Indulgent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast: The Ultimate Brunch Masterpiece

Experience the delightful fusion of sweet, tart, and utterly luxurious flavors with this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast. This exquisite dish transforms the beloved chocolate-covered strawberry into a magnificent breakfast or brunch sensation, perfect for celebrating special moments like Mother’s Day or hosting an elegant patio gathering.

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Sprouts! As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

There’s an undeniable magic in chocolate-covered strawberries. The way the smooth, rich chocolate contrasts with the juicy, vibrant sweetness of a perfectly ripe strawberry is simply divine. It’s a treat that evokes feelings of romance and indulgence, making it a timeless classic for any special occasion or a delightful personal indulgence.

While I could happily enjoy them at any time of day, a plate of pure chocolate-covered strawberries might not be the most satisfying way to kick off a busy morning. But what if we could capture that irresistible flavor combination and transform it into a breakfast that’s both nourishing and utterly decadent? That was the inspiration behind this incredible stuffed French toast recipe.

Instead of just serving them on the side, I’ve taken all that glorious chocolate and strawberry goodness and folded it into a rich, creamy mascarpone filling. This luscious mixture is then generously tucked between two golden slices of freshly cooked French toast, creating a breakfast experience that truly tastes like you’re savoring a chocolate-covered strawberry, but in an entirely new and exciting way.

This recipe isn’t just about combining flavors; it’s about crafting an experience. Each bite delivers the soft, custardy texture of challah French toast, followed by the sweet burst of macerated strawberries, the delicate tang of mascarpone, and the satisfying richness of chocolate chips. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you feeling completely spoiled, making it an ideal choice for a celebratory brunch or a luxurious weekend treat.

More French Toast Recipes for Every Occasion

If you’re as passionate about French toast as I am, you’ll love exploring other delightful variations. From cozy overnight bakes to elegant single servings, French toast is incredibly versatile. Here are a few more recipes to inspire your next breakfast or brunch:

• Rhubarb Pear French Toast Overnight Casserole: A fantastic make-ahead option perfect for feeding a crowd with seasonal fruit.
• Roasted Plum French Toast with Whipped Ricotta: An elegant and sophisticated twist, highlighting the natural sweetness of roasted plums.
• Ladyfinger French Toast: A lighter, delicate version that’s quick to prepare and feels wonderfully gourmet.

Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links. If purchases are made via these links, I will receive a small commission.

With organic strawberries now back in season at Sprouts Farmers Market, there’s no better time to stock up on these ruby-red gems. I consistently find that Sprouts offers the most incredibly fresh and ripe produce, and their strawberries are no exception. Each berry is bursting with a sweet-tart flavor that’s simply unmatched, making them the star of this stuffed French toast.

These exceptional berries are not only perfect for this indulgent recipe but also make a wonderful healthy snack on their own. I often enjoy them in the afternoon for a refreshing pick-me-up that helps me power through the rest of the workday. Their natural sweetness and vibrant acidity add a delightful dimension to any dish, from simple fruit salads to elaborate desserts.

But let’s dive back into what makes this particular recipe so special, especially for cherished occasions. For my family, Mother’s Day has always revolved around the tradition of a spectacular brunch. It’s a custom we’ve upheld since I was a little girl, a day dedicated to showering my incredible mom with love, and of course, a truly memorable meal. This chocolate-covered strawberry mascarpone stuffed French toast is designed to be that show-stopping dish, guaranteed to bring a smile to any mother’s face and create lasting memories around the breakfast table.

