Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast Recipe
Introduction
Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast combines the rich flavors of classic tiramisu with the comforting texture of French toast. This decadent breakfast treat features a creamy mascarpone filling hidden inside golden, custardy brioche slices. It’s perfect for a special morning or weekend brunch.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. mascarpone cheese
- 2 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 loaf brioche, cut into 1 1/2″-thick slices (preferably day-old)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp. instant espresso
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp. (or more) unsalted butter
- Unsweetened cocoa powder and maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, using a rubber spatula, stir mascarpone, cream cheese, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a medium round tip or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off.
- Step 2: Using a paring knife, cut a 2″-wide slit along the bottom of each slice of brioche, inserting the knife about the length of the blade but careful not to cut through to the other side. Pipe the mascarpone filling into these slits.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, instant espresso, and vanilla extract until well combined. Dip each stuffed bread slice into the egg mixture, letting it soak about 10 seconds on each side.
- Step 4: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until foamy. Cook the soaked bread slices in batches, turning once, until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Add more butter as needed and adjust heat to prevent burning.
- Step 5: Arrange the cooked French toast on a platter. Dust with unsweetened cocoa powder and serve immediately with maple syrup on the side.
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old brioche for better absorption without falling apart.
- For extra espresso flavor, brush the bread lightly with cooled brewed espresso before filling.
- Swap maple syrup for a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for variety.
- Make smaller slits to create pockets if you prefer less filling inside each slice.
Storage
Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to preserve crispness; avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the filling and bread the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the mascarpone filling and stuff the bread the night before. Keep the stuffed slices covered in the refrigerator and proceed with dipping and cooking in the morning for best texture.
What can I use if I don’t have instant espresso?
If you don’t have instant espresso, you can substitute with 1 tsp of strong brewed coffee or espresso powder. Adjust the amount to your taste if needed.
PrintTiramisu-Stuffed French Toast Recipe
Indulge in a decadent twist on classic French toast with this Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast recipe. Brioche slices are filled with a luscious mascarpone and cream cheese blend, soaked in a creamy espresso-infused custard, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and a drizzle of maple syrup, this breakfast treat perfectly combines the rich flavors of traditional tiramisu with the comforting warmth of French toast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 oz. mascarpone cheese
- 2 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
Bread and Custard
- 1 loaf brioche, cut into 1 1/2″-thick slices (preferably day-old)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp. instant espresso
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Cooking
- 2 Tbsp. (or more) unsalted butter
To Serve
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, use a rubber spatula to stir together mascarpone, cream cheese, and confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Transfer the filling into a piping bag fitted with a medium round tip or a resealable plastic bag with a corner cut off to make filling the bread easier.
- Stuff the Bread: Using a paring knife, carefully cut a 2-inch wide slit into the bottom of each brioche slice, inserting the blade about the length of the knife without cutting through to the other side. Pipe the mascarpone filling evenly into each slit, creating a stuffed pocket.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, instant espresso, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. This mixture will soak the stuffed bread to infuse flavor and provide a custard coating.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each stuffed brioche slice into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 10 seconds on each side. This ensures the bread absorbs the flavorful mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until foamy. In batches, place the soaked, stuffed bread slices in the skillet. Cook for approximately 3 minutes per side, turning once, until the French toast is golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter as needed and adjust heat to avoid burning.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked tiramisu-stuffed French toast on a serving platter. Dust generously with unsweetened cocoa powder and offer maple syrup on the side for drizzling. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using day-old brioche helps the bread maintain structure and soak up the custard without falling apart.
- Adjust the espresso powder amount to your taste if you prefer a stronger or milder coffee flavor.
- For easier filling, use a piping bag to prevent mess and ensure even distribution.
- If you don’t have mascarpone cheese, cream cheese can be used alone, though flavor will be slightly different.
- Monitor the heat while frying to avoid burning the butter; medium heat works best for even cooking.
Keywords: Tiramisu French Toast, Stuffed French Toast, Breakfast Recipe, Mascarpone French Toast, Brioche French Toast, Espresso French Toast
