Tiramisu French Toast Recipe

Tiramisu French Toast is my ultimate brunch indulgence because it combines my love for rich, creamy tiramisu with the comforting warmth of golden, buttery French toast. The layers of mascarpone and a hint of espresso elevate this breakfast classic into a decadent treat that feels like a hug in every bite.

Breakfast can be a luxurious experience; it can, in fact, be transcended into the realm of breakfast food as art. Tiramisu French Toast is a delightful expression of that notion; the flavors of classic tiramisu are, after all, married to the comforting warmth of French toast.

Behold: fluffy, custard-soaked slices of brioche, slathered with rich mascarpone cheese, and perfumed with a hint of espresso.

Ingredients

Protein: Rich in eggs, provide structure and fluffiness.

Whole milk: Imparts a creamy consistency; contributes calcium and vitamin D.

Cream with a high butterfat content: Bolsters richness, provides smoothness and creaminess.

Sugar that is in granule form: Imparts sweetness to the mixture, turns to caramel when cooked.

Aromatic sweetness and warm flavor come from vanilla extract.

Espresso powder: Delivers a rich coffee taste, boosting the tiramisù flavor profile.

Tiramisu’s signature taste comes from mascarpone cheese, which has a creamy taste and texture.

Brioche or challah: A soft, slightly sweet bread that has the essential quality of well-absorbing custard.

Ingredient Quantities

Sure! Here’s a detailed list of ingredients for Tiramisu French Toast:

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• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
• Pinch of salt
• 8 slices of thick brioche or challah bread
• 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• Cocoa powder, for dusting
• Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
• Butter or cooking spray, for greasing the pan

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Instructions

1. In a big mixing bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, instant espresso powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until well combined and smooth.

2. Pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish or pie pan to allow for easy dipping of the bread slices.

3. Apply a scant amount of mascarpone cheese to one side of each slice of bread.

4. Create four total sandwiches by layering mascarpone between the layers of bread.

5. A large non-stick skillet should be heated over medium heat and greased with butter or cooking spray.

6. Each sandwich should be dipped into the egg mixture, with care taken to ensure both sides are well-coated yet not soaked for too long.

7. Put the sandwiches that are coated into the heated skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.

8. As the French toast cooks, combine the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Stir until it forms a glaze.

9. After cooking, move the French toast sandwiches to plates, and drizzle them with the powdered sugar glaze. Dust them with cocoa powder before serving.

10. Serve warm, with syrup made from maple trees on the side if you wish.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Whisk
3. Shallow baking dish or pie pan
4. Non-stick skillet
5. Small bowl
6. Spatula or tongs
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Knife or spreader for mascarpone
9. Plates for serving

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of bread?Certainly! While any dense, durable bread—like sourdough or Texas toast—works, for optimal texture, use brioche or challah.
• Is there a substitute for mascarpone cheese?You can use cream cheese as a substitute, but it might change the flavor a bit.
• How can I make this recipe dairy-free?Almond or oat milk can be used as substitutes for milk and heavy cream, and using dairy-free cream cheese instead of mascarpone will produce a flavorful outcome.
• Can this dish be prepared in advance?To save time, you can prepare the egg mixture the night before and soak the bread just before cooking.
• What is the purpose of instant espresso powder?The espresso powder adds a delicate taste of coffee—akin to what you would find in a classic tiramisu—and amplifies the flavor profile of the dish.
• Can I omit the cocoa powder?Certainly, the addition of cocoa powder truly lends an authentic touch to the tiramisu, so it’s essentially a must-add if you want to stay true to the recipe’s original flavor profile.

Substitutions and Variations

1 cup whole milk: Use 1 cup almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free substitute.
1/2 cup heavy cream: For a non-dairy variation, substitute with 1/2 cup coconut cream or soy cream.
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder: For a milder coffee flavor, use 1 tablespoon of brewed coffee.
8 slices of thick brioche or challah bread: You can use thick slices of sourdough or ciabatta bread instead.
Mascarpone cheese: For a similar creamy texture, substitute with 1/4 cup cream cheese or ricotta cheese.

Pro Tips

1. *Enhanced Flavor Layer*: Before spreading mascarpone on the bread, consider mixing it with a bit of vanilla extract and a touch of espresso powder to infuse more flavor directly into the creamy layer.

2. *Perfect Dipping Technique*: To ensure even absorption and prevent soggy bread, briefly dip each side of the sandwich into the egg mixture, counting to three before flipping. This keeps the bread from becoming oversaturated.

3. *Even Cooking*: Use medium-low heat when cooking the sandwiches to ensure the inside cooks thoroughly without burning the outside. You can cover the skillet lightly with foil for the first half of cooking to help the heat penetrate through to the center.

4. *Chilling Time*: If time allows, let the sandwiches rest for 5-10 minutes after spreading with mascarpone and before dipping. This helps the cheese set slightly and reduces filling leakage during cooking.

5. *Additional Garnish*: For an authentic tiramisu touch, sprinkle shaved chocolate or chocolate curls on top of the French toast before serving, alongside the cocoa powder dusting.