There’s something utterly delightful about the combination of breakfast and dessert, and Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast hits that sweet spot perfectly. Picture this: golden brown slices of airy brioche, soaked in an espresso-rich custard and filled with a velvety mascarpone blend. It’s a dish that not only elevates your brunch game but also transports you to an Italian café with every bite.
I discovered this enchanting recipe on a cozy weekend morning, with day-old brioche eagerly waiting to be transformed into something special. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up this decadent treat that dazzles with its rich creaminess and comforting warmth—a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for lazy Sundays or impressing guests during holiday gatherings. So, let’s dive in and create a brunch experience that’s not just a meal but a memorable indulgence!
Why will you love Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast?
Unique Fusion: Experience a delightful combination of breakfast and dessert that will intrigue your taste buds.
Easy Preparation: This dish can be whipped up in just 40 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying option for weekends.
Rich, Creamy Filling: Enjoy the decadent mascarpone and creamy custard that mirrors the classic tiramisu’s beloved profile.
Impress Guests: Elevate your brunch gatherings and wow your friends with this decadent dish that looks as amazing as it tastes.
Customizable: Swap ingredients easily for variations—try ricotta for a twist or even a layer of chocolate spread for extra indulgence.
Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast Ingredients
For the Filling
• Mascarpone Cheese – This rich cheese provides the classic tiramisu flavor profile.
• Cream Cheese (softened) – Adds firmness to balance the sweetness of the filling.
• Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetens the filling nicely; granulated sugar works as a substitute.
For the French Toast
• Loaf Brioche (day-old, cut into 1½-inch thick slices) – Day-old bread absorbs the custard better; fresh can be dried slightly in the oven.
• Large Eggs – Essential for binding the custard and structure of the French toast.
• Whole Milk – Adds a creamy texture to the custard mixture.
• Heavy Cream – Enhances the overall richness, making it feel indulgent.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the custard; adjust to taste by using less if desired.
• Instant Espresso – Infuses the custard with a classic coffee note; brewed coffee can be used for a milder flavor.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Elevates the flavor; opt for pure for the best results.
• Unsalted Butter – For cooking the slices; alternative cooking oils can be used if gluten-free.
For Serving
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Sprinkled on top for that signature tiramisu touch.
• Maple Syrup – A drizzle adds a hint of sweetness that ties the dish together.
Indulge in each layer of Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast and bring a delightful twist to your brunch table!
How to Make Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast
Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, and confectioners’ sugar. Blend together until smooth and creamy, then set aside to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Whisk the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together large eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, instant espresso, and pure vanilla extract. Keep whisking until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy.
Preheat the Skillet: Warm a skillet over medium heat, then add unsalted butter to coat the bottom. Allow the butter to melt and become bubbly, creating the perfect surface for cooking.
Prep the Brioche: Dip each slice of day-old brioche into the custard, ensuring both sides are well soaked without becoming overly soggy. Place a generous dollop of the cheese mixture on the soaked side, then fold the bread to encase the filling.
Cook the Toast: Place the stuffed brioche slices in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them to ensure even cooking.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast warm, dusted with a sprinkle of unsweetened cocoa powder and a drizzle of maple syrup to enhance that delightful tiramisu flavor.
Optional: Garnish with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast?
Create a delightful brunch spread that will leave everyone talking long after the last bite.
- Fresh Berries: The bright acidity and sweetness of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy French toast.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of indulgence that complements the decadent flavors beautifully.
- Maple Bacon: Crispy, savory bacon drizzled with maple syrup balances the sweetness and adds a satisfying crunch. It’s a perfect savory counterpart to the sweetness of the toast.
- Espresso: A cup of rich, aromatic espresso enhances the coffee notes in the Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast, creating a harmonious pairing that coffee lovers will adore. Sipping while you savor makes for an elegant touch!
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: A drizzle of Nutella or a chocolate-hazelnut sauce elevates this dish to another level of indulgence, marrying two classic flavors beautifully.
- Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of homemade or store-bought granola adds a delightful crunch and dimension, offering a welcomed texture alongside the soft, custardy filling.
Storage Tips for Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast
Room Temperature: Best enjoyed fresh out of the skillet; do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain freshness.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on a skillet to revive crispness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place thawed slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp on the edges. Enjoy your Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast like it’s freshly made!
Make Ahead Options
These Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toasts are ideal for meal prep, making your busy mornings so much easier! You can prepare the filling (mascarpone, cream cheese, and confectioners’ sugar) up to 3 days in advance—simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture. Additionally, slice the brioche and soak it in the custard up to 24 hours prior, covering it tightly to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy, just stuff the soaked brioche with the filling and cook until golden brown. This way, you’ll serve restaurant-quality brunch with minimal effort, ready to impress your family or guests!
Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast Variations
Get ready to discover delightful ways to make this dish uniquely yours!
- Ricotta Swap: Replace mascarpone with ricotta for a lighter, slightly tangy filling that still captures the indulgent essence of tiramisu.
- Flavored Extracts: Experiment with almond or hazelnut extract to introduce new, aromatic layers that complement the coffee flavors perfectly.
- Chocolate Delight: Spread a layer of chocolate hazelnut spread before filling to appease those with a sweet tooth craving an extra indulgence.
- Nutty Touch: Mix in some finely chopped nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts into the filling for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to the custard to offer an unexpected warm spice twist. This adds depth while enhancing the overall flavor.
- Fruity Bliss: Layer in some fresh berries or banana slices in the filling for a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the richness beautifully.
- Vegan Option: Use silken tofu blended until creamy and almond milk instead of dairy, ensuring the essence of tiramisu is still present without the animal products.
- Savory Style: For a brunch twist, omit the sugar and add a savory filling like cream cheese with herbs, transforming this sweet classic into a savory delight!
Get creative and find the perfect variation that speaks to your taste buds!
Expert Tips for Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast
Soaking Balance: Make sure to soak the brioche sufficiently in the custard, but avoid oversaturation; overly soggy bread may fall apart while cooking.
Coffee Flavor: Adjust the instant espresso to your liking; for more pronounced coffee notes, simply increase the amount. Less potent taste? Use brewed coffee instead.
Heat Management: Keep an eye on the skillet temperature. Too high heat can lead to burning; medium heat ensures golden-brown perfection without the risk.
Creative Variations: Experiment with your filling by substituting mascarpone for ricotta or adding unique extracts like almond or hazelnut for an enticing twist.
Serving Suggestions: Enhance your dish with fresh fruits or a sprinkle of nuts, adding texture and freshness that complements the rich Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast beautifully.
Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right brioche for Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast?
Absolutely! The best choice is day-old brioche, as it absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy. If you only have fresh brioche, you can slice it and place it on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes to help dry it out slightly. This will create a sturdier base for your flavorful custard soak.
How should I store Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast?
You’ll want to enjoy your Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To maintain the crispness, reheat the pieces in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Just be sure not to leave them out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Can I freeze Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast?
Absolutely! For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They will last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the slices overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven as mentioned above for that freshly made taste.
What should I do if my French toast isn’t cooking evenly?
If you’re facing uneven cooking, check your skillet’s heat level. Ideally, it should be set to medium heat, as too high can lead to burning on the outside while the inside remains uncooked. Consider adjusting the temperature and allowing more time for the slices to cook thoroughly—about 3-4 minutes on each side should yield that beautiful golden-brown finish.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
For those with allergies, you can substitute mascarpone with vegan cream cheese or ricotta for a dairy-free option. Just make sure to check the labels on all your ingredients for any allergens. If you’re cooking for pets, remember that ingredients like chocolate and caffeine can be harmful to them, so keep those away from your pup or kitty!
Can I modify the flavor of the custard mixture?
Very! You can easily customize the flavor by using different flavored extracts, such as almond or hazelnut. Additionally, you might consider increasing or decreasing the amount of instant espresso based on how strong you want that coffee flavor to come through. Enjoy playing with it!
Tiramisu-Stuffed French Toast That Transforms Your Brunch Game
Equipment
- - Mixing bowl
- - Skillet
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 8 ounces Mascarpone Cheese
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 cup Confectioners' Sugar granulated sugar works as a substitute
For the French Toast
- 1 loaf Brioche (day-old, cut into 1½-inch thick slices) day-old bread absorbs custard better
- 4 large Eggs essential for binding the custard
- 1 cup Whole Milk adds creamy texture
- 1 cup Heavy Cream enhances richness
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons Instant Espresso or brewed coffee for a milder flavor
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract opt for pure for best results
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter for cooking the slices
For Serving
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder for garnish
- maple syrup Maple Syrup for drizzling
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, and confectioners' sugar. Blend together until smooth and creamy, then set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together large eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, instant espresso, and pure vanilla extract until well combined.
- Warm a skillet over medium heat, then add unsalted butter to coat the bottom until melted.
- Dip each slice of brioche into the custard, ensuring both sides are soaked. Place a dollop of cheese mixture on the soaked side, then fold the bread to encase the filling.
- Place the stuffed brioche slices in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm, dusted with cocoa powder and a drizzle of maple syrup.