Since we’re long in the habit of admitting guilty pleasures in the kitchen (homemade Star Crunch, anyone?), I feel like it’s time to introduce you to my long-standing love: cheesecake toast. Last week, a nasty 48-hour bug ravaged through my household. Luckily, we were all hit about 36 hours apart, and so right as Camille was coming out of it, it took me down, which left my husband to care for me. And then when he went down 36 hours later, I was there to care for him. It was ROUGH. One afternoon, when Camille was in the depths of it, and I was on the verge of it, we needed a snack. Camille had just woken up from a nap ravenous, and I realized that I hadn’t eaten lunch because I was so busy trying to get work done before the plague hit me (also ravenous). I had a bubbly loaf of brioche in the freezer, and knew it was time to introduce my kid to my guilty pleasure: cheesecake on toast. More specifically: strawberry toast with cheesecake spread! Cheesecake on toast has a few steps, but the end result is definitely worth it. And I say that as I swipe away cheesecake from my face.
Strawberry toast with cheesecake spread steps:
First, slice brioche at least 1" thick. I love brioche because after toasting, it is crusty on the outside, but still soft and fluffy on the inside. Butter each side of the brioche generously, and sprinkle lightly with sugar. Toast the bread on each side in a skillet with more butter. Yes, more butter. Do not judge the ways of cheesecake toast. While the bread toasts, slice up the strawberries and add a pinch of sugar (or honey) to help them soften and marinate in their own juices. When I’m serving this to Camille, I don’t add the extra sugar on the toast or the strawberries–I’m one of those Moms that tries to limit her sugar intake as much as possible. But for me? All the sugar, please and thank you. Next, whip together the cream cheese and powdered sugar (again, if I’m making it for Camille, I use honey or coconut sugar). Spread the toast with the cheesecake filling, and top with the strawberries. Sprinkle on some coarse sugar for crunch, and then DEVOUR this strawberry toast! If you need another incredible thing to make, try my whipped cream cream cheese frosting.