The Essential Ingredients and Tools for This Recipe

To ensure your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast turns out perfectly, having the right ingredients and tools makes all the difference. Quality ingredients truly elevate the final taste, and efficient kitchenware simplifies the process. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• **Organic Strawberries from Sprouts Farmers Market:** These are the heart of our recipe. Their unparalleled lusciousness and ripe flavor are crucial for that sweet-tart balance. Each berry is a beautiful ruby jewel, promising exceptional taste and freshness, directly impacting the deliciousness of your filling.
• **Cast Iron Skillet:** While any skillet will work, a well-seasoned cast iron skillet is my personal favorite, just like my grandmother’s. It provides superior heat retention and distribution, ensuring your French toast cooks evenly to a beautiful golden-brown crust while remaining tender on the inside. It’s an investment that pays dividends in perfectly cooked meals.
• **Clongs (Click-Lock Tongs):** Forget fiddly tongs that make a mess. These innovative tongs are designed to stand up off your counter, keeping your workspace clean and hygienic. They’re incredibly handy for flipping French toast, tossing macerating strawberries, and generally managing ingredients with ease.
• **Professional Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls:** A good set of sturdy mixing bowls is indispensable in any kitchen. You’ll need them for macerating the strawberries, whisking the egg batter for the French toast, and, of course, for whipping up that creamy, dreamy mascarpone filling. Stainless steel is durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t retain odors.

How to Create This Delectable Stuffed French Toast

Making this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast is a delightful process that’s simpler than you might imagine. Follow these steps to achieve a truly impressive and delicious brunch:

Preparing the Strawberries: Maceration Magic

The first crucial step is to macerate your fresh, sliced strawberries. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Gently stir them together until the sugar begins to coat the fruit. Macerating the strawberries allows them to release their natural juices, creating a wonderfully flavorful syrup and softening the fruit for a more tender texture in the filling. This process significantly enhances their sweetness and brings out their vibrant aroma, making them even more irresistible.

Crafting and Cooking the Challah French Toast

Next, prepare the rich batter for your French toast. In a shallow dish, whisk together large eggs, a touch of lemon zest, warm cinnamon, creamy buttermilk, and fragrant vanilla extract. The lemon zest brightens the flavor, while buttermilk adds tenderness. Once your batter is ready, generously dip slices of challah bread, ensuring each side is fully saturated but not soggy. Challah bread is ideal for French toast due to its rich, eggy texture that absorbs the batter beautifully and toasts to a golden perfection. Cook the battered challah slices in a buttered skillet over medium heat until they are beautifully browned and cooked through on both sides. Keep the cooked slices warm while you proceed to the next step.

Whipping Up the Creamy Mascarpone Filling

While your French toast is cooking, prepare the decadent filling. First, gently drain any excess liquid from your macerated strawberries to prevent the filling from becoming too watery. In a separate medium bowl, combine soft mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and your choice of chocolate chips. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, carefully fold in the drained strawberries. The mascarpone offers a subtle, rich creaminess that perfectly complements the sweet and slightly tart strawberries and the chocolate.

Assembling and Serving Your Stuffed French Toast

Once both your French toast and filling are ready, it’s time for assembly. Take two warm slices of cooked French toast and generously spread a hearty amount of the strawberry mascarpone filling onto one slice. Place the second slice on top, creating a delicious sandwich. Repeat this process with the remaining French toast and filling. To finish, dust your stuffed French toast with a light coating of powdered sugar for an elegant touch and drizzle generously with pure maple syrup. Serve immediately for the best experience, perhaps with extra fresh strawberries or a side of whipped cream.

Can I Prepare the Macerated Strawberries in Advance?

Absolutely! Preparing the macerated strawberries ahead of time is a fantastic way to streamline your morning prep and deepen the flavors. Simply combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar in a bowl, stir, and cover it tightly. You can then store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This allows ample time for the strawberries to release their juices and become wonderfully tender and flavorful. However, avoid letting them sit for longer than 48 hours, as they might start to lose their freshness and texture.

