Dessert

Vanilla Honey Butter Toast Recipe

ByElena Hart January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Introduction

This Vanilla Honey Butter Toast is a decadent and comforting treat perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Thick slices of brioche are toasted to golden perfection, topped with a luscious blend of vanilla-infused honey butter and creamy ricotta cheese. Sweet, savory, and fragrant with rosemary, it’s a delightful twist on classic toast.

The image shows six rectangular yellow cakes arranged on white parchment paper on a shiny silver tray. Each cake has one layer of moist golden brown base with a slightly crispy edge. On top, there is a layer of smooth, white cream piped in vertical lines covering the entire surface. Tiny green herb flakes are sprinkled over the cream on each cake. The background has a white marbled texture, with a bottle of vanilla extract and a round white dish with breadsticks visible but blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 thick slices of brioche (about 2½ inches thick)
7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

3½ tbsp honey (plus more for topping)
4 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ tsp black pepper

Pinch of salt
5 oz ricotta cheese
3 oz cream cheese

Fleur de sel or flaky salt, to taste
Fresh rosemary, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 380°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Trim the edges off the brioche slices and cut each slice into two rectangles. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 2 minutes. Flip them over and bake for another 2 minutes to slightly dry out the bread.
Step 3: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth.
Step 4: Spread a thin layer of the butter mixture on every side of the brioche pieces, including the cut edges.

Step 5: Place the brioche back on the baking sheet and bake for 8 to 11 minutes on one side, checking at 8 minutes. Flip the pieces and bake for an additional 6 to 7 minutes, until deeply golden but not burnt.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the toast rest on a cooling rack for 20 minutes.
Step 7: In a food processor, whip the ricotta and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Pipe or spread the cheese mixture onto the cooled toast. Drizzle with additional honey, sprinkle with fleur de sel, and garnish with fresh rosemary before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use a quality brioche or challah bread for the best texture and flavor.
For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based cream cheese and ricotta alternative.

Experiment with different herbs like thyme or mint for a fresh twist on the topping.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the butter mixture for a warm spice note.

Storage

Store any leftover toast (without the cheese topping) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerate up to two days. The whipped cheese topping should be kept refrigerated and added fresh before serving. Reheat the toast briefly in a toaster oven to restore crispness, then add the cheese and toppings.

How to Serve

The image shows four rectangular pieces of golden-brown cake arranged on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each cake has a thick bottom layer that looks moist and slightly dense in texture. On top of this base, there is a shiny, amber-colored sticky layer, likely a glaze or syrup. The topmost layer is a smooth, thick ribbon of creamy white frosting, piped in parallel lines across the length of each rectangle. Small green herb sprinkles, probably rosemary, are scattered evenly over the frosting, adding texture and color contrast. The cakes are set close to one another, with some areas showing a slight shine from the glaze. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of brioche?

While you can use other breads, brioche works best due to its rich texture and sweetness which complement the honey butter. Sandwich bread may not hold up as well and won’t create the same golden crust.

How do I make the whipped ricotta and cream cheese if I don’t have a food processor?

You can use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the ricotta and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. It may take a few extra minutes, but the texture will be just as creamy.