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The Sweetest Spot in the Neighborhood: Honeycomb Cafe and The French Toast
Sometimes when you’re traveling, the best spots aren’t the ones in the heart of the city. They’re the little neighborhood gems you find just outside of the main hustle. That’s how I found Honeycomb Cafe. I was in Scarborough, just a little ways from Portland, and I was on the hunt for a great breakfast spot. I saw this bright, cheerful looking place and it was just calling my name.
The place was buzzing. It was filled with the happy, comfortable chatter of people who clearly weren’t tourists. They were locals. Friends catching up, families starting their day. It had the wonderful, warm energy of a place that is truly loved by its community.
You can just tell when a place is born from a simple, good idea. Honeycomb Cafe feels like it was started with the goal of creating a true neighborhood hub. A place that’s more than just a restaurant. The name itself is perfect. It makes you think of a beehive, a place that’s busy and productive, but also sweet and full of life. It feels like they wanted to create the heart of the neighborhood, a spot where everyone could gather and feel welcome.
And you can see that in everything they do. It’s a place that goes out of its way to make sure there’s something for everyone. It’s the kind of spot that wasn’t built on a gimmick. It was built on a genuine desire to be a good neighbor, and that’s a feeling you can’t fake.
The menu was full of all the breakfast classics you could want, but my eyes landed on two words that are impossible to resist. Stuffed French Toast. I had to have it.
What they placed in front of me was a thing of pure joy. It was two thick, golden brown slices of bread, perfectly cooked and dusted with powdered sugar. Sandwiched between them was this wonderfully sweet and creamy filling. It was decadent and comforting all at once. Every bite was a perfect combination of the fluffy bread, the rich filling, and the sweetness of the syrup. It was the kind of breakfast that makes you want to cancel all your plans for the rest of the day and just be happy.
Honeycomb Cafe is one of those special places you feel lucky to find. It lives up to its name in every way, a sweet, bustling spot that serves as the heart of its little hive. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best part of traveling is finding a place that feels a little like home.
A Lazy Sunday Morning Recreation
That stuffed french toast from Honeycomb Cafe was the kind of breakfast you dream about. So on a lazy Sunday morning, I decided to turn my own kitchen into a little breakfast cafe and give it a try.
The first order of business was the filling. I let a block of cream cheese soften on the counter for a bit, then I whipped it in a bowl with a little powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla until it was smooth and creamy. It’s that simple.
Next, the bread. This is important. You need thick slices of a good, sturdy bread like brioche or challah. I took two slices and spread a generous layer of that sweet cream cheese mixture on one side of each. Then I put them together to make a wonderful little sandwich.
Then it was time for the french toast part. In a shallow dish, I whisked a couple of eggs with a good glug of milk, a big shake of cinnamon, and another drop of vanilla. I took my cream cheese sandwich and gently dipped it into the egg mixture, letting each side soak up the liquid for a few seconds. You don’t want it to get too soggy.
I melted a good amount of butter in a pan over medium heat. When it was sizzling, I carefully placed my french toast sandwich in the pan. I let it cook for a few minutes on each side, until it was a beautiful, deep golden brown and the filling was starting to get a little melty. The smell was just heavenly.
I slid it onto a plate, gave it a generous dusting of powdered sugar, and poured some warm maple syrup all over it. Cutting into it, the creamy filling oozed out just a little. It was pure breakfast bliss. It wasn’t exactly the Honeycomb Cafe, but for a quiet Sunday morning, it was pretty close to perfect.
Chef’s Notes: Berry-Stuffed Breakfast Toast
• Use thick-cut brioche for structure – Slices around ¾″ thick hold the filling without collapsing. Brioche’s egg-rich crumb crisps beautifully while staying tender inside.
• Pair ricotta and preserves for balance – Ricotta adds creamy body while berry jam brings acidity and sweetness. Each sandwich uses ~2 tablespoons total filling for ideal ratio.
• Whisk custard until pale and smooth – A well-emulsified mix ensures even soaking and browning. Half-and-half adds richness; whole milk works too. A pinch of salt deepens flavor subtly.
• Dip evenly, but don’t oversaturate – Soak both sides briefly and let excess drip off. Oversoaking leads to soggy centers and uneven crust.
• Cook over medium heat for golden crust – Ghee or butter browns the toast in ~3 minutes per side. Adjust heat if edges darken too fast—aim for crisp exterior and warmed filling.
• Serve immediately for best texture – Toast is most crisp within 10 minutes of cooking. Powdered sugar and fresh berries add visual contrast and flavor lift.
• Prep ahead for quick mornings – Assemble sandwiches and refrigerate overnight. Dip and cook fresh for café-style results in minutes.
• Freeze uncoated sandwiches for later – Wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw, dip in custard, and cook for a make-ahead brunch treat.
