Approximately ½ cup dairy-free cream cheeseI use either Tofutti
½cupof strawberriessliced thinly + ¼ cup strawberries cut into small pieces
Optional: powdered sugarmaple syrup
Instructions
If using frozen bread, allow 6 slices to thaw out on the counter before starting.
In a medium shallow bowl, beat together eggs, coconut or almond milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. Set aside.
Spread a small layer of butter on one side of each slice of toast.
Turn each slice over, then spread a thin layer of dairy-free cream cheese on the inside of each slice of toast.
Place strawberries in a thin layer on top of the cream cheese side of one slice of toast. then top it with another slice like a sandwich. Repeat for the remaining two sandwiches.
If using a panini press, plug it in now and let it warm up. If using a frying/saute pan, heat that pan over medium heat now.
Meanwhile, gently dip each sandwich into the prepared egg & milk mixture, taking care to hold the sandwich together while dipping in each side.
Place sandwiches one at a time onto the panini press and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, until the egg mixture has clearly cooked and the bread is lightly toasted to your preference. Or, if using a frying or saute pan, cook each sandwich for approximately 6-7 minutes, turning each sandwich over halfway through, until the bread is golden brown and egg mixture is thoroughly cooked.
Remove from heat source and cut each panini in half. Top with strawberries, sprinkled powdered sugar, and/or maple syrup. Serve immediately.
Notes
NOTE: if using dairy-free cream cheese, you'll need to add a sweetener like maple syrup and/or powdered sugar to top these paninis in order to attain the classic french toast sweetness. You can also make this using regular cream cheese and 1% milk if you are not on a dairy-free diet.