Description
French Toast Roll Ups are a delicious and fun twist on traditional French toast, featuring soft bread flattened and rolled around a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling. Pan-fried to a golden crisp and served with a variety of toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, or chocolate sauce, these roll-ups make an easy and impressive breakfast or snack that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf sliced bread (Challah, Brioche, or Texas Toast work best)
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries
- Chocolate sauce
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Prepare your cream cheese by allowing it to reach room temperature so it’s soft and easy to mix. If needed, microwave it briefly for 15-20 seconds, watching carefully to avoid melting.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.
- Mix Until Smooth: Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat these ingredients until completely smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Taste Test: Sample the filling and adjust sweetness or vanilla flavor as desired by adding more powdered sugar or vanilla extract.
- Set Aside: Once the cream cheese mixture is smooth and flavorful, set it aside while you prepare the bread.
- Trim the Crusts: Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to carefully remove the crusts from each slice of bread.
- Flatten the Bread: Place each bread slice on a cutting board and gently roll with a rolling pin until about 1/4 inch thick, taking care not to press too hard.
- Repeat: Continue trimming crusts and flattening all slices of bread.
- Spread the Filling: Spread a thin, even layer (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the cream cheese filling over each flattened slice, keeping the layer light to prevent overflow when rolling.
- Roll It Up: Starting at one side, roll each slice tightly into a small cylinder, keeping the roll even.
- Secure the Seam (Optional): If needed, brush a tiny amount of milk or water on the seam to help it stick closed.
- Repeat: Complete the spreading and rolling process for all slices.
- Whisk the Eggs: In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and ground cinnamon until smooth and fully combined.
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet or griddle, melt butter over medium heat, coating the pan’s surface evenly to prevent sticking.
- Dip the Roll-Ups: One at a time, quickly dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, coating all around but not soaking so they don’t become soggy.
- Cook Until Golden Brown: Place roll-ups seam-side down in the skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy, turning gently with a spatula.
- Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even browning by cooking in batches if needed.
- Remove and Drain: Transfer cooked roll-ups to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess butter.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy these French toast roll-ups warm for best texture and flavor.
- Add Toppings: Customize with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or other favorite toppings.
- Get Creative: Encourage everyone to personalize their roll-ups with various toppings for a fun mealtime experience.
- Enjoy! Savor the delightful contrast of crunchy bread exterior and creamy, sweet interior in each bite.
Notes
- Using soft bread varieties like Challah or Brioche helps prevent tearing when flattening and rolling.
- Do not soak the roll-ups in egg mixture for too long to avoid sogginess.
- Cooking over medium heat ensures the roll-ups cook through without burning.
- You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Try different fillings such as Nutella or fruit preserves for delicious variations.
- Make sure to cook the roll-ups seam-side down first to help them stay closed during cooking.
