Pin This I mastered this Nutella Brioche French Toast one chilly Sunday after finding a forgotten jar of Nutella in my pantry. There's something almost magical about watching that first bite, when the warm chocolate center slowly stretches between the pieces. The kitchen filled with a perfume of vanilla, butter, and toasted bread that pulled my normally late-rising roommate out of bed before 9 AM. Now I understand why some recipes become legendary.
Last Christmas, my sister visited with her kids, and I was desperate to find something that would impress my pickiest nephew. I prepared this Nutella French toast while they were still getting dressed, and the kitchen went silent when they took their first bites. My sister raised her eyebrows in that quiet approval parents give when someone finally gets their child to eat without complaint. The smallest one asked if we could have it again tomorrow, and just like that, I became the favorite aunt.
Ingredients
- Brioche bread: Its pillowy texture and slight sweetness create the perfect foundation, holding up beautifully to the custard without getting soggy like regular sandwich bread would.
- Nutella: The star of the show that transforms ordinary French toast into something magnificent, melting into a warm chocolate center that makes each bite pure pleasure.
- Heavy cream: This might seem like an unnecessary addition to the milk, but trust me, it creates a custard with richness that coats the bread perfectly and creates that coveted golden exterior.
- Vanilla extract: I once forgot this ingredient and immediately noticed the difference, as it rounds out the chocolate flavors and adds depth to the custard.
Instructions
- Create your Nutella sandwiches:
- Spread a generous tablespoon of Nutella on four brioche slices, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent chocolate from escaping during cooking. Press the remaining slices on top with gentle pressure so they stick together but dont squeeze out the filling.
- Prepare the custard bath:
- Whisk eggs until frothy before adding milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. The mixture should be smooth and uniform in color, with no streaks of egg white visible.
- Ready your cooking surface:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat until it bubbles lightly but doesnt brown. You want that perfect temperature where the custard cooks through before the exterior burns.
- Dip with intention:
- Hold each sandwich by its edges and dip it into the custard, counting to three on each side. The bread should absorb some liquid but still maintain its structural integrity.
- Cook with patience:
- Place sandwiches in the pan without overcrowding, listening for that satisfying sizzle that tells you the heat is right. Flip only once when the bottom is deep golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Finish with flair:
- Transfer to plates immediately and dust with powdered sugar while still hot so it melts slightly into the surface. Add fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup for a presentation that makes ordinary mornings feel special.
Pin This My partner isnt usually one for sweet breakfasts, preferring savory options like eggs and bacon. The first time I made this Nutella French toast, I noticed him stealing bites from my plate while pretending to reach for the coffee. Now its become our unspoken tradition for birthdays and anniversaries, a sweet indulgence we share in those quiet morning moments before the day begins. Sometimes the best conversations happen over something delicious, when guards are down and chocolate is involved.
Make-Ahead Options
While nothing beats this French toast fresh from the pan, you can prepare components ahead of time when hosting brunch. Ive found that assembling the Nutella sandwiches the night before and storing them in the refrigerator works perfectly, just keep them wrapped tightly so the bread doesnt dry out. The custard mixture can also be whisked together and refrigerated overnight, though youll need to whisk it again in the morning as the cinnamon tends to settle at the bottom.
Balancing Sweetness
After making this recipe dozens of times, Ive learned that the right balance of sweetness makes all the difference. The brioche already brings a subtle sweetness, and the Nutella adds rich chocolate flavor, so the custard itself needs only minimal sugar. I once made the mistake of adding extra sugar to the egg mixture and then serving with too much syrup, creating a cloying breakfast that overwhelmed rather than delighted. Remember that you can always add more sweetness through toppings, but you cant remove it once incorporated.
Serving Suggestions
This French toast creates a moment worth lingering over, so consider what accompanies it on the table. A side of crispy bacon provides that perfect salty counterpoint to the sweetness, while a simple fruit salad adds freshness and color to the plate. Coffee with a splash of cream mirrors the richness of the dish in a wonderful way.
- For a dinner party finale, try cutting the French toast into triangles and serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unexpected dessert.
- A dollop of lightly whipped cream sprinkled with cocoa powder elevates this from casual breakfast to company-worthy brunch centerpiece.
- Keep a small pitcher of warm maple syrup on the table, letting guests add exactly the amount they prefer.
Pin This This Nutella Brioche French Toast reminds us that sometimes the most memorable dishes are simply elevated versions of classics we already love. May your kitchen fill with the aroma of vanilla-scented brioche and melting chocolate, and may whoever gathers at your table feel the care folded into each decadent bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use regular white bread instead of brioche?
Yes, challah or soft white bread works well as substitutes. Brioche provides extra richness and a delicate crumb, but thicker-cut white bread will still soak the custard beautifully and cook through evenly.
- → How do I prevent the custard from oversaturating the bread?
Dip each sandwich quickly—about 1-2 seconds per side. The key is soaking enough to coat but not letting the bread become soggy. A shallow bowl helps control the dipping motion and ensures even coverage without over-saturation.
- → What's the ideal cooking temperature and time?
Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until the exterior is golden brown and the custard is fully set inside. Medium heat allows the bread to toast without burning while giving the egg mixture time to cook through properly.
- → Can I prepare these ahead and reheat them?
Yes, leftover portions reheat well in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. However, they're best enjoyed fresh when the brioche is still fluffy and the Nutella is warm and gooey throughout.
- → What additions can enhance this breakfast dish?
Try adding sliced bananas between the brioche slices before dipping, sprinkling chocolate chips on the custard, or topping with whipped cream and toasted hazelnuts. Fresh raspberries or strawberries add tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative for this preparation?
Substitute heavy cream and whole milk with unsweetened oat or almond milk for the custard, and use dairy-free Nutella. Replace butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine. The cooking method and technique remain unchanged.