If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast treat that’s fun to make and absolutely irresistible to eat, I can’t recommend the French Toast Roll Ups with Cream Cheese Filling and Sweet Toppings Recipe enough. These delightful bite-sized rolls bring together the crispy, golden goodness of french toast with a rich, creamy filling that melts in your mouth. With endless options for sweet toppings, they promise to brighten any morning or brunch gathering. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite indulgence to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, bringing just the right balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes these roll-ups so special. Whether it’s the soft bread that crisps up perfectly or the smooth cream cheese filling, you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients create such magic.
- Sliced bread (Challah, Brioche, or Texas Toast): Choose soft, thick slices for the best texture and easy rolling.
- Cream cheese, softened: The heart of the filling, offering smooth richness and tangy flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a silky filling consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cream cheese mixture.
- Ground cinnamon: Sprinkled in both filling and egg wash for a cozy spice note.
- Large eggs: The base for the egg mixture that coats the roll-ups for that signature french toast crust.
- Milk: Lightens the egg mixture ensuring perfect soaking without sogginess.
- Butter: Used for frying, providing golden crispiness and a luscious buttery aroma.
- Optional toppings: Maple syrup, fresh berries, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream elevate each bite to a moment of pure happiness.
How to Make French Toast Roll Ups with Cream Cheese Filling and Sweet Toppings Recipe
Step 1: Soften and Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Start by ensuring your cream cheese is beautifully softened, which is crucial for that silky, smooth filling. If it’s straight from the fridge, pop it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, watching carefully so it doesn’t melt. Then combine the cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. Beat or whisk the mixture until it’s lump-free and creamy—this will become your luscious filling that adds a wonderful tangy-sweet contrast to the crispy bread.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Next, trim off the crusts from each slice carefully. This step is key to ensuring your roll-ups are neat and roll easily without cracking. Then take your rolling pin (or a clean bottle if you don’t have one) and gently flatten each slice to about a 1/4 inch thickness. Flattening helps the bread mold nicely around the filling, creating those perfect little rolls.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Bread
Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese filling on each flattened slice. Don’t overload it—about a tablespoon or two per slice is ideal, so nothing spills out during cooking. Now roll each slice up tightly from one end, making sure to keep them even. If the seam doesn’t want to stay closed, a quick swipe of milk or water will do the trick to seal it up nicely.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture and Dip
Whisk together the eggs, milk, and cinnamon in a shallow dish until fully blended and smooth. This mixture will coat the roll-ups, giving them that classic golden french toast exterior. Quickly dip each roll-up, making sure to coat all sides without soaking, which keeps the bread from becoming soggy and helps it hold firm as it cooks.
Step 5: Cook the Roll Ups Until Perfectly Golden
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter so it coats the entire surface. Carefully place your dipped roll-ups seam-side down to ensure they stay closed during cooking. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown with a slight crisp. Depending on your skillet size, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause them to steam rather than crisp up.
Step 6: Drain and Get Ready to Serve
Remove the perfectly cooked roll-ups and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess butter. This step keeps them crispy and prevents greasiness, so you get that satisfying bite every time.
How to Serve French Toast Roll Ups with Cream Cheese Filling and Sweet Toppings Recipe
Garnishes
Here’s where you can truly let your creativity shine! Drizzle with pure maple syrup for classic sweetness, dust with powdered sugar for a delicate touch, or scatter fresh berries to add bursts of juiciness and color. A dollop of whipped cream or a swirl of chocolate sauce will instantly turn this dish into a decadent dessert-worthy treat. The possibilities are as endless as your taste buds allow.
Side Dishes
Pair these roll-ups with crisp bacon or sausage links for a savory contrast that balances out the sweetness perfectly. Fresh fruit salad or a light citrus yogurt can also add freshness and brighten the plate. If you want something more substantial, a hot cup of coffee or a fruity mimosa is simply divine alongside these roll-ups.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the roll-ups stacked on a colorful platter with small bowls of various toppings set beside them like a mini buffet—everyone loves customizing their bites! Another fun idea is to cut them into bite-size pinwheels for easy finger foods at brunch parties or holiday gatherings. Arranging them in a spiral or neat rows with drizzled sauces makes for an irresistible eye-catching display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’ll stay tasty but are best enjoyed fresh to savor their signature crispiness and creamy filling.
