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Imagine starting your day with a twist on a classic favorite! Cannoli French Toast combines the rich, creamy filling of cannoli with warm, golden-brown French toast. This delightful recipe is easy to make and perfect for any breakfast lover. With simple ingredients like ricotta cheese and thick-cut Italian bread, you’ll impress family and friends while enjoying a sweet treat. Ready to elevate your breakfast game? Let’s dive into this creamy delight!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: This recipe combines the rich, creamy taste of cannoli filling with the classic comfort of French toast, creating an indulgent breakfast experience.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks looking for a delicious meal.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the filling by adding your favorite ingredients, such as fruits or different types of chocolate, to make it uniquely yours.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe serves two, making it an excellent choice for a cozy brunch or a special breakfast treat to share with someone you love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Cannoli French Toast
– 4 slices thick-cut Italian bread
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2 large eggs
– ½ cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
– Chopped pistachios (for garnish)
To make Cannoli French Toast, you need some special ingredients. The main part is the thick-cut Italian bread. It holds up well and soaks up flavors. You also need ricotta cheese. This creamy cheese makes the filling rich and smooth. Powdered sugar adds sweetness. A touch of vanilla extract gives a nice flavor.
For extra flavor, ground cinnamon adds warmth. Eggs and milk help bind everything together. The unsalted butter is key for cooking. It makes the toast golden and adds a rich taste. Mini chocolate chips give a fun surprise in each bite. Lastly, chopped pistachios add a nice crunch on top.
Gather these ingredients to get ready for a delightful treat!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cannoli Filling
– In a medium bowl, combine:
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Mix these ingredients until they are smooth and creamy. This will be your tasty cannoli filling. The ricotta gives it a rich flavor, while the chocolate chips add a sweet surprise.
Assembling the Cannoli French Toast
– Take two slices of the thick-cut Italian bread.
– Spread a generous amount of the ricotta mixture between the slices.
– Make sure to spread evenly for the best taste.
– Repeat this with the remaining bread slices to create more sandwiches.
This step is key. The filling should be thick enough to stay in the middle while cooking.
Cooking the French Toast
– In another bowl, whisk together:
– 2 large eggs
– ½ cup whole milk
This creates the egg mixture for dipping. Whisk until it is blended and frothy.
– Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Let it melt and coat the skillet.
– Carefully dip each stuffed sandwich into the egg mixture. Soak for about 30 seconds on each side.
– Once soaked, place the sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. They should turn golden brown.
Repeat with the remaining butter and sandwiches until all are cooked. The outside will be crispy while the inside stays creamy.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Cooking Process
The best heat for cooking French toast is medium. This way, the bread cooks evenly. If the heat is too high, the outside burns while the inside stays raw. I aim for a nice golden color, which takes about 3-4 minutes per side. You want that crispy outside and soft inside.
To achieve this perfect color, use a non-stick skillet. Melt butter in the pan, but don’t let it brown. Dip the stuffed bread in the egg mix for about 30 seconds. Don’t rush this step; soaking is key.
Serving Suggestions
You can make your French toast look great with simple garnishes. Dust it with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. A sprinkle of chopped pistachios adds color and crunch.
Pair the French toast with fresh fruit. Berries or bananas make a tasty and colorful side. You could also add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a fun twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One big mistake is over-soaking the bread. If you soak too long, it gets soggy. Aim for just the right time.
Another mistake is using the wrong bread. Thick-cut Italian bread works best. Avoid thin slices, as they won’t hold the filling well. Stick to the recipe for the best results.
Pro Tips
- Use Day-Old Bread: Day-old bread is perfect for French toast as it absorbs the egg mixture better without falling apart.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other mix-ins to the ricotta filling, such as orange zest, or swap mini chocolate chips for dried fruit.
- Perfect Cooking Temperature: Keep the skillet or griddle at medium heat to ensure the outside cooks evenly while the inside stays creamy.
