Craving dessert for breakfast? Tiramisu French Toast has you covered.
It's very, very easy to make and tastes like a fresh espresso or coffee. Think: soft brioche bread soaked in coffee-flavored egg batter, pan fried until crispy, then topped with whipped cream and espresso powder.
Perfect for cozy weekends or when you want to infuse a little caffeine pick me up into your breakfast.
Breakfast is one of those meals that never goes out of style, and this french toast recipe is perfect for a brunch with the girls, a family gathering, or for a brunch date.
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This recipe was updated on April 29th, 2025 to reduce redundant and fluffy information, add more FAQs, and create an easier user experience.
Recipe at a Glance
- Cook Level - French toast is such an approachable recipe to make, and this tiramisu version is no exception.
- Cook Time - This french toast will cost you around 20 minutes from start to finish, including making the whipped cream to go in between each slice of toast.
- Taste - If fresh brewed coffee and french toast had a baby, this would be the result.
- Swaps and Subs: Use a gluten free bread or a challah instead of brioche. Swap the milk for almond milk. If you have fresh espresso, let it get cold and use it, otherwise regular cold coffee or cold brew concentrate works great.
- Best Served With:
Tried and True Tips
- Serve Immediately: French toast, no matter what kind, is always best enjoyed warm and fresh off the skillet or out of the oven if baked. Be sure to serve asap!
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly old brioche (or any bread, really) absorbs the egg batter better without becoming overly soggy. I would plan ahead and buy the bread a day or two before.
- Don't Skimp on the Whipped Cream: Fresh whipped cream elevates the dish and has less ingredient and sugar. If you don't have fresh whipped cream, you could even use fresh mascarpone or canned whipped cream (or cool whip!)
- Adjust the Coffee Flavor: If you prefer a milder coffee taste, use a blonder (lighter) roast, choose decaf or reduce the espresso powder. You could also use a cold brew concentrate instead of fresh espresso.
Key Ingredients
- Brioche Bread: Its soft, buttery texture is ideal for soaking up the coffee-infused custard.
- Eggs: The backbone of any French toast recipe, eggs create a rich and creamy base for the batter.
- Half and Half: Adds a touch of creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.
- Cold Brew Coffee & Espresso Powder: Together, these bring the deep, bold coffee flavor reminiscent of classic tiramisu.
- Vanilla Extract: Balances the coffee notes with a hint of sweetness and warmth.
- Whipped Cream: No tiramisu-inspired dish is complete without this cloud-like topping.
- Butter: Ensures that each slice of French toast gets that irresistible golden crust.
Be sure to check out the recipe card at the end of this post for more information about quantities, measurements, and specific cooking instructions.
Step by Step Directions
Prep Your Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, cold brew coffee, vanilla extract, and espresso powder. This mixture is the heart of your tiramisu-inspired French toast.
Slice the Brioche Bread
Cut the brioche into thick slices. The thicker the bread, the better it holds up when soaked in the custard mixture.
Soak and Cook
Warm a large skillet or heavy skillet over medium heat and melt a knob of butter. The butter not only prevents sticking but also gives the bread a rich, golden crust.
Dip each slice of brioche into the custard mixture, making sure it's fully coated. Lay the soaked bread into the hot skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
Assemble the Dish
Layer each piece of French toast with fresh whipped cream and dust with a sprinkle of espresso powder. Drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet, silky finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread?
While brioche is the gold standard for its rich texture, you can substitute with challah or even thick slices of French bread.
How do I store leftovers?
If you want to make the french toast ahead of time, simply add the cooked french toast pieces into a tupperware and place in the fridge. This will last for up to 3 days. If it's already assembled, it will be good for up to one day. Reheating with the whipped cream on top will cause the cream to melt, so I would advise against this.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the half and half with almond or oat milk and use coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free twist.
What other toppings can I add?
Try dusting with cocoa powder, adding fresh berries, or grating a bit of dark chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
Hungry for more?
Looking for other fun and delicious breakfasts? Here's my fav!
Did you love this recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you're just as in love with this recipe as I am, please share a comment below and rate it! Better yet, share this recipe with family and friends!! Thank you!
Fluffy Tiramisu French Toast Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 frying pan
- measuring spoons and cups
- 1 spatula
- 1 medium sized sieve or mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 1 large brioche bread cubed
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup half and half
- 4 tablespoon cold brew coffee
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Whisk together the eggs, half and half, cold brew coffee, vanilla extract, and espresso powder in a bowl.
- Slice the brioche bread into five or six thick slices.
- Heat a medium pan with butter, then dip each piece of brioche bread into the egg mixture, laying it into the pan.
- Cook each slice of bread for 1-2 minutes on each side until crisp and browned. Repeat.
- Layer each piece of french toast with the fresh whipped cream, topping with a dusting of espresso powder. Top with syrup and serve.
To make Fresh Whipped Cream
- Meanwhile, in a chilled large bowl, whisk 1 cup heavy whipping cream and sugar until nice and fluffy using a hand whisk.
Alex says
This was a treat to make for myself and my mom this weekend. She was visiting and I decided to make a fun brunch and it did not disappoint. We're huge coffee and tiramisu fans so this was spot on. I saw your tiramisu cookies too, so those are next!!!
Cheryl says
This was so unreal. I love tiramisu and wanted to use up extra brioche I bought this weekend and this was perfect! Not over the top either!!