Hull and chop the strawberries into small bite-sized pieces.
¾ cup chopped fresh strawberries, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Add half of the strawberries and the sugar into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the juices begin to release, the strawberries soften, and the liquid turns into a sticky syrup-like consistency.
Transfer to a plate or bowl and set aside to cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese and cooked strawberries with a rubber spatula until completely smooth. Note: use the spatula to mash down the cream cheese and strawberries to incorporate the two.
6 oz Cream cheese
Fold in the fresh strawberries and set aside.
In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract and cinnamon and set aside.
2 large eggs, 1 cup milk, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
Remove the very ends of the brioche loaf (just a sliver), then cut the brioche loaf into 2-inch slices.
1 large Brioche loaf
Cut a slit into the center, leaving at least 1cm on each side, including the bottom. Use your fingers and knife to gently open the pocket without breaking it.
Carefully squeeze open the bread, and add in about 2 tablespoons of strawberry cream cheese filling, pushing it down tot the bottom and into the sides. Add a bit more if needed, then gently set it on the counter and pat down. Wipe away any filling that has squeezed out of the opening.. Repeat with the remaining slices of bread.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the butter until melted and bubbly.
2 tablespoons salted butter
Once hot, soak the bread on each side for about 10-15 seconds, until completely soaked and absorbed, then place in the skillet. Repeat with as many slices as can fit into the skillet without overcrowding.
Fry for about 2 minutes on each side, and about 30 seconds on each end until golden brown. Check the underside periodically to be sure the bread isn’t burning, and flip once it becomes golden.
If needed, place the fried pieces on a cookie sheet in a 250℉ oven to stay warm as you fry the remaining pieces.
Top with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh strawberries. Serve hot.
powdered sugar, maple syrup and strawberries