Name: Cannoli French Toast
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: Healthy
Ingredients: 1/4 cup chia seeds; 1 cup coconut milk or almond milk; 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, sliced; 1/3 cup fresh blueberries; Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

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Cannoli French Toast came about one Sunday morning when I had leftover brioche and a sudden craving for something sweet and creamy. I remembered a batch of ricotta in the fridge and thought—why not turn one of my favorite Italian desserts into breakfast? I whipped together a quick filling, dunked the bread in a cinnamon-spiced custard, and what came out was an instant hit with everyone at the table.

Now I make this Cannoli French Toast when I want to impress guests or simply treat myself to something decadent and playful and it combines everything I love—crispy golden edges, soft custardy centers, a touch of citrus, and chocolate chips on top and inside and it’s become a weekend tradition I always look forward to.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Brioche or challah bread – Thick slices that soak up the custard and stay fluffy
Ricotta cheese – Forms the base of the creamy cannoli filling
Mascarpone cheese – Adds richness and smooth texture to the filling
Powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling and adds a finishing dusting
Vanilla extract – Brings out the sweet flavors in both the custard and filling
Mini chocolate chips – For that classic cannoli bite and extra indulgence
Orange zest – Adds brightness and pairs beautifully with the filling
Eggs – Create the custard coating for the French toast
Whole milk or cream – Makes the custard rich and smooth
Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth to the custard
Butter – Used to cook the French toast until golden brown

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls – One for the filling and one for the custard
Whisk – To combine the egg mixture smoothly
Spatula – Helps flip the toast cleanly in the pan
Non-stick skillet or griddle – For evenly cooking the French toast
Microplane or zester – For zesting the orange finely
Spoon or piping bag – To fill and layer the toast with the cannoli mixture
Sifter – Optional, but perfect for dusting powdered sugar over the top

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by mixing the ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and a handful of mini chocolate chips in a bowl until it’s smooth and creamy.

Step 2:

In another bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon to create the custard for dipping the bread.

Step 3:

I preheat my skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a little butter so it’s ready when I start cooking.

Step 4:

I take each slice of brioche and dip it into the custard mixture, making sure both sides are coated but not soggy.

Step 5:

I cook the soaked slices in the buttered skillet for about 2–3 minutes per side, until they’re golden and slightly crisp on the outside.

Step 6:

Once all the slices are cooked, I spread or pipe the cannoli filling between two slices like a sandwich, or spoon a generous dollop right on top.

Step 7:

I finish by sprinkling extra mini chocolate chips over the toast and dusting everything with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips

For an extra authentic cannoli flavor, I sometimes add a splash of almond extract to the filling. If you like crunch, a few crushed pistachios on top are amazing. And if you don’t have mascarpone, cream cheese makes a great substitute—just make sure it’s softened before mixing.

Ways to Serve

Cannoli French Toast is fantastic served warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or even chocolate sauce. I like pairing it with fresh berries or a citrus salad to balance the richness. It’s perfect for brunch spreads, holiday mornings, or special breakfasts in bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cannoli French Toast ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the filling a day in advance and refrigerate it. Cook the French toast fresh for best results.

Can I use a different type of bread for Cannoli French Toast?

Absolutely. Texas toast or thick sourdough works well too—just avoid thin slices that might fall apart.

Does Cannoli French Toast freeze well?

The cooked toast freezes okay, but I recommend storing the filling separately and assembling after reheating.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this Cannoli French Toast a try! It’s one of my favorites, and I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Feel free to leave a comment below or share your results with me! And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to pin it to your favorite brunch or sweet breakfast board.

Happy Cooking!