Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of Chocolate Almond Brioche Baked French Toast wafting through your kitchen—it's the perfect way to start your day! This decadent dish combines the rich, buttery flavor of brioche bread with the delightful crunch of almonds and the sweet surprise of chocolate chips. Whether you're hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself to a luxurious breakfast, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ready to elevate your breakfast game? Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread, sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your French toast bakes evenly and becomes golden brown.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the French toast from sticking.
- Slice the brioche bread into thick slices, about 1-inch thick. If the bread is a day or two old, it will absorb the custard mixture better.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, almond butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps from the almond butter.
- Place the sliced brioche in the prepared baking dish, arranging it in a single layer. You may need to overlap some slices slightly.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the brioche slices, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top of the bread. You can adjust the amount of chocolate chips based on your preference.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
- Once the bread has soaked, remove the foil and place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes uncovered, until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- After 30 minutes, check the French toast. If it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.
- Once baked, remove the French toast from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or additional chocolate chips on top for an indulgent breakfast or brunch treat.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: For the best results, use slightly stale brioche bread. If your bread is fresh, leave it out for a few hours or overnight to dry out a bit. This will help it absorb the custard mixture without becoming soggy.
- Soak Time Matters: Allow the brioche to soak in the custard for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate it for up to 2 hours. The longer it soaks, the more flavorful and custardy your French toast will be.
- Customize Your Chocolate: Feel free to mix in your favorite chocolate chips—dark, milk, or even white chocolate for a different twist. You can also add nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the French toast as it bakes. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the custard sets.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your baked French toast warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and drizzled with maple syrup. Fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dollop of yogurt can also make fantastic accompaniments for a complete brunch experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