Can the Mascarpone Filling Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, the creamy mascarpone filling can also be prepared in advance, making your brunch morning even more relaxed. Once your strawberries have macerated, drain off any excess liquid thoroughly to prevent the filling from becoming too thin. Then, mix them with the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and chocolate chips. Store the prepared filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one full day. When you’re ready to assemble, simply give it a gentle stir before spreading it generously between your fresh French toast slices.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Chocolate Covered Strawberry French Toast

Elevate your stuffed French toast with these helpful tips and creative variations:

• **Chocolate Choices:** Don’t limit yourself to semi-sweet chocolate chips! For a bolder flavor, try dark chocolate chips. If you prefer a sweeter, creamier profile, white chocolate chips would be a delightful alternative and visually striking against the red strawberries. You could even use a mix of chocolates for an interesting blend of flavors.
• **Garnish for Glamour:** To make your French toast truly show-stopping, always have powdered sugar and maple syrup at the ready. A generous dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant, snowy finish, while a drizzle of warm, golden maple syrup provides the classic sweetness that French toast craves. Consider adding a few extra fresh strawberry slices or a dollop of whipped cream for an even more enticing presentation.
• **A Special Mother’s Day Treat:** This recipe is truly perfect for a Mother’s Day surprise. Get the kiddos involved in the simpler steps, like mixing the filling or dusting the finished toast. Imagine bringing mom this beautiful breakfast in bed! Enhance the celebration by serving it alongside a fresh cup of coffee or even treating mom to a mimosa (or three!). For an extra festive touch, pair it with a vibrant strawberry champagne cocktail.
• **Bread Selection:** While challah is highly recommended for its richness, brioche is another excellent choice that yields similarly soft and flavorful French toast. If neither is available, a thick-sliced artisan white bread or even Texas toast can work, just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling.
• **Temperature Control:** Cooking French toast over medium heat is key. Too high, and the outside will burn before the inside cooks through; too low, and it will absorb too much butter and become greasy. A consistent medium heat ensures a beautiful golden crust and a soft, cooked interior.

Save this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast recipe for later!

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast

Sweet and tart, this sultry stuffed French toast is full of spring flavor and rich chocolate. It’s like eating a chocolate covered strawberry for breakfast!

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Additional Time:
1 hr

Total Time:
1 hr 35 mins

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Equipment

• Le Creuset Stoneware Rectangular Dish
• Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet
• Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 2 cups Sprouts strawberries tops removed and sliced
• 1/8 cup Sprouts granulated sugar
• 1 8- oz container mascarpone cheese
• 1/8 cup Sprouts powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup Sprouts semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the French Toast

• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp Sprouts cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp fresh lemon zest
• 1/8 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 slices Sprouts Challah bread
• 4 Tbsp Sprouts unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Extra semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

• Combine the sliced strawberries with the granulated sugar in a medium bowl and stir gently to combine. Place the bowl in the refrigerator, covered, to chill for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the strawberries to properly macerate and release their sweet juices.
• In a shallow, large baking dish, beat the large eggs thoroughly. Add the fresh lemon zest, cinnamon, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Whisk all ingredients together until well combined and smooth. This will be your French toast batter.
• Coat the surface of a large frying pan (preferably a cast iron skillet) with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Place the pan over medium heat and allow the butter to melt, tilting the pan to ensure an even coating across the bottom.
• Dip two slices of challah bread into the egg mixture, flipping once, until each side is fully drenched. This should take approximately 1 to 2 minutes per side to absorb the batter properly without making the bread soggy. Carefully transfer the soaked bread to the hot pan.
• Cook the French toast slices until they are beautifully browned and crisp on one side, typically about 2-3 minutes. Using a spatula, carefully flip the bread over and cook the other side until similarly golden-brown. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan between each batch of slices, then repeat the process of soaking the bread and cooking it until all slices are done. Keep cooked French toast warm.
• In a medium bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until all components are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, thoroughly drain any liquid from the chilled, macerated strawberries and gently fold them into the mascarpone mixture until just incorporated.
• Take two slices of your freshly cooked French toast. Spread approximately 1/2 cup of the delicious strawberry mascarpone filling generously onto one slice, then top with the second slice of French toast to create a sandwich. Repeat this process with the remaining filling and French toast slices.
• To serve, dust the assembled stuffed French toast generously with extra powdered sugar. For an ultimate indulgent experience, drizzle with warm maple syrup and garnish with fresh berries or additional chocolate chips. Serve immediately and enjoy!