This Cannoli French Toast is a fun mix of breakfast and dessert! It’s soft, sweet, and filled with creamy ricotta, making your mornings feel special.
You’ll love how easy it is to make—you just dip the bread in a sweet batter, cook it up, and add that delicious filling. Perfect for a cozy brunch! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brioche or Challah Bread: Thick slices of brioche are perfect for French toast because they soak up the egg mixture without falling apart. If you can’t find brioche, you can use Texas toast or even a good-quality white bread.
Eggs: Eggs add richness and structure to your French toast. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a similar binding effect.
Ricotta Cheese: This provides the creamy filling typical of cannoli. If you want a lighter option, you could substitute mascarpone cheese, or even cottage cheese if you like a textural twist.
Mini Chocolate Chips: They give a sweet touch and a burst of chocolate flavor. You could swap these for dried fruit like raisins or chopped nuts for a different taste.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked French Toast?
Making French toast can be straightforward, but there are a few tricks to ensure it comes out perfectly. To avoid sogginess, quickly dip the bread in the egg mixture—just a brief soak is ideal.
- Use medium heat to cook the bread. Too high, and the outside burns while the inside remains soggy.
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle to prevent sticking. Butter adds flavor and helps create a nice crust; add more as needed.
- Let it cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until you see golden edges before flipping to avoid tearing.
By following these steps, you’ll enjoy a wonderfully fluffy and golden Cannoli French Toast! Happy cooking!
How to Make Cannoli French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 4 thick slices of brioche or challah bread
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for frying
For the Ricotta Filling:
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (plus more for garnish)
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making it perfect for a delightful breakfast or brunch! In total, expect about 25 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
Start by grabbing a shallow dish (like a pie plate). In it, whisk the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt together until it’s all mixed well. This mixture will coat our bread and give it that lovely flavor.
2. Make the Ricotta Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the powdered sugar. Mix it well until it’s smooth and slightly fluffy. This will be the creamy filling that makes this French toast extra special!
3. Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Let it melt and get nice and hot—we want a golden crust on our French toast!
4. Dip the Bread:
Take each slice of bread and quickly dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure to coat both sides, but don’t let it soak in too long—just a quick dip! We want the bread to be moist but not falling apart.
5. Cook the French Toast:
Put the soaked bread slices on the hot skillet. Cook them until they turn golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Add a little more butter to the skillet if needed to keep things crispy!
6. Assemble the Cannoli French Toast:
Once the French toast is done, place the slices on a serving dish. Dollop the sweetened ricotta filling onto each slice or between them for a delightful surprise!
7. Add Chocolate Chips:
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips generously on top of the ricotta and French toast. The more chocolate, the better!
8. Drizzle with Syrup:
Finish it off by drizzling both chocolate syrup and maple syrup over the whole dish. Get creative with how much you want to add!
9. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
Lastly, give it a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top for that lovely finish.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Cannoli French Toast immediately, and watch your family or friends delight in this rich and creamy indulgence! Enjoy!
Can I Use Other Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are ideal for their texture and sweetness, you can use any thick bread like Texas toast or even sourdough. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the egg mixture without falling apart.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the egg mixture and the ricotta filling the night before. Just keep them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply dip the bread and fry it up fresh in the morning!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, consider using a toaster oven or skillet for a crispy finish instead of a microwave.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Definitely! You can substitute the whole milk with almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free ricotta or any nut-based cheese alternative for the filling. Enjoy your delicious dairy-free Cannoli French Toast!
