Strawberry Nutella French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

Strawberry Nutella French Toast: Just the name alone conjures up images of a decadent, utterly irresistible breakfast, doesn’t it? Forget your average, run-of-the-mill French toast; we’re talking about a symphony of flavors and textures that will transform your weekend brunch into a truly special occasion. Imagine biting into golden-brown, perfectly crisped bread, soaked in a creamy custard, and then discovering the luscious layers of sweet strawberries and rich, hazelnutty Nutella.

While the exact origins of French toast are debated, variations of it have existed for centuries, with roots tracing back to ancient Rome. It was a clever way to use up stale bread, transforming it into something delicious and new. Our modern take elevates this classic with the addition of two universally loved ingredients: strawberries and Nutella. This combination, a match made in culinary heaven, adds a burst of freshness and a deeply satisfying sweetness that’s simply irresistible.

People adore Strawberry Nutella French Toast for its delightful combination of textures – the slight crispness of the bread, the soft, yielding interior, and the smooth, creamy Nutella. It’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, treat your family, or simply indulge in a little self-care, this recipe is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. So, let’s get started and create some breakfast magic!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of Brioche bread (or Challah, or your favorite thick-cut bread)
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
• 1/2 cup Nutella, or more to taste
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted (optional, but highly recommended!)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
• Maple syrup, for serving (optional)

Preparing the Custard:

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is make the custard that our bread will soak in. This is what gives French toast its rich, decadent flavor. Trust me, this step is crucial!

1. In a medium-sized bowl, crack the 4 large eggs. Make sure you don’t get any shell in there!
2. Add the 1/2 cup of whole milk and 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the bowl with the eggs. The heavy cream adds extra richness, but you can substitute with more milk if you prefer.
3. Now, add the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. The cinnamon adds a lovely warmth to the French toast, and the vanilla enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skip the salt – it balances the sweetness!
4. Whisk everything together really well until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is completely dissolved. You don’t want any grainy bits in your custard. A good whisking is key!

Soaking the Bread:

Next up, we’re going to soak the bread in the custard. This is where the magic happens! The bread needs to be thoroughly saturated so it cooks up nice and soft on the inside.

1. Pour the custard mixture into a shallow dish or baking pan. Something wide enough to easily fit a slice of bread is ideal.
2. One at a time, place each slice of bread into the custard. Let it soak for about 2-3 minutes per side. You want the bread to absorb as much of the custard as possible without becoming soggy and falling apart. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula or your fingers to help it soak evenly.
3. If your bread is particularly dry or stale, you might need to soak it for a little longer. Just keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn’t get too soggy.
4. Once each slice is soaked, carefully remove it from the custard and set it aside on a plate.

Cooking the French Toast:

Now for the fun part – cooking the French toast! This is where we transform the soaked bread into golden-brown, deliciousness. Make sure you have your butter ready and your pan nice and hot!

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pan and let it melt completely. Swirl the pan to coat it evenly with the melted butter.
2. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, carefully place 2-3 slices of soaked bread into the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the French toast won’t cook evenly.
3. Cook the French toast for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on the heat – you don’t want it to burn! If it’s browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
4. Flip the French toast with a spatula and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, or until it’s golden brown.
5. Remove the cooked French toast from the pan and place it on a plate.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 with the remaining butter and soaked bread. You may need to add more butter to the pan as you go.

Assembling the Strawberry Nutella French Toast:

Alright, we’re almost there! Now it’s time to assemble our masterpiece. This is where the real magic happens – the combination of warm French toast, creamy Nutella, and fresh strawberries is simply irresistible!

1. Spread a generous layer of Nutella on top of each slice of French toast. Don’t be shy – the more Nutella, the better!
2. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the Nutella. Make sure you have a good balance of strawberries on each slice.
3. Sprinkle the chopped toasted hazelnuts over the strawberries. The hazelnuts add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the strawberries and Nutella perfectly. If you don’t have hazelnuts, you can use other nuts like almonds or pecans, or simply omit them.
4. If desired, dust the French toast with powdered sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and makes it look extra fancy.
5. Serve immediately with maple syrup, if desired. While the French toast is delicious on its own, a drizzle of maple syrup takes it to the next level.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and variations to make your Strawberry Nutella French Toast even more amazing:

• Bread Choice: While I recommend Brioche or Challah bread for their rich flavor and texture, you can use any thick-cut bread you like. Texas toast, sourdough, or even croissants would work well.
• Nutella Substitute: If you’re not a fan of Nutella (gasp!), you can substitute it with other chocolate-hazelnut spreads, peanut butter, or even a homemade chocolate sauce.
• Fruit Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fruits. Bananas, blueberries, raspberries, or peaches would all be delicious additions or substitutions for the strawberries.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard for a different flavor profile.
• Make it Ahead: You can soak the bread in the custard the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time in the morning. Just make sure to cover the bread tightly to prevent it from drying out.
• Baking Option: For a large batch, you can bake the French toast in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soaked bread in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Add a Liqueur: For an adult twist, add a tablespoon of your favorite liqueur, such as Frangelico or Grand Marnier, to the custard.

Enjoy!

And there you have it – my recipe for Strawberry Nutella French Toast! I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious breakfast treat as much as I do. It’s perfect for a special occasion, a weekend brunch, or just a regular weekday when you want to treat yourself. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Strawberry Nutella French Toast isn’t just breakfast; it’s a weekend celebration on a plate! The combination of the creamy, chocolatey Nutella, the bright, juicy strawberries, and the perfectly golden-brown, eggy bread is simply irresistible. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Seriously, if you’re looking for a way to elevate your brunch game, this is it.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, uses ingredients you likely already have on hand, and delivers a huge payoff in terms of taste and satisfaction. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite, requested time and time again. Plus, who can resist the allure of Nutella and strawberries? It’s a classic pairing for a reason!

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to recipe, feel free to get creative.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* For a truly decadent experience: Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. A drizzle of extra Nutella never hurts either!
* Feeling fruity? Add other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries alongside the strawberries. A mixed berry medley adds a beautiful visual appeal and a burst of different flavors.
* Nutty for nuts? Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or almonds on top for added crunch and a complementary nutty flavor.
* Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture for a warm, comforting flavor.
* Bread choices: While I love using challah or brioche bread for its richness, you can also use Texas toast, sourdough, or even croissants for a different texture.
* Dietary considerations: Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version. You can also substitute the milk with almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free option.
* Make it ahead: Prepare the French toast batter the night before and soak the bread in the morning for an even more flavorful and custardy result.
* Savory twist: While this recipe is primarily sweet, you can add a pinch of salt to the egg mixture to balance the sweetness. Consider serving it with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a sweet and savory brunch.
* Nutella Alternatives: If you’re not a Nutella fan (gasp!), you can substitute it with other chocolate spreads, peanut butter, or even a homemade chocolate ganache.

I truly believe that this Strawberry Nutella French Toast will become a staple in your breakfast repertoire. It’s perfect for special occasions, lazy weekend mornings, or even a quick and easy weeknight dessert.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to indulge in a truly unforgettable breakfast experience. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do!

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you think? Share your photos and comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking (and eating)! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy!