Go Back
Imagine waking up to the enticing aroma of freshly baked chocolate hazelnut French toast filling your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the breakfast table. This Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut French Toast Bake is not just a morning dish; it's a delightful experience that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate and the nutty essence of hazelnuts. Perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy weekend brunch, a festive holiday breakfast, or even a sweet dessert treat—this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Chocolate Hazelnut French Toast Bake

Wake up to a deliciously indulgent breakfast with this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut French Toast Bake. Perfect for brunch or any sweet occasion, this dish combines rich chocolate hazelnut spread with soft bread and crunchy hazelnuts for a delightful experience. Easy to prepare, it can be made ahead and served to impress family and friends. Enjoy every bite of the creamy, custardy goodness topped with a crispy finish. You'll love how simple yet satisfying this recipe is!

Ingredients
  

1 loaf of challah bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)

1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts (toasted)

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Fresh berries (for serving, optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

    Prepare the Bread: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes and chocolate hazelnut spread. Gently toss them together until the bread is well-coated with the spread.

      Make the Custard Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth.

        Assemble the Bake: Pour the egg mixture over the bread and hazelnut spread. Press the bread down gently so that it absorbs the custard mixture. Sprinkle the top with toasted hazelnuts for added crunch.

          Chill (Optional): If you have time, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard better for a richer flavor.

            Bake: Remove the wrapping (if you chilled it) and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

              Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Optionally, serve with fresh berries on the side to brighten the dish.

                Enjoy! Scoop out generous portions and savor the delicious layers of chocolate and hazelnut goodness!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 45 minutes | serves 8-10