If you’re looking to impress at breakfast or brunch with something both fun and delightfully delicious, the Strawberry French Toast Roll Ups Recipe might just become your new go-to. These bite-sized treasures are soft, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, wrapped in a perfectly golden, cinnamon-tinged exterior. They’re like the ultimate handheld French toast with a fruity, creamy surprise inside, making every bite a little celebration you’ll want to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be a breakfast favorite in your household too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, but each ingredient plays a starring role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the creamy richness of the cream cheese to the fresh pop of strawberries and that subtle hint of cinnamon in the batter, every element makes the Strawberry French Toast Roll Ups Recipe sing.
- White sandwich bread: Use soft, fresh slices, which are easy to roll and soak up just the right amount of egg mixture.
- Fresh strawberries: Diced small for sweet bursts of juicy flavor inside each roll.
- Cream cheese: Softened to a spreadable consistency, creating a silky richness that complements the fruit.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling while adding a smooth texture.
- Large eggs: The base of the custard wash, helping to create the golden crust outside.
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg wash for tender, moist roll ups.
- Granulated sugar: Divided to sweeten both the strawberry mixture and egg bath, balancing tartness and browning nicely.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a dash to infuse warm spice flavor in the batter without overwhelming the strawberries.
How to Make Strawberry French Toast Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Sweeten the Strawberries
Start by tossing the diced fresh strawberries with 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. This simple step helps to draw out their natural juices, making the filling juicy and sweet without being soggy. It also enhances their bright red color, making your roll ups look as good as they taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture balances the natural acidity of the strawberries, adding a velvety texture to each bite. Make sure your cream cheese is nicely softened for easy spreading later on.
Step 3: Assemble the Roll Ups
Gently flatten each slice of bread using a rolling pin, then trim off the crusts to keep the roll ups neat and easy to roll. Spread about a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture along one edge of the bread slice, then add a spoonful of the sugared strawberries on top. Carefully roll the bread over the filling, creating a compact log that seals in the deliciousness, ready for dipping and cooking.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Batter
Whisk together the eggs, milk, remaining 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until fully combined. This mixture will give the roll ups their classic golden brown exterior and a hint of spice that complements the strawberry filling beautifully.
Step 5: Cook the Roll Ups
Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and lightly grease with cooking spray or a small pat of butter. Dip each roll up in the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well coated, then place seam side down on the pan to seal them shut. Cook until each side is evenly browned and the roll up is cooked through, turning gently to get that perfect golden crust all around.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, remove the roll ups from the pan and serve immediately. These are fantastic served simply with a drizzle of syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or some extra fresh strawberries on the side. The first bite will remind you why this Strawberry French Toast Roll Ups Recipe is the breakfast treat you didn’t know you needed.
How to Serve Strawberry French Toast Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar immediately enhances the presentation and sweetness, while fresh strawberry slices add vibrant color and an extra juicy burst. For a hint of indulgence, a drizzle of maple syrup or even whipped cream works wonders to elevate these roll ups to a brunch masterpiece.
Side Dishes
Pair these with a crisp side salad of mixed greens and citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing counterpoint, or keep things cozy with a side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to add savory balance. Fresh fruit bowls or a simple yogurt parfait work beautifully here too, keeping the meal light but satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your breakfast table pop by serving the roll ups sliced into bite-sized pinwheels arranged on a platter with berries scattered around. Alternatively, stack them like mini sandwiches with a dollop of cream cheese and strawberry jam for a playful twist. Kids especially love the fun shapes, making this recipe perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover roll ups (though they rarely stick around), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them from becoming soggy, place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture and help maintain their texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Freeze cooked roll ups on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month. When you’re ready for a quick breakfast, just pop them in the toaster oven or microwave for a warm treat in minutes.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed roll ups gently in a nonstick skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness, or microwave briefly for a soft, quick option. To recapture the fresh-from-the-pan magic, a quick toss in the oven or toaster oven works wonders without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches work wonderfully. Just adjust the sugar slightly to balance the fruit’s natural sweetness and moisture content within the roll ups.
Do I need to remove the crusts from the bread?
Trimming crusts is essential here as it helps the bread roll up smoothly without cracking or tearing. It also creates a uniform texture and neat presentation for the roll ups.
Can I make these roll ups vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute cream cheese with a vegan or dairy-free alternative and use plant-based milk in the batter. Just keep an eye on cooking times as vegan versions may brown differently.
How can I prevent the rolls from unrolling when cooking?
Dipping the rolls seam side down first in the pan helps seal them shut. Cooking on medium heat and flipping gently also reduces the risk of unrolling during cooking.
Can I prepare these the night before?
You can assemble the roll ups and store them covered in the fridge overnight, but don’t dip in the egg mixture or cook until morning. This keeps the bread from becoming soggy and ensures a fresh, crisp cook in the morning.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Strawberry French Toast Roll Ups Recipe enough if you want a breakfast that feels special but comes together quickly and easily. It’s such a fun way to enjoy French toast with a fresh and fruity twist that appeals to kids and adults alike. So grab your ingredients, make a batch, and watch these roll ups disappear faster than you can say “breakfast is served!”
