Cannoli French Toast is a tasty twist on breakfast! It combines fluffy French toast with a creamy filling inspired by classic cannoli. Yummy!
Who can resist that sweet, cheesy goodness? I love topping it with dusted sugar and chocolate chips. It’s like dessert for breakfast—let’s celebrate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brioche or Challah Bread: These breads are my go-to for French toast because they soak up the egg mixture nicely. If you prefer, you can swap them out for Texas toast or even French bread.
Ricotta and Mascarpone: This combo gives the filling its creamy texture. If you can’t find mascarpone, cream cheese works too, though it will change the flavor a bit. For a lighter option, try cottage cheese.
Mini Chocolate Chips: These add a sweet surprise but feel free to leave them out if you want a more traditional cannoli taste or substitute with chopped nuts for a crunch.
Orange Zest: This is key to that cannoli flavor—but fresh lemon zest would also work well! Don’t have fresh zest? A splash of orange extract is a nice alternative.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked French Toast?
Cooking French toast might seem simple, but timing and heat are essential. Here’s how to achieve that perfect golden brown color:
- Set your skillet to medium heat; too high can burn the outside while leaving the inside soggy.
- Soak the bread in the egg mixture just enough to coat it—don’t let it sit too long or it becomes too mushy.
- Cook each slice for 2-3 minutes until golden. Flip only once to keep it fluffy.
These tips will help you make French toast that is golden on the outside and soft on the inside, just like it should be! Enjoy creating this sweet breakfast treat!
How to Make Delicious Cannoli French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 4 thick slices of brioche or challah bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter, for frying
For the Cannoli Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Fresh strawberries or fruit of choice
- Chocolate sauce, for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cannoli French Toast recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-12 minutes to cook. Total time is around 30 minutes. It’s an easy and quick way to elevate your breakfast or brunch into a sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is blended well for a tasty French toast base!
2. Prepare the Cannoli Filling:
In another bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, orange zest, vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips. Stir until everything is creamy and well combined. Set this mix aside for later.
3. Heat the Pan:
Grab a large skillet or griddle and heat it over medium heat. Melt a little butter in the pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
4. Soak the Bread:
Take each slice of bread and dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure to coat both sides thoroughly, but don’t let it soak too long to avoid sogginess!
5. Cook the French Toast:
Place the soaked bread slices on the skillet and cook until both sides are golden brown, around 2-3 minutes per side. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
6. Create the Pocket:
Using a serrated knife, carefully cut a pocket or slit into each slice, similar to making a sandwich. This is where the delicious cannoli filling will go!
7. Stuff the French Toast:
Fill each pocket in the French toast with the ricotta-cannoli mixture. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for easy filling.
8. Plate and Dust:
Arrange the stuffed French toast on serving plates. Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar to make it look extra special!
9. Add Toppings:
Drizzle chocolate sauce over the top and sprinkle with more mini chocolate chips for that delicious finishing touch.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off by garnishing with fresh strawberries or your favorite fruit. Serve warm with maple syrup on the side for an added sweet touch.
Enjoy your indulgent Cannoli French Toast—a perfect blend of creamy cannoli filling and fluffy golden French toast! It’s a treat that everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are ideal because of their richness, you can also use other types like French bread, sourdough, or even whole wheat bread. Just make sure the bread is thick enough to hold the filling!
Can I Make the Cannoli Filling in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cannoli filling up to 24 hours ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just stir it before using to ensure it’s creamy and smooth.
How Can I Store Leftover French Toast?
Store any leftover Cannoli French Toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a toaster oven or microwave until warmed through. For best results, reheat in a skillet to regain some crispness!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free bread. Just make sure to check that your other ingredients, like the chocolate chips and any added toppings, are also gluten-free!