If you’re craving a breakfast that’s both nostalgic and a little bit fancy, the French Toast Bagel with Maple Cream Cheese will truly steal your heart. Imagine the golden edges of classic French toast meeting the hearty chew of your favorite bagel, all sandwiched around a lusciously sweet maple cream cheese filling. This recipe is comfort food with an irresistible twist and comes together in minutes. Whether you love cozy weekday brunches or want to wow weekend guests, the French Toast Bagel with Maple Cream Cheese is the kind of dish that makes any morning a special occasion.

French Toast Bagel with Maple Cream Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special, from richness and spice to that perfect touch of sweetness. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap—the magic comes from how these flavors come together!

Bagels: Use plain or cinnamon-raisin bagels for just the right chew and flavor base (day-old bagels are ideal, as they hold up wonderfully).
Eggs: Act as the key binding base for the custard, giving your bagels that classic French toast texture.
Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and helps the egg mixture soak evenly into every nook and cranny.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brightens the custard and enhances the breakfast bakery vibe.
Ground Cinnamon: Warms up the flavor profile and smells incredible as the bagels cook.
Unsalted Butter: Gives you that golden, crisp crust and rich flavor.
Cream Cheese (softened): Becomes dreamy and spreadable, serving as the undeniable star of the maple cream cheese filling.
Pure Maple Syrup: Deep maple flavor sweetens the cream cheese and is perfect for that finishing drizzle.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance and sharpen all the sweet elements.
Optional – Powdered Sugar & Maple Syrup: For extra flair and sweetness when serving.

How to Make French Toast Bagel with Maple Cream Cheese

Step 1: Prep the Egg Custard

Start by grabbing a shallow mixing bowl—wide enough to dip those bagel halves easily. Crack in the eggs, pour in the whole milk, and whisk together with the vanilla extract and cinnamon. Don’t be shy with the cinnamon, as it perfumes the bagels as they cook. Whisk until the mixture is totally smooth and velvety, making sure everything is evenly blended.

Step 2: Whip Up the Maple Cream Cheese

In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, pure maple syrup, and that tiny pinch of salt. The cream cheese spreads best when it’s at room temperature, so set it out beforehand if you can. Beat everything together until you have a creamy, slightly fluffy, sweet-and-salty filling worthy of the name “French Toast Bagel with Maple Cream Cheese.” Set aside for later—this is your secret weapon.

Step 3: Soak the Bagels

Slice the bagels in half and dip each piece into your egg mixture. Let them soak for a few seconds on each side so they absorb plenty of custard without turning soggy. Using day-old bagels helps them keep their structure, making the end result both crisp and custardy.

Step 4: Toast the Bagels

Heat a skillet or griddle to medium and add the butter. Once it melts and starts to foam, lay the soaked bagel halves flat-side down in the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. The kitchen will fill with the scent of cinnamon and vanilla—this is the moment that always makes me hungry! Once cooked, transfer to a plate and let them cool just enough to handle.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

While the bagels are still warm, spread a generous layer of your maple cream cheese over the bottom half of each. Cap with the top half, then, for true brunch magic, dust with powdered sugar and drizzle lots of maple syrup over the top. Your French Toast Bagel with Maple Cream Cheese is ready for its closeup—best served warm!

How to Serve French Toast Bagel with Maple Cream Cheese

Garnishes

The right garnishes can really turn this into a show-stopping plate. I love finishing with a cloud of powdered sugar, a glossy drizzle of maple syrup, or even a few fresh berries for color and tang. If you want extra crunch, try a sprinkle of toasted pecans or almonds, too.

Side Dishes

This French Toast Bagel with Maple Cream Cheese recipe pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad, crispy hash browns, or even a salty side of bacon for contrast. If you’re making brunch for friends, serve with a big fruit platter and fresh coffee—the combination will win over any crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special touch, slice each bagel sandwich in half or quarters and skewer with a cute cocktail stick—perfect for a breakfast platter or brunch buffet. You can even make mini versions with bagel thins for a delightful finger-food twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra French Toast Bagel with Maple Cream Cheese, store assembled sandwiches (wrapped tightly) or separate components in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cream cheese filling also keeps beautifully on its own for up to 3 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooked bagel halves (without the filling) in a zip-top bag for up to a month. The maple cream cheese can also be made ahead and frozen separately in an airtight container—just thaw before spreading.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-pan warmth, reheat bagel halves in a toaster oven until heated through. If they’re assembled, use a low oven or microwave in short bursts to avoid melting the cream cheese too much.

FAQs

Can I use flavored bagels instead of plain or cinnamon-raisin?

Absolutely! Any bagel you love should work well. Just keep in mind that super-sweet or heavily flavored bagels may compete with the maple cream cheese, so a simple base often works best.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap in your favorite dairy-free cream cheese and use almond or oat milk in place of whole milk. Just be sure to use a plant-based butter for frying as well.

Is it possible to double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! You can easily multiply the ingredients for a larger batch. Use a griddle to cook more bagel halves at once and keep them warm in a low oven while you finish the rest.

Can I prepare the maple cream cheese ahead of time?

Definitely. The maple cream cheese filling can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the fridge. This makes assembling your French Toast Bagel with Maple Cream Cheese even quicker when you’re ready.

What if I don’t have maple syrup?

If you’re out of pure maple syrup, honey works as a substitute but will have a different flavor profile. Agave syrup or a high-quality pancake syrup can also stand in during emergencies.

Final Thoughts

If you want to shake up your breakfast routine with something easy, fun, and incredibly satisfying, don’t miss out on the French Toast Bagel with Maple Cream Cheese. It’s the kind of warm, sweet, and comforting dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, try it once—and it might become your new favorite morning treat!

French Toast Bagel with Maple Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delightful breakfast treat with this French Toast Bagel featuring a luscious maple cream cheese filling. Perfect for a cozy morning or weekend brunch!

Ingredients

Scale

For the French Toast Bagel:

2 plain or cinnamon-raisin bagels (halved)
2 eggs
1/3 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Maple Cream Cheese:

4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon salt

For Topping (Optional):

Powdered sugar
Maple syrup

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Instructions

Prepare the French Toast Bagel: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Make the Maple Cream Cheese: Mix softened cream cheese, maple syrup, and salt until smooth.
Cook the Bagels: Dip bagel halves in the egg mixture and cook on a skillet until golden brown.
Assemble: Spread maple cream cheese on warm bagel halves, top with the other half, and garnish with powdered sugar and maple syrup.