If you have a soft spot for sweet, creamy breakfasts that feel like little bites of joy, this Strawberry French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Imagine tender bread rolled around luscious cream cheese and fresh strawberries, dipped in a warm, cinnamon-infused custard, then cooked until perfectly golden and sprinkled with sugar — every bite is a delightful burst of flavor and texture that’s both comforting and fresh. It’s a playful twist on classic French toast that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, perfect for brightening up any morning or weekend brunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, yet each one brings something special to this recipe — from the creamy tang of cream cheese to the natural sweetness and juiciness of fresh strawberries, all wrapped in cozy soft bread and enhanced by fragrant vanilla and cinnamon.
- Soft white bread (8 slices, crusts removed): The perfect canvas that becomes tender and easy to roll.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds a rich, creamy layer that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, diced): Provides juicy bursts of vibrant flavor and beautiful color.
- Large eggs (2): The base for the custard that gives French toast its signature texture.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Lightens and enriches the egg mixture for the perfect soak.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a warm, sweet aroma that envelopes the entire dish.
- Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a gentle spice that enhances every bite.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Used to coat the cooked roll-ups for a lovely crunch and sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): For cooking — it creates a golden, slightly crispy exterior.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): Adds a pretty finishing touch and extra sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by removing the crust from each slice of bread, then use a rolling pin to flatten them gently. This step is key to making the bread pliable enough to roll without tearing. The flattened bread becomes the perfect wrapper for our creamy, fruity filling.
Step 2: Spread the Cream Cheese
Take your softened cream cheese and spread a thin, even layer over each slice of flattened bread. This creamy layer will pair beautifully with the strawberries, creating a luscious balance of flavors and a lovely texture contrast.
Step 3: Add the Strawberries and Roll
Place a spoonful of diced fresh strawberries along one edge of each slice, then carefully roll the bread up tightly around the filling. This creates delightful little parcels that hold all the deliciousness inside while cooking evenly.
Step 4: Make the Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until combined. This mixture is what gives the roll-ups their classic French toast flavor and golden brown color once cooked.
Step 5: Dip the Roll-Ups
Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, making sure to coat all sides well. This ensures every bit gets that rich, slightly spiced custard flavor that makes French toast so irresistible.
Step 6: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Place the roll-ups in the skillet and cook them, turning frequently, until every side is a lovely golden brown — this should take about 4 to 5 minutes. The butter caramelizes the sugar and adds a savory note to this sweet treat.
Step 7: Sugar Coat and Serve
As soon as they come off the skillet, roll the warm French toast roll-ups in granulated sugar to add a sweet, crunchy coating. Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired — it makes them look as delightful as they taste.
How to Serve Strawberry French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
Garnishes
Top your roll-ups with a fresh strawberry slice or two, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of maple syrup or strawberry sauce. A mint leaf can add a pop of color and a refreshing twist that makes the dish pop even more.
Side Dishes
Pair these roll-ups with a side of crispy bacon or savory sausage to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of yogurt can offer a refreshing complement as well, making your breakfast plate colorful and diverse.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the roll-ups on a long platter lined with banana leaves or parchment paper to keep things rustic and inviting. You can also skewer a few on toothpicks for a playful finger-food style breakfast that’s perfect for gatherings or a brunch buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. They’ll still taste great chilled or when gently reheated, making them a satisfying breakfast or snack for the next day.
Freezing
These roll-ups freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to one month, ready for a quick breakfast whenever you need it.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated roll-ups in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispness. You can also microwave them, but be aware the bread may become softer rather than crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even thinly sliced apples or peaches work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to dice them into small pieces to ensure easy rolling.
Is it necessary to remove the bread crusts?
Removing the crusts helps the bread roll up more smoothly and creates a more uniform, tender roll-up. If you prefer, you can leave them on, but the rolling might be a bit trickier.
Can I make these roll-ups vegan?
Yes! Substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based version, use a flaxseed or chickpea egg substitute, and cook with a vegan butter alternative. The result will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the bread from tearing when rolling?
Flattening the bread gently with a rolling pin softens it and makes it more pliable, which greatly reduces tearing. Also, spreading the cream cheese evenly helps everything stick together without strain.
What’s the best way to serve these for a crowd?
Make the roll-ups ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze them, then reheat just before serving. Arrange them on a large platter with several garnish options and a few dipping sauces to please everyone.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe is a cheerful, crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels like a warm hug. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but special enough to showcase at a holiday brunch. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll look forward to mornings in a whole new, delicious way — give it a whirl and enjoy every sweet, creamy bite!
Print
Strawberry French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry French Toast Roll-Ups are a delicious and fun twist on traditional French toast. Soft white bread is filled with creamy cream cheese and fresh diced strawberries, then dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop. Rolled in sugar and optionally dusted with powdered sugar, these roll-ups make a perfect sweet breakfast or brunch treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Bread and Filling
- 8 slices of soft white bread, crusts removed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cooking and Finishing
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Flatten each slice of bread using a rolling pin to make it thin and easy to roll.
- Spread Cream Cheese: Evenly spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese over each flattened bread slice.
- Add Strawberries and Roll: Place a spoonful of diced fresh strawberries along one edge of each bread slice. Carefully roll the bread tightly around the strawberries to form roll-ups.
- Mix Egg Batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
- Dip Roll-Ups: Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, turning to coat all sides thoroughly.
- Cook Roll-Ups: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the coated roll-ups and cook, turning frequently to brown all sides evenly, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Coat with Sugar and Serve: Immediately after cooking, roll each hot roll-up in granulated sugar. Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese before spreading.
- Serve these roll-ups with maple syrup or a strawberry dipping sauce for added sweetness.
