Decadent Cannoli Stuffed French Toast (Printer-friendly)
Luscious brioche pockets filled with sweet cannoli cream and fried until crisp
# What You'll Need:
→ Cannoli Filling
01 - 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, well-drained
02 - 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
03 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
04 - 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
05 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 1/4 teaspoon orange zest
07 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - Pinch of salt
→ French Toast
09 - 8 thick slices brioche or challah bread (1-inch thick)
10 - 4 large eggs
11 - 3/4 cup whole milk
12 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
13 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
15 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
16 - Pinch of salt
17 - Butter, for frying
→ Garnish
18 - Powdered sugar, for dusting
19 - Additional mini chocolate chips (optional)
20 - Fresh berries (optional)
21 - Maple syrup (optional)
# How to Prepare:
01 - Combine ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Mix until completely smooth. Fold in mini chocolate chips. Refrigerate until ready to use.
02 - Using a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket into the side of each bread slice without cutting all the way through. Gently spoon or pipe 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cannoli filling into each pocket. Press lightly to seal.
03 - In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
04 - Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a generous pat of butter. Dip each stuffed bread slice in the custard, soaking both sides for about 20 seconds. Allow excess custard to drip off.
05 - Place soaked slices on the hot skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through. Work in batches, adding more butter as needed between batches.
06 - Transfer to plates, dust generously with powdered sugar, and garnish with extra mini chocolate chips and fresh berries if desired. Serve warm with maple syrup.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast between crisp, cinnamon-scented exterior and cool, creamy filling is pure breakfast magic
- It transforms ordinary weekend breakfast into something that feels like a special occasion
02 -
- Day-old bread absorbs custard without falling apart, so plan ahead or dry fresh slices in a low oven
- Overfilling the pockets causes the filling to burst during cooking, leaving you with a messy pan instead of stuffed perfection
03 -
- Swap orange zest for lemon if you prefer a brighter, fresher flavor profile
- Chopped pistachios in the filling add incredible texture and visual appeal