Berry-Stuffed Breakfast Toast
Wake up to a sensational breakfast twist that elevates ordinary toast into a luscious, cream-and-berry-filled delight! This Berry-Stuffed Breakfast Toast recipe delivers golden-brown perfection in under 30 minutes—ideal for a weekend brunch or a quick weekday treat. Packed with velvety ricotta, vibrant preserves, and a hint of vanilla, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Let’s bring that café feel home and fill your kitchen with sweet aromas everyone will love!
4
servings15
minutes10
minutes530
kcal25
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Filling Assembly
8 slices brioche bread about ¾″ each
8 oz full-fat ricotta cheese gently softened
½ cup mixed berry preserves strawberry or raspberry work well
- Custard Mixture
5 large eggs large eggs lightly beaten
⅓ cup half-and-half or whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract pure vanilla extract
- Cooking Garnish
1 Tbsp ghee substitute unsalted butter if preferred
Pinch fine sea salt optional, for balance
- finishing
Powdered sugar for finishing
Fresh berries for serving (optional)
- Alternative Ingredients
Brioche slices: swap with challah Texas toast, or sourdough for texture variation
Ricotta cheese: replace with mascarpone cream cheese, or Greek yogurt for different creaminess
Mixed berry preserves: use any flavor jam honey, or almond butter for a nutty twist
Half-and-half: use whole milk oat milk, or cashew milk to lighten up or go dairy-free
Vanilla extract: replace with almond extract or a pinch of ground cinnamon for extra warmth
Ghee: swap with unsalted butter coconut oil, or light olive oil if desired
Directions
- Prep Spread Filling – Gather your brioche, ricotta, and preserves. Using a silicone spatula, spread about 1 Tbsp of ricotta over four slices, then top the other four with 1 Tbsp of preserves each. Press the paired slices together to form sealed sandwiches, ensuring jam stays inside. (Approx. 5 mins)
- Whisk Custard Blend – In a medium mixing bowl, crack in the eggs, pour half-and-half, add vanilla, and whisk until pale and smooth. This custard coats the bread, so aim for a homogenous mixture without streaks. A pinch of salt can deepen flavor, but it’s optional. (Approx. 3 mins)
- Heat Pan Dip Toast – Warm the nonstick pan over medium heat and melt ghee until it shimmers. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, flipping to saturate both sides evenly. Let any excess drip back into the bowl before transferring to the pan. (Approx. 2 mins prep + 1 min drip)
- Cook Achieve Golden Crust – Place sandwiches in the hot pan and cook until the underside is deep golden, about 3 mins. Flip gently with a spatula and brown the second side for another 3 mins. Adjust heat down if edges brown too quickly; you want a crisp exterior and warmed filling. (Approx. 6 mins)
- Serve Garnish (Optional) – Slide the toast onto plates, dust lightly with powdered sugar, and scatter fresh berries around. For extra flair, drizzle warmed preserves or maple syrup. Serve immediately for best texture and warmth. (Approx. 2 mins)
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Nonstick Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- silicone spatula set
Notes
- For extra depth, stir a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the custard.
- Serve alongside crisp bacon, fresh fruit salad, or a side of scrambled eggs.
- Try swap-in mascarpone for ricotta if you want a silkier filling.
- To meal prep, assemble sandwiches ahead, store covered, then dip and cook just before serving.
- Leftovers can be frozen uncoated; thaw and re-dip into custard for a quick make-ahead treat.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1g
- Calories: 530kcal
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Potassium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 17g
- Vitamin A: 800IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 1.8mg
FAQs: Berry-Stuffed Breakfast Toast
What kind of bread works best for stuffed toast?
At Honeycomb Cafe, brioche is the gold standard for stuffed toast because of its soft crumb and buttery flavor. The chefs at Honeycomb Cafe also love using challah or thick-cut sourdough for a rustic twist. No matter the bread, Honeycomb Cafe always aims for a crisp edge and pillowy center.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes! Honeycomb Cafe often preps the ricotta filling the night before brunch service. Just whisk the ricotta until smooth and store it in the fridge. Before assembling, Honeycomb Cafe chefs let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to make spreading easier and creamier.
What’s the secret to getting that golden crust?
The key, as practiced at Honeycomb Cafe, is using ghee or clarified butter over medium heat. The gentle sear allows the toast to turn golden and crisp without burning. Every plate that leaves Honeycomb Cafe carries that signature warm, caramelized finish that makes it irresistible.
Can I use frozen berries or jam instead of fresh preserves?
Absolutely. Honeycomb Cafe often swaps in small-batch berry jams when fresh fruit isn’t in season. You can also cook down frozen berries with a little sugar to mimic that signature Honeycomb Cafe preserve texture—bright, glossy, and perfectly spreadable.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
Of course! Honeycomb Cafe accommodates guests with dietary needs by using cashew or oat milk in the custard and coconut oil instead of ghee. Even without dairy, Honeycomb Cafe ensures every bite stays creamy inside and crisp on the outside.
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