Tiramisu French Toast (Stale Sourdough Redemption)

Every now and then, a flavor comes along that feels like it could walk straight off your breakfast plate and onto a dessert menu.
This is that flavor.

This version of Stale Sourdough Redemption brings you Tiramisu French Toast — a silky, espresso-kissed, cocoa-dusted masterpiece inspired by the iconic Italian dessert. It’s rich, elegant, cozy, and honestly… scandalously delicious for something this easy.

The custard is infused with strong espresso, cocoa powder, vanilla, and just enough sugar to balance the bitterness. The sourdough soaks it up beautifully, cooking into custardy centers with lightly caramelized edges. And then comes the part that makes this truly tiramisu:

Mascarpone cream.
Soft, silky, cold against the warm French toast — this is the moment that transforms your breakfast into something unforgettable.

Finish it all with a generous dusting of cocoa powder, a drizzle of espresso, and shaved chocolate, and suddenly your kitchen feels like a little Italian café.

This might be one of the most dramatic, delicious, and romantic flavors in the entire series.

Full recipe below — and you are going to fall in love with this one. ☕✨🍫

TIRAMISU FRENCH TOAST (Day 9)

Espresso-soaked, cocoa-dusted, mascarpone-topped perfection.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the custard:

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup milk

• 2 tbsp heavy cream

• 2–3 tbsp cooled strong espresso or coffee

• 1 tbsp sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• ½–1 tsp cocoa powder

• Pinch of salt

For the mascarpone cream:

• 3 tbsp mascarpone (or cream cheese if needed)

• 1 tbsp powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla

• Optional: small splash of cream to thin

Mix until silky.

Bread:

• 3–4 slices of day-old Diablo Dough sourdough
  (Plain, cinnamon swirl, OR chocolate sourdough if you ever make one — unbelievable.)

For cooking:

• Butter

Toppings:

Choose 2–4:

• Cocoa powder (must!)

• Mascarpone dollops

• Shaved chocolate

• Espresso drizzle

• Powdered sugar

• Chocolate sauce (light drizzle only)

Instructions

1. Make the espresso custard.

Whisk eggs, milk, cream, espresso, sugar, vanilla, cocoa, and salt until smooth.
You should smell mocha magic immediately.

2. Dip the sourdough.

Soak each slice for 10–12 seconds per side.

3. Cook the French toast.

Heat butter over medium-low.
Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden with slight coffee-caramelized edges.

4. Make the mascarpone cream.

Blend mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until silky and spreadable.

5. Assemble like tiramisu.

Two options:

Layered (classic tiramisu style):

• Spread mascarpone between slices

• Stack slightly offset

• Dust heavily with cocoa

Deconstructed (photo-friendly):

• Cut toast into strips

• Pile into a bowl

• Add mascarpone dollops

• Finish with cocoa + chocolate shavings

6. Serve warm.

Add a final dusting of cocoa right before eating.

Why This Recipe Works

This French toast captures everything that makes tiramisu iconic:

✔ espresso custard = ladyfinger vibes
✔ mascarpone = creamy richness
✔ cocoa = bitter contrast
✔ vanilla = warmth
✔ sourdough = structure AND custard absorption
✔ sweet + bitter balance = dessert perfection

This is decadent but not too heavy — it’s cozy, romantic, café-inspired, and ridiculously delicious.

If there were ever a French toast to serve on a date, this is the one.

Variations

Mocha Tiramisu French Toast

Add mini chocolate chips to the custard.

Caramel Tiramisu

Top with salted caramel + cocoa.

Hazelnut Tiramisu

Add ½ tsp hazelnut extract or drizzle Nutella.

Tiramisu Sundae Bowl

Serve in a dessert dish with extra mascarpone + chocolate shavings.

Storage & Reheating

Reheat gently:

• Air fryer: 325°F for 2–3 min

• Skillet: low heat with a little butter

Mascarpone cream should stay chilled until serving.