Breakfast U nicorn Toast

Introduction & Inspiration

This recipe, which I’m calling “Breakfast Unicorn Toast,” is a fun, colorful, and incredibly easy way to brighten up your morning routine.

The inspiration comes from the popular “unicorn food” trend, which features pastel colors, rainbow swirls, and a general sense of whimsy.

It’s a recipe that’s perfect for kids, adults who are kids at heart, or anyone who wants to add a little magic to their breakfast.

It’s also a great way to encourage picky eaters to try something new, as the vibrant colors are sure to be enticing. It is simple, yet fun.

Nostalgic Appeal

While the “unicorn food” trend is relatively recent, this toast taps into a broader nostalgia for colorful, playful foods.

It reminds me of rainbow sherbet, Lisa Frank stickers, and other brightly colored treats from childhood.

It’s a way to bring a little bit of that carefree, magical feeling into your everyday life. It adds a smile.

The simplicity of the recipe also evokes a sense of nostalgia for easy, no-fuss breakfasts.

The Power of Simplicity

This recipe is the epitome of simplicity. It requires just a few ingredients and minimal effort.

It’s a perfect example of how you can create something fun and visually appealing without spending hours in the kitchen.

It’s a great option for busy mornings, when you want something a little more exciting than plain toast, but don’t have a lot of time.

It’s also a recipe that’s easy enough for kids to help with, making it a fun family activity.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal is a creamy, slightly tangy base with a hint of sweetness, complemented by the toasted bread.

The cream cheese provides the creamy base, offering a rich and slightly tangy flavor. It is very versatile.

The food coloring doesn’t add any flavor, it’s purely for visual appeal. The flavor is a blank canvas.

The toasted bread provides a contrasting texture and a slightly nutty, toasted flavor. It is the foundation.

You can customize the flavor by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, or other toppings (see Tips and Variations).

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down each ingredient:

Cream Cheese: This forms the creamy base for the unicorn toast. Full-fat cream cheese will provide the richest flavor and texture, but you can use low-fat or Neufchatel cheese as well.

Pink, Turquoise, Purple, and Yellow Food Coloring: These are used to create the vibrant, pastel colors that are characteristic of unicorn food. Gel food coloring is recommended for its concentrated color.

Bread: This is the canvas for your unicorn creation! You can use any type of bread you like, but a sturdy bread that toasts well is ideal.

The simplicity of these ingredients makes this recipe incredibly accessible and adaptable.

Essential Equipment

The equipment list is refreshingly short:

• Mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer): For whipping the cream cheese until smooth and light.
• Small bowls (4): For dividing and coloring the cream cheese.
• Toaster: For toasting the bread.
• Butter knife or spatula: For spreading the cream cheese on the toast.

That’s it! No special tools or gadgets required.

List of Ingredients with Measurements

Here’s the ingredient list with precise measurements:

• ½ block (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• Pink food coloring
• Turquoise food coloring
• Purple food coloring
• Yellow food coloring
• 6 to 10 slices of bread

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the process:

1. Whip Cream Cheese: Place the softened cream cheese in the bowl of a mixer (or use a hand mixer). Beat until smooth and light.
2. Divide and Color: Separate the whipped cream cheese into four small bowls.
3. Add Food Coloring: Add two drops of food coloring to each bowl, one color per bowl (pink, turquoise, purple, and yellow). Mix well until the color is evenly distributed.
4. Toast Bread: Toast the bread slices in the toaster to your desired level of doneness.
5. Spread and Mix: Top each slice of toast with a little of each colored cream cheese, mixing the colors lightly as you spread. You can create swirls, stripes, or any other design you like.
6. Serve Immediately Enjoy

Troubleshooting

It’s hard to go wrong with this recipe, but here are a couple of potential issues:

• Cream Cheese Too Stiff: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before whipping it. If it’s still too stiff, you can add a teaspoon of milk or cream to soften it.
• Colors Blending Too Much: If you want to keep the colors more distinct, spread each color on the toast separately, rather than mixing them together.
• Bread Too Crumbly: If your bread is too crumbly, it might be too fresh or too soft. Try using a sturdier bread or toasting it a bit longer.

Tips and Variations

Here are some ways to customize this recipe:

• Different Colors: Use different food coloring combinations to match different themes or holidays.
• Add Sweetener: If you prefer a sweeter cream cheese, you can add a tablespoon or two of powdered sugar or honey to the whipped cream cheese.
• Add Extracts: Add a few drops of vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon extract to the cream cheese for extra flavor.
• Add Sprinkles: Sprinkle rainbow sprinkles, edible glitter, or other decorative toppings on top of the cream cheese.
• Add Fruit: Sliced fruit, especially berries would add great flavor.
• Savory Version: Omit the food coloring and add savory toppings, such as chopped herbs, everything bagel seasoning, or smoked salmon.
• Different Bread: Use different types of bread, such as bagels, English muffins, or croissants.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Breakfast Unicorn Toast is perfect for:

• Breakfast: It’s a fun and colorful way to start the day.
• Brunch: It’s a whimsical addition to a brunch spread.
• Snacks: It’s a quick and easy treat for any time of day.
• Kids’ Parties: It’s sure to be a hit with children.
• Unicorn-Themed Events: It’s a perfect fit for any unicorn-themed party or gathering.

It pairs well with coffee, tea, milk, juice, or a smoothie.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use (type of bread, fat content of cream cheese, etc.).

In general, this toast provides carbohydrates from the bread and fat and protein from the cream cheese.

It’s best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Print

Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Summary: Breakfast Unicorn Toast is a simple and fun recipe that involves whipping cream cheese, dividing it into portions, coloring each portion with a different pastel food coloring, and then spreading the colored cream cheese on toast.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: It’s best to assemble the toast just before serving, as the toast can get soggy over time. However, you can whip and color the cream cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

Q: How long does the colored cream cheese last? A: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the colored cream cheese should last for up to 3-4 days.

Q: Can I use different types of bread? A: Absolutely! Experiment with different breads to find your favorite.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: It can be! Simply use a gluten free bread.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Yes.