Freezing
These roll-ups freeze wonderfully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together and keeps their shape. Frozen roll-ups can last up to 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat, pop frozen or refrigerated roll-ups in a warm oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and slightly crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crisp crust; the oven works wonders to bring back that delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for the roll-ups?
While you can experiment, challah, brioche, or Texas toast are best because they have the right softness and thickness that make rolling up easy and yield a tender, flavorful result.
Is it possible to make these dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use plant-based milk and vegan butter. Just be mindful of how these swaps might affect taste and texture slightly but the results are still delicious.
Can I prepare these roll-ups the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Cook them fresh the next morning for best texture and flavor.
What other fillings can I try?
Beyond cream cheese and cinnamon sugar, you can try Nutella and banana slices, peanut butter with jelly, or even a savory mix like ham and cheese for a brunch twist.
How do I keep the roll-ups from falling apart when cooking?
Be sure to roll tightly and consider brushing the seam with a little milk or water to seal. Cooking seam-side down first helps them stay intact while frying.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the French Toast Roll Ups with Cream Cheese Filling and Sweet Toppings Recipe—it transforms everyday ingredients into a celebration of flavors and textures. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast, a festive brunch, or a fun treat for the kids, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and happy tummy moments at your table. Give it a go and turn mornings into a delicious adventure!
Print
French Toast Roll Ups with Cream Cheese Filling and Sweet Toppings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully crispy and creamy French Toast Roll Ups feature sliced bread filled with a smooth sweet cream cheese mixture, rolled tightly and cooked to golden perfection in a skillet. This easy and fun breakfast or dessert recipe allows you to customize with various toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream for a personalized treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Bread
- 1 loaf of sliced bread (Challah, Brioche, or Texas Toast work best)
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
- Powdered sugar
- Caramel sauce
- Chopped nuts
Instructions
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is nice and soft. If you forget to take it out of the fridge ahead of time, microwave it for 15-20 seconds, watching carefully to prevent melting.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Mix Until Smooth: Using an electric mixer or whisk, blend until the filling is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Taste Test: Adjust sweetness or vanilla flavor as desired by adding more powdered sugar or vanilla extract.
- Set Aside: Keep the filling ready while preparing the bread.
- Trim the Crusts: Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to remove crusts from each bread slice.
- Flatten the Bread: Place a slice on a cutting board and gently roll with a rolling pin or substitute until it is about 1/4 inch thick, avoiding breakage.
- Repeat: Trim and flatten all slices similarly.
- Spread the Filling: Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over each flattened slice, approximately 1-2 tablespoons per slice.
- Roll It Up: Roll each slice tightly from one end to form a neat roll, keeping it even.
- Secure the Seam (Optional): Brush seam lightly with milk or water to help it seal if needed.
- Repeat: Continue spreading and rolling for all slices.
- Whisk the Eggs: In a shallow dish, whisk eggs, milk, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon until fully combined and smooth.
- Ensure Even Consistency: Beat mixture well to remove streaks for uniform coating.
- Melt the Butter: Heat butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat to coat evenly.
- Dip the Roll-Ups: Quickly dip each roll-up into the egg mixture to coat all sides without soaking too long.
- Cook Until Golden Brown: Place roll-ups seam-side down in the skillet and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy, turning gently.
- Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding by cooking in batches if needed to maintain skillet temperature and browning.
- Remove and Drain: Transfer cooked roll-ups to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess butter.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the French toast roll-ups while warm and crispy.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate or caramel sauce, or chopped nuts.
- Get Creative: Offer a variety of toppings to personalize each roll-up.
- Enjoy: Savor the crispy, creamy, and sweet flavors with each bite.
Notes
- Use sturdy bread like Challah, Brioche, or Texas Toast for best texture and structure.
- Softened cream cheese blends easier and creates a smoother filling.
- Flattening bread prevents thick, doughy centers and helps roll-ups cook evenly.
- Quick egg mixture dipping prevents soggy roll-ups and promotes crispiness.
- Cook roll-ups on medium heat and avoid overcrowding to get an even golden crust.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or oven to restore crispness.
