Smores French Toast: Just imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of toasted marshmallows, rich chocolate, and warm, buttery French toast. It’s a breakfast dream come true, and trust me, it’s even better than it sounds! This isn’t just any French toast; it’s a decadent twist on a beloved campfire classic, bringing the joy of smores right to your breakfast table.
The concept of smores, that delightful combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallow, has been warming hearts (and hands!) around campfires for nearly a century. While its exact origins are debated, the first published recipe appeared in a Girl Scout handbook in the 1920s, solidifying its place in American culinary tradition. Now, we’re taking that iconic flavor profile and elevating it to a breakfast masterpiece.
What makes smores French toast so incredibly appealing? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The soft, custardy French toast provides a comforting base, while the melted chocolate adds a rich, sweet indulgence. The toasted marshmallows offer a delightful chewiness and a hint of smoky sweetness that perfectly complements the other flavors. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it ideal for weekend brunches or even a special weekday treat. Get ready to experience a breakfast that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf of challah bread, brioche, or Texas toast, cut into 1-inch thick slices (about 8-10 slices)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half recommended for richness)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
- For the Chocolate Filling:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
- For the Marshmallow Topping:
- 1 (10 oz) bag of large marshmallows
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- For the Graham Cracker Crumble:
- 6 graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- Optional Garnishes:
- Chocolate syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries)
Preparing the Chocolate Filling:
Okay, let’s get started with the chocolate filling. This is what’s going to make our French toast extra decadent and gooey. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step!
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, heavy cream, butter, and a pinch of salt. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up.
- Stir Until Smooth: Once melted, stir the chocolate mixture until it’s glossy and well combined. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the French toast batter. This will help it thicken up a bit, making it easier to spread.
Making the French Toast Batter:
Now, let’s move on to the French toast batter. This is where the magic happens that transforms ordinary bread into something truly special.
- Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined and there are no streaks of egg yolk.
- Prepare the Bread: Lay out your slices of challah, brioche, or Texas toast. These breads are great because they are sturdy and absorb the batter well without becoming soggy.
Assembling the S’mores French Toast:
This is where the fun begins! We’re going to create little s’mores sandwiches that will be dipped in the French toast batter and cooked to golden perfection.
- Spread the Chocolate: Take one slice of bread and spread a generous layer of the melted chocolate filling on top. Don’t be shy!
- Top with Marshmallows: Place a layer of marshmallows on top of the chocolate. You can use whole marshmallows or cut them in half, depending on the size of your bread.
- Sandwich It: Top with another slice of bread to create a sandwich. Gently press down to secure the filling.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 1-3 with the remaining bread slices, chocolate filling, and marshmallows.
Cooking the French Toast:
Time to cook our s’mores French toast sandwiches! This part requires a little patience, but the end result is totally worth it.
- Heat the Pan: Melt a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Make sure the pan is hot enough so the French toast will brown nicely, but not so hot that it burns.
- Soak the Sandwiches: Dip each s’mores French toast sandwich into the French toast batter, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Let the bread soak for a few seconds on each side to absorb the batter.
- Cook the French Toast: Carefully place the soaked French toast sandwiches into the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The marshmallows inside will start to melt and get gooey, and the chocolate will be nice and warm.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 2-3 with the remaining French toast sandwiches, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
Making the Marshmallow Topping:
This marshmallow topping takes the s’mores flavor to the next level. It’s easy to make and adds a beautiful, gooey finish to the French toast.
- Melt the Marshmallows: In a medium saucepan, combine the marshmallows, butter, and milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to burn the marshmallows.
- Stir Until Smooth: Continue stirring until the mixture is glossy and well combined. Remove from heat.
Preparing the Graham Cracker Crumble:
The graham cracker crumble adds a delightful crunch and that classic s’mores flavor. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
- Crush the Graham Crackers: Place the graham crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or your hands. You can also use a food processor for this step.
- Combine with Butter and Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Assembling and Serving:
Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Let’s assemble our s’mores French toast and get ready to enjoy this amazing treat.
- Top with Marshmallow Topping: Drizzle the melted marshmallow topping generously over the cooked French toast sandwiches.
- Sprinkle with Graham Cracker Crumble: Sprinkle the graham cracker crumble over the marshmallow topping.
- Optional Garnishes: If desired, drizzle with chocolate syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and/or garnish with fresh berries.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the s’mores French toast immediately while it’s warm and gooey. Enjoy!
Conclusion:
This S’mores French Toast isn’t just breakfast; it’s a nostalgic hug on a plate, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a ridiculously delicious way to start your day (or end it no judgment here!). I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it takes the classic campfire treat and elevates it to a whole new level of breakfast decadence. The combination of the gooey marshmallow, rich chocolate, and perfectly toasted graham crackers, all soaked in a creamy custard and pan-fried to golden perfection, is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to faces and creates lasting memories.
But the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip up this masterpiece. The steps are straightforward, the ingredients are readily available, and the payoff is enormous. Trust me, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can totally nail this recipe.
And while the recipe as written is already pretty spectacular, feel free to get creative and put your own spin on it! For a truly decadent experience, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of chocolate syrup or a sprinkle of extra graham cracker crumbs wouldn’t hurt either!
Looking for variations? Consider using different types of bread, like challah or brioche, for an even richer flavor. You could also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, to customize the taste to your liking. For a more adult-friendly version, try adding a splash of coffee liqueur to the custard mixture. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try using flavored marshmallows, like strawberry or caramel, for a unique twist.
For a lighter take, you can use skim milk and egg whites in the custard. You can also bake the French toast instead of pan-frying it for a healthier option. Simply arrange the prepared French toast on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
This S’mores French Toast is also perfect for brunch gatherings or special occasions. It’s a guaranteed conversation starter and a surefire way to impress your guests. Imagine serving a platter of this warm, gooey goodness at your next brunch party your friends and family will be raving about it for weeks!
I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to give it a try. Don’t be intimidated by the name it’s much easier to make than you might think. And the results are absolutely worth it.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the magic of S’mores French Toast! I promise you won’t be disappointed.
And once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] or leave a review on the recipe page. I’m always eager to see your creations and hear your feedback. Let me know what variations you tried and how you made the recipe your own. Happy cooking (and eating)!
Smores French Toast: The Ultimate Decadent Breakfast Recipe
Challah bread sandwiches filled with melted chocolate and marshmallows, dipped in a rich batter, and topped with a gooey marshmallow topping and graham cracker crumble.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah bread, brioche, or Texas toast, cut into 1-inch thick slices (about 8-10 slices)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half recommended for richness)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
- 1 (10 oz) bag of large marshmallows
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 6 graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- Chocolate syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Filling: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, heavy cream, butter, and salt. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the French Toast Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Assemble the S’mores Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of chocolate filling on one slice of bread. Top with marshmallows. Sandwich with another slice of bread, pressing gently. Repeat with remaining bread.
- Cook the French Toast: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip each sandwich into the French toast batter, coating both sides. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with remaining sandwiches, adding butter as needed.
- Make the Marshmallow Topping: In a medium saucepan, combine marshmallows, butter, and milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crumble: Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. Combine with melted butter and sugar in a small bowl. Mix well.
- Assemble and Serve: Drizzle melted marshmallow topping over the cooked French toast. Sprinkle with graham cracker crumble. Garnish with chocolate syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use challah, brioche, or Texas toast for the best results. These breads are sturdy and absorb the batter well.
- Be careful not to overheat the chocolate when melting. Microwave in short intervals and stir frequently.
- Adjust the amount of butter used for cooking the French toast as needed to prevent sticking.
- Serve immediately for the best gooey, melty experience!
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