Cannoli French Toast: The Ultimate Italian-Inspired Breakfast Recipe

Cannoli French Toast: Prepare to experience a breakfast revolution! Imagine the crispy, golden-brown perfection of French toast, but infused with the creamy, sweet, and slightly citrusy flavors of a classic Italian cannoli. It’s a decadent dream come true, and trust me, your brunch game will never be the same.

The cannoli, a beloved Sicilian pastry, boasts a rich history dating back to ancient times. Some believe its origins lie in the harems of Caltanissetta, where inventive cooks crafted sweet ricotta-filled tubes for their rulers. Over centuries, it evolved into a symbol of Italian-American culture, often enjoyed during celebrations and holidays. Now, we’re taking those iconic flavors and giving them a breakfast-worthy twist!

What makes Cannoli French Toast so irresistible? It’s the delightful contrast of textures – the soft, custardy interior of the French toast against the crunchy, ricotta-studded exterior. The sweet ricotta filling, often enhanced with chocolate chips and candied citrus, provides a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the eggy bread. People adore this dish because it’s a fun, indulgent treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for a special occasion brunch or simply when you’re craving something a little extra special. Get ready to indulge in a truly unforgettable breakfast experience!

Ingredients:

• For the Cannoli Cream:
• 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese, drained overnight
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons candied orange peel, finely chopped (optional)
• For the French Toast:
• 8 slices of brioche bread, about 1 inch thick
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
• For Garnish:
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Mini chocolate chips
• Chopped pistachios
• Candied orange peel, finely chopped (optional)

Preparing the Cannoli Cream:

1. Drain the Ricotta: This is the most crucial step! Place the ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (or a clean kitchen towel). Set the sieve over a bowl and let it drain in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This removes excess moisture, resulting in a smoother, richer cream. Don’t skip this! The texture will be significantly different if you don’t drain it properly. I usually do this the night before I plan to make the French toast.
2. Combine Ingredients: Once the ricotta is well-drained, transfer it to a medium-sized bowl. Add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Sifting the powdered sugar is important to prevent lumps in your cream.
3. Mix Until Smooth: Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), beat the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the ricotta grainy. Start on low speed and gradually increase to medium speed.
4. Fold in the Add-ins: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and candied orange peel (if using). I like to use a spatula for this step to avoid breaking the chocolate chips. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the cream.
5. Chill the Cream: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cannoli cream for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cream to firm up slightly, making it easier to spread on the French toast. You can even make this a day ahead!

Preparing the French Toast Batter:

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a shallow dish or baking pan (large enough to fit a slice of bread), whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy. This ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed and that the French toast will have a light and airy texture.
2. Prepare the Bread: Lay out your slices of brioche bread. Brioche is my favorite for French toast because it’s rich, buttery, and holds up well to soaking. However, you can also use challah or even a good quality white bread.

Cooking the French Toast:

1. Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Let the bread soak for about 30-60 seconds per side, allowing it to absorb the custard. Don’t soak it for too long, or it will become soggy and fall apart. The soaking time will depend on the thickness and dryness of your bread. You want it to be saturated but not falling apart.
2. Melt the Butter: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. The butter should coat the bottom of the skillet evenly.
3. Cook the French Toast: Carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the French toast is golden brown and cooked through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your bread and the heat of your skillet.
4. Keep Warm (Optional): If you’re cooking in batches, you can keep the cooked French toast warm in a preheated oven (200°F) until ready to serve. Place the French toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
5. Repeat: Repeat steps 1-4 with the remaining bread slices, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.

Assembling the Cannoli French Toast:

1. Spread the Cannoli Cream: Once the French toast is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the chilled cannoli cream over each slice. I like to use a piping bag for a neater presentation, but a spoon or spatula works just as well.
2. Garnish: Dust the French toast with powdered sugar. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, and candied orange peel (if using). The garnishes add a touch of sweetness, crunch, and visual appeal.
3. Serve Immediately: Serve the Cannoli French Toast immediately while it’s still warm and the cannoli cream is cold and creamy. This is best enjoyed fresh!

Tips and Variations:

• Ricotta Cheese: Using high-quality, whole milk ricotta cheese is essential for the best flavor and texture.
• Bread Choice: While brioche is my favorite, you can experiment with other types of bread, such as challah, croissants, or even sourdough. Just adjust the soaking time accordingly.
• Flavor Variations: You can add other flavorings to the cannoli cream, such as almond extract, lemon zest, or a splash of rum.
• Chocolate Chips: Feel free to use dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even chopped chocolate instead of mini chocolate chips.
• Nuts: If you don’t have pistachios, you can use other nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
• Candied Fruit: If you don’t like candied orange peel, you can omit it or substitute it with other candied fruits, such as cherries or citron.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the cannoli cream a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. You can also cook the French toast ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving. However, I recommend assembling the French toast just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the Cannoli French Toast with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced oranges. You can also drizzle it with maple syrup or chocolate sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Enjoy!

This Cannoli French Toast is a decadent and delicious treat that’s perfect for a special breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The combination of the creamy cannoli filling and the golden-brown French toast is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy making and eating this recipe as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Cannoli French Toast isn’t just breakfast; it’s a decadent experience, a sweet escape, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Seriously, if you’re looking for a way to elevate your brunch game or impress your loved ones with a truly unforgettable treat, this is it. The crispy, golden-brown French toast, soaked in a rich custard and then stuffed with that creamy, sweet, ricotta filling – it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds.

But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s the perfect balance of familiar and unexpected. We all love French toast, and we all adore cannoli. Combining them creates something truly magical. It’s also surprisingly easy to make. Don’t let the “cannoli” part intimidate you. The filling comes together in minutes, and the French toast is prepared just like you normally would, with a few extra steps to ensure that golden-brown perfection.

Beyond the sheer deliciousness, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Want to make it even more indulgent? Drizzle with melted chocolate or a homemade berry compote. Feeling festive? Sprinkle with chopped pistachios or candied orange peel. For a lighter twist, use whole-wheat bread or reduce the amount of sugar in the filling. You could even try different flavor extracts in the ricotta filling, like almond or orange blossom water, for a unique twist.

Serving suggestions? This Cannoli French Toast is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, like berries or sliced peaches. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level. And don’t forget the coffee! A strong cup of coffee or a creamy latte is the perfect complement to this sweet treat. For a truly special occasion, serve with a glass of sparkling wine or a mimosa.

I’m absolutely confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s become a staple in my own kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of making and sharing it with your friends and family.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to create some culinary magic. I promise, this Cannoli French Toast will be the star of your next brunch.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Any tips or tricks to share? Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Don’t be shy – let me know how it goes! I’m excited to see your creations and hear your stories. Happy cooking!