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French toast topped with strawberries on a white plate with a gold fork

Deep Fried French Toast

Take your French toast to the next level with our deep fried French toast stuffed with strawberry preserves and topped with powdered sugar and maple syrup. This recipe is perfect for breakfast or brunch and special occasions when presentation and intense decadent flavors are required!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time2 minutes
Total Time7 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 733kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 slices French bread (1½ to 2 inches thick)
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • powdered sugar garnish
  • 1 cup shortening For frying.

Instructions

  • Cut the crust off the bottom side of each slice of the bread. Then cut a pocket in the bottom of the bread.
  • Fill each pocket with strawberry preserves and press the pocket closed. Set aside.
  • Add eggs, cream, and vanilla to a blender and blend for about a minute.
  • Pour the egg mixture into a small shallow bowl. Then soak each slice of bread in the egg mixture for about a minute. Make sure it's soaked on both sides. Set aside on a plate.
  • Add shortening to cast iron skillet and melt over high heat. Bring shortening to 350°F (176°C). Measure shortening temperature with a deep fry thermometer.
  • Add one slice of bread to skillet. The hot shortening should cover most of the bread. Cook until bread is browned on one side, about 1-2 minutes. Use a heatproof slotted spatula to turn the bread and brown on the other side, about 1-2 minutes longer. Remove bread to a plate lined with 1-2 paper towels.
    Allow shortening temperature to return to 350°F (176°C). Then repeat with second slice of bread.
    Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with warm syrup.

Notes

Equipment Notes
  • Cast iron skillet. Any deep pan that can withstand a high temperature will do here. It doesn't have to be cast iron, although cast iron works great because it retains heat better than other vessels. Do make sure your cooking vessel is deep enough to hold all of the shortening once it melts. Make sure you leave at least a half inch of space at the top of the vessel. When you add the bread, it will displace some of the melted shortening and cause it to rise in the pan. You do not want any of that hot oil to spill over.
  • Deep fry thermometer. You will definitely need this to test the temperature of the melted shortening. It's important to maintain the proper temperature (350°F (176°C)). If the melted shortening is too hot, your French toast will burn. If it's too low, it will take on too much oil and become greasy.
  • Slotted spatula. It's helpful to use a slotted spatula to turn the bread over and remove it from the pan. A slotted spatula will allow some of the hot oil to drain off.
  • Blender. For mixing the egg mixture. I find a blender to be most convenient. You can also add your wet ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk with a wire whisk for a minute or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store leftovers?
We recommend that you make only enough to serve immediately. If you do have leftovers, wrap tightly in aluminum foil and store in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave.
How do I dispose of the used shortening/cooking oil?
To properly dispose of used shortening, once cooled scoop the used shortening into an empty can or disposable container and take it to your local hazardous waste disposal site. Never throw it away in your garbage bin or pour it down your sink.
We chose to use a solid product for cooking because once cooled it will re-solidify and make clean up and disposal much easier than a liquid oil.
Recipe Variations
  • Ricotta Stuffed French Toast. Replace the strawberry preserves with ricotta.
  • Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast. Replace the strawberry preserves with mascarpone.
  • Nutella Stuffed French Toast. Replace the preserves with Nutella.
  • Banana Nutella French Toast. Tuck a few banana slices into the bread pockets before adding the Nutella.
  • Banana Stuffed French Toast. Tuck a few banana slices into the pockets of the bread instead of the strawberry preserves.
  • Raspberry Stuffed French Toast. Use raspberry preserves instead of strawberry. I do not recommend inserting fresh raspberries into the pockets of the bread because they are too juicy and the juice will cause the bread to break open.

Nutrition

Calories: 733kcal | Carbohydrates: 102g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 413mg | Sodium: 823mg | Potassium: 358mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 981IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 7mg