Cannoli French Toast

Cannoli French Toast, a decadent homemade recipe idea for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert! All the tasty and great flavors of the Italian dessert including ricotta, orange, vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate. 

When I say this Cannoli French Toast is delicious, it is DELICIOUS! So much in fact, I had to cut my family off from eating it ALL!

So I’m adding this tasty Cannoli French Toast to my long list of cannoli recipes including my Cannoli Pancakes and Cannoli Cinnamon Rolls.

I do have another Cannoli French Toast recipe you may remember, Cannoli Overnight French Toast Casserole, but thought I’d try something a little different with some leftover Cannoli Bread I had around. The results were incredible if I do say so!

It makes the perfect gourmet breakfast, brunch, or dessert. We actually enjoyed it for dessert topped with a little powdered sugar and whipped cream. Cannoli Cream would also be a great topping.

There are many versions of Cannoli French Toast out there. Many are two pieces of French Toast stuffed with cannoli cream. That’s a great option, but this version is delicious too!

For this version, you will need some slices of day-old (or a few days old…) Cannoli Bread. Otherwise, the rest of the ingredients are rather simple.

I just used 4 slices of the loaf, but you could definitely multiply this recipe for more slices if you want to make more. It is quite rich, so 1-2 slices is plenty for a serving! Bread that is a day or two old works best so it’s a bit drier and can soak up the French Toast egg mixture better.

(Full printable recipe card is at bottom of post.)

Cannoli French Toast Ingredients

• Eggs
• Milk
• Sugar
• Orange juice (fresh if you can)
• Vanilla (and/or Almond extract or Fiori di Sicilia)
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Butter (for pan when cooking)
• Cannoli bread (about 4 slices that are a day or two old)
• Toppings (optional): fresh fruit, whipped cream, maple syrup, chocolate sauce, and/or maraschino cherries. Ice cream would also be a tasty option!

How to Make Cannoli French Toast

1. MAKE BATTER. In a large shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, orange juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2. HEAT PAN. Melt about one tablespoon of butter in large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. DIP BREAD. Dip the bread slices a few seconds on each side into egg mixture.
4. COOK. Cook the bread a few minutes per side or until golden brown. Cook in batches with additional butter as needed. Dust with powdered sugar or top with toppings of choice and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

• This French Toast is great as-is but get creative with some fun toppings! Or serve with some fresh fruit like orange slices, strawberries, and/or blueberries. Bacon would also be a good option for the side.
• It’s great with butter and maple syrup just like traditional French Toast.
• Also tasty with whipped cream, mini chocolate chips, chocolate sauce, Nutella, or even maraschino cherries! Or top with some chopped nuts for a little crunch.
• For dessert, make French Toast ice cream sundaes with ice cream.
• Or top with a little cannoli cream or Cannoli Frosting or Cannoli Dip!

Quick Tips for Best Results

• The French Toast is at it’s best right out of the pan. If you are making a lot, you can keep the cooked French Toast warm on a baking sheet in a preheated oven.
• If you’re making a big batch, you could probably also bake this French Toast on baking sheets, but I haven’t tried that one yet with this particular recipe so not sure of details. I don’t see why a baked version wouldn’t work though.
• Make sure your Cannoli Bread is a day or two old if you can so that it’s a bit more on the dry side and can soak up the egg mixture.
• Don’t soak the bread TOO long in the egg mixture or it may start to break if too soggy.
• You could also cut the bread into small bites or nuggets for bite-size French Toast, or cut into long strips for French Toast dippers.

Cannoli French Toast FAQ

How should I store Cannoli French Toast?
I’d suggest serving it right away after cooked, but if you have leftover, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze this French Toast?
I haven’t tried it, but I don’t see why not! I’d suggest placing the cooked French Toast on a silicone mat or parchment paper-lined baking sheet and placing in the freezer. Once frozen, place French Toast slices in a resealable bag.

How long will the French Toast last?
It should last a few days in the fridge, or longer in the freezer.

Substitutions?
You can use your favorite spices or extracts instead of the vanilla and cinnamon. Instead of milk, you could use almond milk, coconut milk, or your favorite milk substitute.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?
You can try substituting some lower-fat ingredients in the bread. You could also use a nonstick pan and skip the butter in the pan when cooking the slices.

What else can I add to this recipe?
You can add additional spices or extracts.

Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.

Vegan – This would be a tough one to make vegan.  You would have to make the bread vegan, then substitute something for the eggs and milk in the French Toast batter. Skip the butter in the pan and use oil or a nonstick pan.

Vegetarian – It’s vegetarian. Be sure to check individual brands/products just to be sure though.

Low-Carb – This is also tough. You’d have to try some substitutes in the bread. As far as the French Toast batter, you could omit the sugar and add less orange juice.

Gluten-Free – Make the Cannoli Bread gluten-free then the French Toast batter should be ok and not contain gluten.

Other Brunch Recipes You May Enjoy

• Blueberry Muffin Tops (Snappy Gourmet) – Skip the muffin tins and make these delicious blueberry muffins right on the baking sheet.
• Belgian Liège Waffles (Snappy Gourmet) – Once you’ve tried them, you’ll never go back to the American version of Belgian waffles.
• Spinach and Ham Egg Bakes (Country Living) – A grat combo of spinach, ham, and eggs baked in pie crust shells.
• Glazed Berry Breakfast Tarts (Good Housekeeping) – Copycat recipe of the popular Pop-Tarts, yum!

Hope you enjoy this delicious homemade Cannoli French Toast. Tell me in the comments what you topped it with!

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