Holiday Layered French Toast with Berry Cream Whipped Center

Cruising the Caribbean

Destinations: St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and the Virgin Islands

Insert Pic of Layered French Toast

One of the most enticing aspects of cruising is the opportunity to explore new lands and the incredible food. Fellow cruise enthusiasts know exactly what I mean. Even those who aren’t foodies can’t resist the vast choices available on these magnificent ships. With world-renowned chefs and menus featuring dishes from around the globe, even the most basic palate can dine like a Food Network guru.

Cruising offers cuisine, from the simplest to the most elaborate. What I appreciate most is the ability to customize meals at any time, transforming each dining experience into something unique.

Both Ace and Kingston embraced this idea when they ordered French toast from the kids’ menu, wanting to add their favorite fruit—strawberries. The result? A stunning, cake-like French toast that seemed to float down from heaven!

Two golden brioche buns, dripping with whipped butter and cinnamon syrup, filled with strawberries, were a delightful surprise that morning. It looked so tempting that I couldn’t resist reaching over for a bite—or two or three!

Now, if you know me, you understand I’m not one to share food or ask for someone else’s plate. However, this looked waaaaaaaay to good to pass up (with permission, of course!).

Here’s our recreation of that delicious French toast from our cruise experience in the Virgin Islands, which we’ve named “Layered French Toast with Berry Center and Whipped Butter.” Bon appétit!

Ingredients for French Toast Slices:

• 1 loaf brioche bread
• 6 eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 60 ml cream (double or single)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Ingredients for Whipped Ricotta Filling:

• 500 g whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 8 tablespoons double cream
• 5 tablespoons local honey
• ½ teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 8–12 strawberries, rinsed and sliced
• Whipped cream (for topping)
• Powdered sugar (for topping)
• Syrup (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg.
2. Dip each slice of bread in the egg mixture and cook in a pan for about 1 minute on each side.
3. Using tongs, remove both slices and place them on a side plate.
4. Spread the filling and strawberries on one slice, then top with the other slice.
5. Return to the pan for another 30 seconds on each side until golden brown.
6. Plate your fluffy creation and generously top with powdered sugar and either whipped cream or syrup. Voilà! You’re ready for brunch royalty!