Cannoli French Toast: Your New Breakfast Obsession!

As a baker, I often find inspiration in the fusion of two beloved classics—and this Cannoli French Toast is the perfect example. One morning, while preparing a batch of cannoli cream for an order, I looked over at a loaf of brioche and thought, “Why not bring the two together?” That spark of creativity turned into one of my most requested breakfast treats. It’s everything I love about indulgent weekend mornings—rich, creamy, crisp, and comforting.

What makes this Cannoli French Toast so irresistible is the contrast between textures and flavors. The outside is golden and slightly crisp, just like a well-fried cannoli shell, while the inside remains tender and custardy. And that filling? It’s sweet, smooth, and laced with mini chocolate chips, just like the traditional ricotta-based cream you’d find in a fresh cannoli. Every bite feels like dessert, but it’s perfectly acceptable as breakfast—which is a win in my book.

You’ll love this recipe because it’s both fun and satisfying. It turns a simple breakfast into something special, ideal for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or when you’re just in the mood for something extraordinary. It’s the kind of dish that makes people pause and say, “Wow, what is this?” and then go back for seconds.

One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is its versatility. You can use brioche, challah, or even day-old sandwich bread if that’s what you have on hand. You can also switch up the filling flavors by using citrus zest, cinnamon, or even a hint of vanilla. Want to make it more decadent? Add crushed pistachios on top or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Affordability is another bonus. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples—milk, eggs, sugar, and ricotta. You won’t need to go hunting for specialty items. Even the chocolate chips are optional, though I highly recommend keeping them in.

Ingredients for the Recipe:

• 6 slices of brioche or challah bread

• 3 large eggs

• ¾ cup whole milk

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• ½ cup mascarpone cheese

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

• Butter or oil for frying

• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting, chocolate syrup for drizzle

How to Prepare This Recipe 
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cannoli French Toast

Preparing this Cannoli French Toast is straightforward, but the results are so impressive you’d think it came from a gourmet brunch café. It’s one of those recipes that strikes the perfect balance between simple steps and delicious rewards. Whether you’re making it for guests or just treating yourself, you’ll appreciate how quick, easy, and customizable this dish truly is.

Step 1: Prepare the Cannoli Filling

Start by making the creamy filling. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese with ½ cup of mascarpone. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend until smooth. Add in ¼ cup of powdered sugar and ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips. Mix everything until well incorporated. You can also add ½ teaspoon of orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon here if you want to mimic a more traditional cannoli flavor. Set the filling in the fridge while you prepare the French toast base.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard

In a shallow bowl or wide dish, whisk together 3 large eggs, ¾ cup of whole milk, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy. This custard base will soak into the bread and give it that soft, fluffy interior.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Take your brioche or challah slices—preferably day-old for better absorption—and dip each slice into the custard. Let each side soak for about 15–20 seconds. You want the bread to absorb enough liquid to become rich and flavorful, but not so much that it falls apart.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a little butter or oil. Once hot, place the soaked bread slices onto the pan. Cook each side for about 2–3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The exterior should develop a slightly crisp texture, while the inside remains custardy and soft.

Step 5: Assemble the Toast

Once all your slices are cooked, it’s time to build the magic. Spread a generous spoonful of the chilled cannoli filling onto one slice of toast. Top it with another slice to make a sandwich. If you prefer, you can serve the filling on the side or spoon it directly on top of each piece for a more open-faced presentation.

Step 6: Final Touches

For extra indulgence, dust the assembled French toast with powdered sugar and drizzle with chocolate syrup or warm honey. You can also add a handful of mini chocolate chips or crushed pistachios over the top for added texture and flavor.

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Customization Options

This recipe is very forgiving and open to variations. Here are a few ways you can tweak it:

• Bread: Use thick sandwich bread, baguette slices, or even croissants if you don’t have brioche or challah.

• Filling: Swap mascarpone for cream cheese if needed. You can also flavor the ricotta mix with almond extract or lemon zest.

• Toppings: Fresh berries, caramel drizzle, or chopped nuts can all enhance the presentation and flavor.

• Dietary adjustments: Use lactose-free ricotta and milk if necessary. You can also make it gluten-free by choosing gluten-free bread.

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Quick and Easy, Yet Crowd-Pleasing

This Cannoli French Toast takes about 20–25 minutes from start to finish. It doesn’t require any complex steps, and everything can be made in a single pan. That makes cleanup minimal—another big bonus in my kitchen. It’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings, quick brunch get-togethers, or anytime you want to elevate a regular breakfast into something special.

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Popular with Many People

I’ve served this dish at family gatherings, brunch buffets, and even as a sweet finish to breakfast-for-dinner nights. It’s consistently one of the most complimented recipes I make. Kids love the creamy chocolate chip filling, while adults appreciate the playful spin on a traditional dessert. It’s a comfort food crowd-pleaser with just enough sophistication to impress.

Once you try this Cannoli French Toast, I have no doubt it will earn a spot in your regular rotation. It’s cozy, creative, and just the right amount of decadent without being too heavy.

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FAQs 
Frequently Asked Questions about Cannoli French Toast

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the cannoli filling the night before and store it in the refrigerator. The French toast is best served fresh, but you can cook the slices ahead and reheat them in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 8–10 minutes before assembling.

What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?
You can replace mascarpone with cream cheese. Just make sure it’s softened and well blended with the ricotta to maintain a smooth texture.

Can I use other types of bread?
Absolutely. Brioche and challah are preferred because of their rich, soft texture, but thick white sandwich bread, croissants, or even day-old baguette slices will work.

Is it possible to make this recipe less sweet?
Of course. Simply reduce the amount of sugar in the custard and filling. You can also skip the chocolate syrup topping for a lighter version.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Freeze cooked French toast slices individually. Reheat in a toaster or oven. However, do not freeze the ricotta filling—prepare that fresh each time.

Is this suitable for children?
Definitely. It contains no alcohol or strong flavors, and the sweet filling is kid-approved. Just adjust portion sizes for younger appetites.