Can I make this recipe without coffee?

Yes, you can substitute the coffee with an equal amount of milk and add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder or strong coffee extract for flavor without the liquid. For a completely coffee-free version, use chocolate milk instead for a different but still delicious variation.

What's the best bread to use for tiramisu French toast?

Thick-cut brioche or challah bread works beautifully for this recipe. Their slightly sweet flavor and sturdy texture hold up well to the soaking process. If those aren't available, any thick-cut white bread will work—just avoid thinly sliced sandwich bread as it will fall apart too easily.

Can I prepare components of this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! The mascarpone whipped cream can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also mix the French toast batter the night before and refrigerate it. Just give it a quick whisk before using in the morning.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this recipe?

Yes, simply omit the coffee liqueur from the mascarpone cream mixture. You can add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of coffee to enhance the flavor without using alcohol. The result will still be delicious!

Tiramisu French Toast Recipe

This Tiramisu French Toast transforms ordinary breakfast into a sophisticated morning delight! Combining the rich flavors of classic Italian tiramisu with traditional French toast, this recipe creates a decadent breakfast experience that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly. The coffee-infused batter and mascarpone topping elevate simple bread slices into something truly special—perfect for impressing weekend guests or treating yourself on a lazy morning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The subtle coffee notes paired with creamy mascarpone create that classic tiramisu experience in breakfast form.
Impressive Yet Simple: Looks and tastes like something from a fancy brunch spot, but requires minimal effort and basic ingredients.
Quick Preparation: Despite its elegant appearance, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes total!
Flexible Serving Options: Works beautifully for both special occasion brunches and elevated weekday breakfasts when you need a little morning motivation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Thick-cut white bread: The foundation of this recipe—provides structure and absorbs the flavors. Slightly stale bread works best as it soaks up the batter without falling apart.
Mascarpone cheese: The star ingredient that gives this French toast its tiramisu identity. Provides a rich, creamy texture that’s more sophisticated than regular cream cheese.
Heavy cream: Whips up to create a light, fluffy topping when combined with the mascarpone. The airy texture contrasts beautifully with the dense French toast.
Coffee: Infuses the French toast with that distinctive tiramisu flavor. Use strong brewed coffee for best results.
Coffee liqueur: Adds depth and authenticity to the mascarpone topping. Can be omitted for an alcohol-free version.
Cocoa powder: Provides the classic tiramisu finish and enhances the coffee flavor throughout the dish.
Eggs: Create the custard-like base for the French toast, helping it achieve that perfect texture—crisp outside, tender inside.
Milk: Works with the eggs to create a rich batter for dipping the bread.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds warmth to both the cream and the French toast batter.
Sugar: Balances the coffee’s bitterness in both the batter and the topping.
Butter: Creates that beautiful golden crust when frying and adds richness to the overall flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Chocolate Lover’s Version

Add mini chocolate chips to the batter and drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving for an extra indulgent treat.

Berry Tiramisu French Toast

Top with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a fruity contrast to the coffee and cream flavors.

Nutty Twist

Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts or almonds for added texture and complementary flavor.

Vegan Adaptation

Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, egg replacer, and dairy-free mascarpone alternative to create a completely vegan version.

How to Make Tiramisu French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Mascarpone Whipped Cream

In a mixing bowl, combine cold heavy cream and granulated sugar. Whisk until the mixture begins to thicken. Add softened mascarpone cheese and coffee liqueur, then continue mixing until smooth and creamy with soft peaks. Set aside in the refrigerator while preparing the French toast.

Step 2: Create the French Toast Batter

In a separate wide, shallow bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, coffee, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sugar until fully combined. Make sure the cocoa powder is completely incorporated with no dry lumps remaining.

Step 3: Cook the French Toast

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Quickly dip each bread slice into the coffee-egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 5-10 seconds per side. Don’t oversoak, or the bread might fall apart. Place the soaked bread in the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp around the edges.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Place 2-3 slices of the French toast on each plate. Top generously with the mascarpone whipped cream and dust with additional cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu finish. Serve immediately while still warm.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use day-old bread: Fresh bread tends to become too soggy when soaked. Slightly stale bread has the perfect structure to absorb the batter while maintaining its shape.
Temperature matters: Let the mascarpone come to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in your cream topping.
Balance is key: When dipping the bread, aim for quick immersion—just enough to coat but not saturate the bread.
Keep it moving: Don’t overcrowd the pan, and maintain medium-low heat to ensure the French toast cooks evenly without burning the outside before the inside is cooked.
Whip strategically: For the mascarpone topping, whip the cream partially before adding the mascarpone for the best texture—overwhipping can make it grainy.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced bananas to balance the richness. A small glass of cold brew coffee makes an excellent beverage companion.

Breakfast Spread

For a complete brunch, pair with savory options like crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to create a sweet and savory balance.

Festive Touch

For special occasions, serve with a small glass of espresso or coffee liqueur on the side for adults to sip between bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the mascarpone cream separate in its own container.

Freezing

The cooked French toast freezes well for up to 1 month. Place parchment paper between slices before freezing to prevent sticking. The mascarpone cream doesn’t freeze well, so make that fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat frozen or refrigerated French toast in a toaster oven until warm and slightly crisp around the edges. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the toast soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without coffee?

Yes, you can substitute the coffee with an equal amount of milk and add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder or strong coffee extract for flavor without the liquid. For a completely coffee-free version, use chocolate milk instead for a different but still delicious variation.
What’s the best bread to use for tiramisu French toast?

Thick-cut brioche or challah bread works beautifully for this recipe. Their slightly sweet flavor and sturdy texture hold up well to the soaking process. If those aren’t available, any thick-cut white bread will work—just avoid thinly sliced sandwich bread as it will fall apart too easily.
Can I prepare components of this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! The mascarpone whipped cream can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also mix the French toast batter the night before and refrigerate it. Just give it a quick whisk before using in the morning.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this recipe?

Yes, simply omit the coffee liqueur from the mascarpone cream mixture. You can add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of coffee to enhance the flavor without using alcohol. The result will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Tiramisu French Toast brings together two beloved classics in one extraordinary breakfast experience. The combination of coffee-soaked bread with creamy mascarpone topping creates something truly special that feels like a restaurant-quality treat made right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a special brunch or simply want to elevate your weekend breakfast routine, this recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!