These French Toast Roll-Ups are a fun, sweet twist on the classic French toast! With a creamy vanilla cream cheese filling and a burst of fresh blackberries and raspberries, these roll-ups make the perfect indulgent breakfast or brunch treat. They’re crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and coated with a cinnamon-sugar finish that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance! 😋
Ingredients:
- 3 slices buttermilk bread (or any soft white bread)
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Blackberries (a handful)
- Raspberries (a handful)
- 3/4 cup French vanilla creamer (or any flavored creamer you like)
- 2 large eggs
- Cinnamon (to taste)
- Sugar (to taste)
- Butter, for cooking
Instructions:
- Prep the bread:
- Start by cutting off the crusts of the bread slices. This helps make the roll-ups more tender and easy to roll.
- Use your palm to lightly flatten each slice of bread. This makes it easier to roll and allows more filling to be packed inside!
- Make the cream cheese filling:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This will be the deliciously creamy filling that holds the berries inside the roll-ups.
- Beat the egg mixture:
- In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and French vanilla creamer until well blended. This mixture will be used to coat the bread rolls before cooking, giving them that perfect golden brown texture.
- Assemble the roll-ups:
- Take each flattened bread slice and spread a generous amount of the vanilla-cream cheese mixture on one side.
- Add a few blackberries and raspberries on top of the cream cheese. You can adjust the amount based on how fruity you want the roll-ups to be!
- Carefully roll up the bread tightly, ensuring the filling stays inside. The tighter, the better!
- Coat the roll-ups:
- Dip each bread roll into the egg and creamer mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated on all sides.
- Cook the roll-ups:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted and hot, add the rolled-up bread to the pan. Cook each roll-up for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep turning them until they’re evenly cooked.
- Finish with cinnamon-sugar:
- In a shallow bowl or plate, combine cinnamon and sugar in a ratio that suits your taste (about 2 tablespoons sugar to 1 teaspoon cinnamon).
- Once the roll-ups are cooked and crispy, immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat all sides.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Arrange the French toast roll-ups on a plate. You can serve them with extra fresh berries on top or even a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness. Enjoy while warm!
Tips & Variations:
- Cream Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone or a bit of ricotta cheese for a different creamy filling.
- Berry Varieties: Swap the blackberries and raspberries for strawberries, blueberries, or even sliced bananas if you want to mix up the fruit.
- Toppings: Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream to make these even more indulgent!
- Make It Vegan: Use a non-dairy cream cheese (like cashew or coconut cream cheese), and swap the eggs and creamer for a plant-based alternative.
Benefits:
- Customizable: You can switch up the fruit, add your favorite flavorings, or change the filling. It’s easy to tailor this recipe to your preferences.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, these French Toast Roll-Ups are a great option for a fun breakfast or brunch that looks impressive but doesn’t take too long to prepare.
- Perfectly Sweet & Savory: The cinnamon-sugar coating gives these a sweet, crispy finish, while the creamy, fruity center provides a delicious balance of flavors.
Q & A:
Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: While French toast roll-ups are best served fresh, you can prepare the filling and egg mixture ahead of time. You can also cook the roll-ups and store them in the fridge for up to a day, then reheat them in a pan with a bit of butter to crisp them up again.
Q: Can I use different bread? A: Absolutely! While buttermilk bread works beautifully because of its softness, you can try other bread types like cinnamon swirl bread, brioche, or even sourdough if you prefer something with a bit more texture.
Q: How can I make this recipe less sweet? A: If you prefer a less sweet version, skip the cinnamon-sugar roll or reduce the amount of sugar. You can also opt for a savory filling like cream cheese mixed with herbs and garlic, and top it with sautéed veggies!
These French Toast Roll-Ups with creamy vanilla filling and fresh berries will be the star of your next breakfast! Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just treating yourself, they’re sure to be a hit. Let me know how they turn out! 🖤