Eggnog Stuffed French Toast Recipe with Cranberry

But here’s what really makes this recipe special: it’s built on Real California Dairy. We’re talking eggnog, mascarpone, and butter—the trio that turns this already dreamy French toast into something decadent enough for Christmas morning but easy enough for any lazy winter weekend.

And yes… we’re using the good dairy. The kind that carries the Real California Milk seal, which ensures every product is made with 100% real milk from California dairy farm families. That seal? It’s your sign that you're buying the best quality, choosing sustainable, and supporting farms that have been passed down through generations.

Pretty great for a breakfast that takes less than 20 minutes to cook.

Why Stuffed French Toast Should Be Your New Holiday Tradition

This isn’t just French toast—it’s French toast with an agenda.

A holiday agenda.

The filling alone is enough to win you over: softened mascarpone sweetened with a little powdered sugar and vanilla, layered with cranberry jam for a bright, festive pop. It’s rich but not heavy, sweet but not cloying, and exactly what your favorite loaf of brioche was made for.

Then comes the custard. Instead of milk, we go all-in with Real California eggnog, which adds instant holiday flavor—warm spices, subtle sweetness, and that perfect creamy texture. The slices soak it up just enough to stay tender without turning soggy.

And finally, we brown everything in Real California butter, because there are certain moments in life where only butter will do—and this is one of them.

The result? Crisp edges. Custardy centers. A melty cloud of mascarpone and cranberry in between. It’s pure winter breakfast joy.

What Makes Real California Dairy So Special?

If you’ve been following This Mess Is Ours for a while, you know we swear by quality ingredients. And nothing proves that more than the way Real California Dairy elevates this stuffed French toast.

Here are the things I always want readers to know:

• When you see the Real California Milk seal, the product is certified 100% real California milk.
• 99% of California dairies are family-owned, which means your purchase supports real families, real farms, and real communities.
• California leads the nation in sustainable dairy production, combining tradition with innovation to care for the land and their herds.
• California is #1 in milk, ice cream, butter, nonfat dry milk, and whey protein concentrate—and the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt in the country.

So yes, this French toast tastes incredible because of the technique. But it tastes extra incredible because of the dairy that goes into it.

If you want to learn more—or find products near you—visit the Real California Milk product locator:

👉 https://www.realcaliforniamilk.com/en/product-locator

Look for the seal. Confidently know you chose the best quality. Cook deliciously.

Let’s Talk About the Filling (a.k.a. Why You’ll Want to Eat It With a Spoon)

Listen, I’m not saying you should steal a spoonful of the mascarpone-cranberry filling before it ever touches the bread… but I’m also not saying that.

The mascarpone brings this lush, silky richness that feels like the dessert version of a snow day. Powdered sugar gives it just enough sweetness, vanilla warms everything up, and the cranberry jam? That’s the sparkle. The tang. The balance. It makes the whole thing pop.

Spread it thickly. Don’t hold back. It’s the holidays.

And the Eggnog Custard? Absolute Magic.

You whisk together eggs, eggnog, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of sugar, and suddenly you’re staring at a bowl that smells like every holiday memory you’ve ever loved.

The Real California eggnog is key here. It gives your French toast body. Flavor. Personality.

And when the bread hits the pan with hot butter?

You’ll hear that soft sizzle that basically says, “Oh, we’re doing this right.”

Toppings to Make Your Plate Look Like You Tried Harder Than You Did

Stuffed French toast is already a showstopper, but toppings take it from “yum” to “whoa, you made this?!”

Here are a few favorites:

• Freeze-dried raspberries for color and tartness
• Minced pistachios for crunch and richness
• Powdered sugar snow-storm moment
• Maple syrup, because it’s syrup, enough said

Build your stack. Make it dramatic. You deserve that moment.

Tips for the Best Stuffed French Toast

Because a few small moves make a big difference:

• Use thick-sliced bread—brioche or challah works like a dream.
• Don’t overdo the soak. Let the bread absorb some of the custard for even browning, but don’t let it completely saturate it. You still want some structure.
• Use enough butter to coat the pan so the edges crisp beautifully.
• Cook low and slow-ish (medium heat is your friend).
• Serve immediately—stuffed French toast peaks the moment it leaves the griddle.

A Holiday Breakfast That Actually Makes Mornings Easier

One of the things I love most about this stuffed French toast recipe is that it looks elaborate, but it’s shockingly simple. If you can make a sandwich, you can make this:

• Mix the filling.
• Spread it.
• Sandwich the slices.
• Dip.
• Cook.
• Eat.

This is the kind of breakfast you can pull off while the kids are still in their holiday pajamas, before coffee has fully kicked in, or when company is at your kitchen island asking, “Is it almost ready?”

Spoiler: it always is.

Try This Eggnog Stuffed French Toast for Your Next Gathering

Holiday brunch. Thanksgiving weekend. New Year’s morning. Girls’ brunch. Cozy winter weekends. This recipe fits them all.

So grab the eggnog. Grab the mascarpone. Grab the butter.

Just make sure all three have the Real California Milk seal.

Then come back and tell me:

How are you serving your stuffed French toast this season?

👇 Drop your ideas, swaps, toppings, and festive add-ins in the comments!

And if you make it, don’t forget to tag:

@realcalifmilk and @thismessisours with #RealCaliforniaMilk