- Garnish Wisely: Adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of crushed nuts can enhance the flavor and presentation of your dish.

Variations
Flavor Enhancements
You can easily add fun flavors to your cannoli French toast. Try adding fruit or nuts to the filling. Fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, add a burst of flavor. Pecans or walnuts give a nice crunch. You can also use different types of bread. Brioche or challah adds sweetness and a fluffy texture.
Dietary Modifications
If you have dietary needs, I have some options for you. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread. Make sure the filling ingredients are also gluten-free. For a vegan twist, swap ricotta for a plant-based cream cheese. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. These changes keep the dish tasty and inclusive.
Sweet and Savory Twists
You can mix sweet and savory flavors for a fun twist. Try adding crispy bacon or sausage on the side. This gives a nice balance to the sweet filling. You can also introduce spices like nutmeg or cardamom. These spices add warmth and depth to the dish. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite version!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Cannoli French Toast
To keep your cannoli French toast fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps seal in moisture. If you plan to eat it within two days, store it in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze it. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your French toast, use a skillet on low heat. This warms it evenly and keeps it crispy. You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F. Place the slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the texture nice.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, cannoli French toast lasts about two days. If frozen, it can last up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy your tasty treat anytime you want!
FAQs
What is Cannoli French Toast?
Cannoli French toast is a sweet twist on the classic dish. It combines the rich flavors of cannoli filling with crispy French toast. You make a filling from ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and chocolate chips. Then, you spread this filling between slices of thick-cut Italian bread. You dip the stuffed bread in a mixture of eggs and milk, then cook it in a skillet until golden brown. The result is creamy, sweet, and delicious!
Can I make Cannoli French Toast ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare some parts in advance. You can make the ricotta filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. This saves time in the morning. You can also assemble the sandwiches the night before. Just keep them in the fridge to stay fresh. When you’re ready to eat, dip them in the egg mixture and cook them. It makes breakfast quick and easy!
How can I make Cannoli French Toast healthier?
To make Cannoli French toast healthier, you can try some simple swaps. Use whole grain bread instead of thick-cut Italian bread. This adds fiber and nutrients. You can also reduce the sugar in the filling. Use a sugar substitute or less powdered sugar. If you want to cut calories, use egg whites instead of whole eggs. Lastly, add fresh fruit for extra flavor and vitamins. This keeps the dish tasty while making it a bit healthier!
This blog post showed you how to make Cannoli French Toast. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips. You now know how to prepare, cook, and serve this tasty dish. Remember to avoid common mistakes like over-soaking the bread. Explore variations to fit your taste. Store leftovers with care to enjoy later. Cannoli French Toast is easy to make and delicious for breakfast or brunch. Enjoy making this dish for friends and famil
Cannoli French Toast Delight
A delicious twist on traditional French toast, filled with a creamy cannoli mixture and topped with powdered sugar and pistachios.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 450 kcal
- 4 slices thick-cut Italian bread
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup mini chocolate chips
- to taste chopped pistachios
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming your delicious cannoli filling.
Take two slices of the thick-cut Italian bread and spread a generous amount of the ricotta mixture between them to create a sandwich. Repeat this process with the remaining slices to create more sandwiches.
In another bowl, whisk together the large eggs and whole milk until they are fully blended and frothy, creating the egg mixture for dipping.
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt, coating the surface evenly.
Carefully dip each stuffed bread sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring it is soaked for about 30 seconds on each side, allowing the bread to absorb the delicious flavors.
Once soaked, place the bread slices in the skillet and cook them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. Repeat this step with the remaining butter and bread sandwiches until all are cooked.
Once cooked, gently remove the French toast from the skillet and allow it to cool for a minute on a plate.
For an added touch of sweetness, dust the top with extra powdered sugar and sprinkle with chopped pistachios to offer a delightful crunch.
Serve on a warm plate, drizzled with chocolate sauce and fresh fruit for a colorful touch.
Keyword breakfast, cannoli, dessert, French toast
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