightens the egg mixture to achieve a perfect soak and tender texture.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with strawberries and cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweetness that elevates the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bread
The first step is all about creating a smooth canvas. Trim the crusts off each slice of bread, then place them on a flat surface and gently flatten using a rolling pin. This makes it much easier to roll up your filling without cracks or breaks, ensuring every bite stays perfectly sealed.
Step 2: Fill and Roll
Spread a thin, even layer of room temperature cream cheese onto each flattened slice. This creamy layer serves as the glue and flavor base. Next, sprinkle a few finely diced strawberries on top for that burst of fruity sweetness inside. Roll the bread up tightly from one edge to the other, pressing lightly along the seam to seal the edges so the filling doesn’t escape during cooking.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. This custard-like mixture is key to that classic French toast flavor and golden crust. Make sure everything is combined smoothly to coat each roll-up evenly.
Step 4: Dip and Cook
Carefully dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, turning to coat every side thoroughly. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and place the roll-ups seam-side down first to help keep them sealed. Cook, turning gently until all sides are beautifully golden brown and slightly crisp. This step locks in the sweet, creamy filling while creating that irresistible crunchy exterior.
Step 5: Serve Warm
These roll-ups are best enjoyed hot from the skillet. For a little extra flair, dust them with powdered sugar or serve alongside maple syrup for dipping. This adds a lovely sweetness and a glossy finish that makes every bite even more irresistible.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
To take your roll-ups to the next level, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of rich maple syrup. Fresh mint leaves or a few sliced strawberries on the side also add a burst of color and freshness that complements the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these delightful roll-ups with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausages for a contrasting flavor adventure. A simple green salad or fresh fruit bowl can also brighten the plate and balance the richness of the cream cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, slice the roll-ups into bite-sized pinwheels and arrange them on a platter for an elegant finger food option. You can even serve them with small dipping bowls filled with whipped cream, berry compote, or flavored syrups to allow everyone to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra roll-ups, they keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just be aware the crust will soften slightly, but refrigeration preserves the freshness of the strawberries and cream cheese.
Freezing
For convenient future breakfasts, you can freeze these roll-ups before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to one month.
Reheating
To reheat, bake frozen or refrigerated roll-ups in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that perfect golden texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While white sandwich bread is ideal due to its softness and pliability, you can experiment with whole wheat or brioche. Just make sure to flatten the slices well to prevent cracking during rolling.
Is it possible to make these roll-ups vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, swap cream cheese for a vegan alternative and use plant-based milk and egg replacers in the egg mixture. Cooking with vegan butter or oil also helps keep the recipe dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare the roll-ups a day ahead of time?
You can assemble the roll-ups and store them covered in the fridge overnight, but it’s best to dip and cook them fresh the next day for optimal texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to prevent the filling from leaking out?
Flattening the bread well and sealing the roll neatly by pressing the edges are essential. Cooking seam-side down first also helps keep everything tucked inside during frying.
Can I add other fruits or fillings?
Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even banana slices work beautifully. You could also experiment with flavored cream cheeses or add a sprinkle of nuts for an extra crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe is one of those rare breakfast treasures that feels special yet is surprisingly simple to make. It’s a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that will brighten up your morning and impress anyone lucky enough to share the table. Give it a try — I promise these roll-ups will quickly become a beloved staple in your brunch lineup!
Print
Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Roll-Ups are a delightful twist on classic French toast. Soft white bread is flattened, spread with creamy cheese and fresh strawberries, then rolled up, dipped in a cinnamon vanilla egg wash, and pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for a fun and delicious breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
Roll-Ups
- 8 slices fresh white sandwich bread
- 2 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 4 large strawberries, finely diced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying)
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep Bread: Trim the crusts off each slice of bread and use a rolling pin to flatten them evenly to make rolling easier.
- Fill & Roll: Spread a thin layer of room temperature cream cheese on each flattened slice. Sprinkle a few finely diced strawberries over the cream cheese. Carefully roll the bread slices tightly and press the edges lightly to seal and prevent filling from spilling out.
- Mix Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Dip & Cook: Dip each cream cheese and strawberry roll-up into the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are coated. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and place the roll-ups seam-side down to cook. Turn them carefully until all sides become golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve Warm: Serve the roll-ups immediately while warm. For extra sweetness, optionally dust with powdered sugar or serve with maple syrup for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to spread easily on the bread.
- Flattening the bread slices helps in rolling them neatly without cracking.
- Cook on medium heat to ensure the inside is warmed without burning the outside.
- These roll-ups are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept warm in a low oven for a short time.
