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 about to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your weekend brunch into a truly unforgettable experience. Imagine sinking your teeth into golden-brown, perfectly crisped bread, soaked in a creamy custard, and then layered with the rich, hazelnutty goodness of Nutella and the bright, juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries.

While French toast itself boasts a history stretching back to ancient Rome, where it was a clever way to use up stale bread, this particular iteration is a modern marvel. The marriage of French toast with Nutella, a beloved Italian hazelnut spread, and the universally adored strawberry, creates a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a dish that speaks to our inner child while still feeling sophisticated enough for a special occasion.

People adore Strawberry Nutella French Toast for so many reasons. Beyond the obvious deliciousness, it’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. The combination of textures – the soft, pillowy bread, the smooth Nutella, and the slightly tart strawberries – is simply divine. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a little bit of luxury. So, are you ready to elevate your breakfast game? Let’s get started!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the French Toast:
• 8 slices of Brioche bread (or Challah, or your favorite thick-cut bread)
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
• 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
• For the Strawberry Nutella Filling:
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup Nutella (or your favorite hazelnut spread)
• For the Garnish (optional):
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Fresh strawberries, for serving
• Whipped cream, for serving
• Maple syrup, for serving
• Chopped hazelnuts, for serving

Preparing the Strawberry Nutella Filling:

1. Slice the Strawberries: Begin by washing and hulling your strawberries. Slice them into thin, even pieces. This will ensure they spread easily and evenly within the French toast.
2. Combine with Nutella: In a small bowl, gently mix the sliced strawberries with the Nutella. Be careful not to mash the strawberries too much. You want them to retain their shape and texture. The Nutella will act as a binder and add that delicious hazelnut chocolate flavor. I like to use a rubber spatula for this, as it’s gentle and effective.
3. Set Aside: Once the strawberries and Nutella are combined, set the mixture aside. This allows the flavors to meld together while you prepare the French toast batter.

Making the French Toast Batter:

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a medium-sized bowl, crack the four large eggs. Whisk them vigorously until they are light and frothy. This will help create a light and airy French toast.
2. Add Dairy and Sugar: Pour in the milk and heavy cream. The heavy cream adds richness and helps create a custardy texture. Add the granulated sugar. The sugar not only sweetens the batter but also helps the French toast caramelize beautifully in the pan.
3. Incorporate Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, while the cinnamon adds a warm, comforting note. The salt balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
4. Combine Thoroughly: Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the batter is smooth. Make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk or sugar granules. A smooth batter will coat the bread evenly.

Assembling and Cooking the French Toast:

1. Prepare the Bread: Lay out your slices of Brioche bread (or your bread of choice). Brioche is my favorite because it’s rich and buttery, but Challah or even a good quality white bread will work well.
2. Spread the Filling: Take half of the slices of bread and spread a generous layer of the Strawberry Nutella filling on each slice. Make sure to spread it evenly, covering the entire surface of the bread.
3. Create Sandwiches: Top each slice of bread with the filling with another slice of bread, creating sandwiches. Gently press down on the sandwiches to help them adhere together.
4. Soak the Sandwiches: Dip each sandwich into the French toast batter, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly. Allow the bread to soak for about 15-20 seconds per side. This will ensure that the bread is fully saturated with the batter, resulting in a moist and flavorful French toast. Be careful not to soak them for too long, or they may become soggy.
5. Melt the Butter: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. The butter will prevent the French toast from sticking and will also add a delicious golden-brown crust.
6. Cook the French Toast: Carefully place the soaked French toast sandwiches into the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the French toast is golden brown and cooked through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your bread and the heat of your skillet.
7. Check for Doneness: To check if the French toast is cooked through, gently press down on the center of the sandwich. It should feel firm and springy. If it feels soft or soggy, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
8. Repeat with Remaining Sandwiches: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet and repeat the cooking process with the remaining French toast sandwiches.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the French toast is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate. Dust generously with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
2. Add Fresh Strawberries: Arrange fresh strawberries around the French toast for a pop of color and flavor.
3. Top with Whipped Cream (Optional): If desired, top the French toast with a dollop of whipped cream. This adds a creamy and decadent element to the dish.
4. Drizzle with Maple Syrup (Optional): Drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness.
5. Sprinkle with Chopped Hazelnuts (Optional): Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts for added texture and nutty flavor.
6. Serve Immediately: Serve the Strawberry Nutella French toast immediately while it is still warm and delicious. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Strawberry Nutella French Toast isn’t just breakfast; it’s a weekend celebration on a plate! The combination of the tangy strawberries, the rich, hazelnutty Nutella, and the perfectly golden-brown, custardy bread is simply irresistible. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you craving it long after the last bite. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it elevates a classic breakfast staple into something truly special and memorable. It’s quick enough for a weekday treat but impressive enough to serve to guests.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my favorite combination of strawberries and Nutella, the possibilities are endless. For a summery twist, try using fresh raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries. A drizzle of maple syrup adds another layer of sweetness, or you could even sprinkle on some chopped hazelnuts for extra crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the Nutella for another chocolate-hazelnut spread, or even try using peanut butter for a completely different flavor profile. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to dessert territory, perfect for a special occasion brunch.

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture.
* Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
* Pair with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast.
* Offer a variety of toppings, like whipped cream, maple syrup, and chopped nuts, so everyone can customize their own French toast.
* For a lighter option, use whole-wheat bread and skim milk.

Variations to Explore:

* Berry Blast: Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
* Banana Bonanza: Substitute sliced bananas for the strawberries.
* Peanut Butter Paradise: Replace the Nutella with peanut butter and top with chopped peanuts.
* Cinnamon Swirl: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the egg mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
* Savory Twist: Omit the Nutella and strawberries and add a sprinkle of cheese and herbs to the egg mixture for a savory French toast.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of Strawberry Nutella French Toast for yourself. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different toppings and variations to find your perfect combination.

Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely 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. Let me know what variations you tried and what you thought of the recipe. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create even better recipes for you in the future. I can’t wait to see your delicious creations! This Strawberry Nutella French Toast is truly a game changer, and I’m confident it will become a new favorite in your household. Happy cooking!