Cocoa Berry Cream French Toast

This French toast is as fantastic as it sounds...and looks if I might add. I saw this recipe for Tiriamsiu French Toast on How Sweet It Is, but since coffee isn't my thing I decided to change it up a bit. My favorite part about this is the Neufchatel/cream cheese on top. It just can't get any better than that. This French toast will rock your world so you better try it now while strawberries are still in season!


Cocoa Berry Cream French Toast

8 1-inch slices of French bread

4 whole eggs

1/4 cup half and half or cream

1/2 Tbsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. cocoa powder

1 tsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

2 Tbsp. butter, split

Topping

1/2 cup Neufchatel (less fat) or cream cheese

1/2 tsp. cocoa powder

1/2 Tbsp. honey (I used huckleberry honey)

maple syrup for serving

sliced strawberries for serving

1.    Slice one loaf of French bread into 1-inch thick slices. In a bowl, combine eggs, cream, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon and 1/2 tsp. cocoa powder and whisk together. Lay bread in dish and let soak in the egg mixture for about 30 seconds each side.

2.    Heat a skillet on medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Add French toast and fry until golden brown. Flip (adding more butter if needed, use your judgment) and fry on other side. Repeat with remaining slices of bread and tablespoon of butter.

3.    Mix Neufchatel or cream cheese with honey and remaining ½ tsp. cocoa powder and spread on French toast slices while warm. Sprinkle with cocoa powder and serve with syrup and sliced strawberries.