Cannoli French Toast combines the best of both worlds! Think thick slices of bread soaked in a sweet, creamy mixture, then cooked to golden perfection. Topped with chocolate chips and more cream, it’s a treat!
This dish is perfect for a special breakfast or brunch. I mean, who wouldn’t want to eat dessert for breakfast? Just grab your favorite toppings, and you’re ready to impress everyone at the table! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Using thick slices of brioche or challah gives a wonderful texture. If you want a healthier twist, whole grain bread works well too!
Ricotta Cheese: This is the star ingredient. If you can’t find ricotta, cottage cheese can work in a pinch, just blend until smooth. Cream cheese is another substitute, but it will be richer.
Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips add sweetness and texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use dark chocolate chips or leave them out entirely for a lighter version!
Mascarpone or Sweetened Cream Cheese: I love mascarpone for its creamy texture. If you’re watching calories, use a low-fat cream cheese or mix a bit of yogurt with sweetener as an alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My French Toast Isn’t Soggy?
A common struggle with French toast is ending up with soggy bread. The key is to dip the bread quickly into the egg mixture—just a quick coating is enough. This makes sure the bread absorbs some flavor without becoming too wet.
- Use thick-cut bread to better hold its shape during cooking.
- Ensure your skillet is properly heated with butter before adding the soaked bread.
- Cook until golden brown on each side—approximately 3-4 minutes. This step creates a delightful crispy exterior.
Taking these steps will lead you to a deliciously fluffy Cannoli French Toast that everyone will love!
How to Make Cannoli French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 6 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or challah recommended)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese or sweetened cream cheese
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
For Garnishing:
- Maple syrup, for drizzling
- Fresh raspberries, for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cannoli French Toast recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to cook, making it a perfect choice for a quick yet indulgent breakfast or brunch. Total time: around 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until everything is well combined. This will be your dipping mixture for the bread. Set this aside while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Ricotta Mixture:
In a separate small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. This will serve as your sweet cannoli-style filling for the French toast. Set it aside too.
3. Heat the Skillet:
Grab a large skillet or griddle and heat it over medium heat. Add in the butter and let it melt, making a lovely non-stick surface for cooking the bread.
4. Coat the Bread:
Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Don’t let it soak for too long to avoid sogginess! After coating, immediately place the slices into the heated skillet.
5. Cook the French Toast:
Cook each slice for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, take them out of the skillet and keep them warm on a plate.
6. Add the Filling:
Spread a spoonful of the sweetened ricotta mixture onto one side of each cooked French toast slice. Feel free to add a dollop of mascarpone or sweetened cream cheese on top of the ricotta for an extra creamy layer!
7. Sprinkle with Chocolate Chips:
For that cannoli-inspired touch, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the ricotta and cream cheese layers. You can fold or sandwich the slices if you like, or serve them open-faced!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Arrange the slices on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with maple syrup and garnish with fresh raspberries on top. Add an extra sprinkle of mini chocolate chips and dust with powdered sugar for an inviting finish.
9. Final Touch:
Optionally, add fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy this indulgent, decadent Cannoli French Toast!
This recipe beautifully captures the creamy richness of traditional cannoli filling blended with the warm comfort of French toast, sure to impress anyone you serve it to!
Can I Use Other Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah work best for their texture, you can use any thick-cut bread you have on hand, like Texas toast or sourdough. Just ensure it can hold the egg mixture without falling apart!
Can I Prepare the Filling in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ricotta mixture a day ahead! Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just bring it to room temperature before spreading it on the French toast.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Definitely! Substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread that can handle soaking. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it should work great for a gluten-free treat!
