French Toast Cannoli: the Quick and Easy Recipe for a Breakfast Treat Ready in 20 Minutes!

Calling all cannoli lovers! We know the crispy shells filled with cream are a delightful treat, but what if you don’t have all the ingredients, or if you’re short on time? Enter the French Toast Cannoli, a clever twist that uses readily available ingredients to create a show-stopping dessert (or dare we say, breakfast?). They are surprisingly simple to make. All you need is sandwich bread, chocolate, and hazelnut cream. Flatten the bread slices, fill with chocolate, and fry in hot butter. The result? Crispy ‘cannoli’ with a dreamy chocolate filling. The best part? They're completely customizable! No matter your preference, these bite-sized cannoli are perfect for a quick sweet fix, ideal for afternoon tea parties to unexpected guests.

What Is French Toast Cannoli?

Traditional cannoli are fried pastries that hail from the beautiful island of Sicily.  They consist of a crispy, cannoli shell, traditionally made from thin fried dough, and a creamy, sweet filling.

The name "cannoli" comes from the Italian word "canna," which means "cane" or "reed." This likely refers to the shape of the shells, which were traditionally rolled around a small reed during preparation.

French Toast Cannoli are a fun and unexpected twist on the classic Sicilian dessert.  Instead of the traditional crispy fried shell, these cannoli use slices of sandwich bread that are rolled up and filled with chocolate or sweet hazelnut filling!

Tips

• Use fresh, soft sandwich bread that's not dried out or stale. This will make it easier to flatten without tearing.
• If you prefer a cleaner look, opt for crustless bread. However, regular sandwich bread with the crusts trimmed can add a nice textural contrast.
• When flattening the bread slices, aim for a thin, pliable consistency without creating holes.
• After rolling and filling, consider placing the cannoli in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes them easier to handle for frying or baking.
• You can use butter or a neutral oil like canola oil for frying. Butter adds a richer flavor, but oil can prevent burning.
• For a classic touch, dust with powdered sugar while the cannoli are still warm. You can also get creative with drizzles of chocolate sauce, chopped nuts, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar.

Can I Bake Them Instead of Frying?

Yes, you can! Brush the cannoli with melted butter or egg wash for added crispness and bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. You can also use an Airfryer.

Can I Make Savory French Toast Cannoli?

Feeling adventurous? Explore savory fillings! Swap the ricotta cream for pesto and mozzarella, or try a sun-dried tomato and goat cheese combo. The possibilities are endless!

What Can I Serve with French Toast Cannoli?

Serve the Sandwich Bread Cannoli with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of honey.

For dessert, you can also add ice cream, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

How To Prevent the Cannoli From Becoming Soggy?

To prevent sogginess, you must soak the bread long enough just until the slices are coated with the egg mixture.

Can I Make French Toast Cannoli In The Airfryer?

Yes, the cannoli can also be made in the Airfryer. Place the cannoli in the Airfryer basket, and cook for 6 minutes at 320°F, turning halfway.

More Breakfast Treats That'll Be Ready in Minutes!

Chocolate French Toast

Butterscotch Oatmeal

Homemade Cookie Cereal

Custard Yogurt Toast

How To Store French Toast Cannoli

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread will soften slightly over time, but they'll still be delicious! You can reheat them in the oven or Airfryer to make them crispy again.

Using a rolling pin, flatten a slice of bread until it's thin and pliable.

Place a piece of chocolate in one corner of the flattened bread.

Now, roll up the bread diagonally, starting from that corner, and encasing the chocolate.

Repeat step 2, but this time, swap the chocolate for a hazelnut cream.

In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until they're frothy. Gently dip each prepared bread roll into the egg mixture, coating it completely.

Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the egg-dipped rolls.

Cook them until they turn golden brown on all sides.

While the rolls are still warm, sprinkle them generously with powdered sugar.