Description
This Cannoli Cream Stuffed French Toast combines crispy, golden-brown challah or brioche with a luscious, sweet cannoli-inspired filling. It’s an easy, decadent brunch showstopper that brings the flavors of an Italian bakery to your breakfast table.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, sliced 1.5 inches thick (day-old preferred)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, well-drained
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest, freshly grated
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for batter)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter, for frying
- Maple syrup or honey, for serving (optional)
- Fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries), for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mascarpone, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and fluffy using a hand mixer or whisk.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, orange zest, and mini chocolate chips. Taste and adjust sweetness or zest if desired. Cover and chill the filling.
- Slice challah or brioche into 1.5-inch thick slices. Using a paring knife, cut a deep pocket into the side of each slice without cutting all the way through.
- Spoon or pipe about 2 tablespoons of cannoli cream into each bread pocket. Gently press to seal.
- In another large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well blended.
- Dip each stuffed bread slice into the egg batter, soaking for 10–15 seconds per side.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add butter to coat the surface.
- Cook the soaked, stuffed slices for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and slightly crisp. Work in batches, adding more butter as needed.
- Dust hot French toast with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup or honey, and top with fresh berries. Serve immediately.
Notes
Drain ricotta well to avoid runny filling. Use thick-sliced, day-old bread for best results. For extra crispiness, sprinkle a little sugar in the pan before frying each slice. Keep finished slices warm in a 200°F oven while cooking batches. Filling can be made ahead and refrigerated. For gluten-free or dairy-free, use appropriate bread and cheese substitutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
Keywords: cannoli cream stuffed french toast, brunch, Italian breakfast, stuffed French toast, cannoli filling, easy brunch recipe, challah French toast, mascarpone, ricotta, sweet breakfast