Oh, where do I even begin with this Nutella French toast? It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and honestly, it’s become my absolute go-to for turning any ordinary weekend morning into something truly special. I remember the first time I made this; my kitchen filled with this incredible, sweet, nutty aroma, and my kids came running from their rooms, eyes wide with anticipation. It’s funny, because when people think of French toast, they usually picture the classic cinnamon-sugar kind, which I adore, of course. But this Nutella version? It takes that comforting breakfast staple and elevates it to a whole new level of decadent, chocolatey goodness. It’s so ridiculously easy, yet it tastes like something you’d get at a fancy brunch spot. If you’re anything like me, and you’re looking for that perfect sweet treat that doesn’t require a culinary degree or hours in the kitchen, you’ve found your match. This Nutella French toast is that little bit of magic.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What is Nutella French Toast?
So, what exactly is Nutella French toast? At its heart, it’s a delightful twist on the classic breakfast dish. Think of it as your favorite comforting, eggy bread, but with a decadent swirl of that beloved hazelnut chocolate spread right through the middle. Instead of just dipping the bread in an egg mixture, we’re actually going to incorporate some of that rich, creamy Nutella directly into the batter that coats the bread. Then, it’s cooked to golden perfection, creating a warm, gooey, chocolate-hazelnut explosion with every bite. It’s essentially a breakfast dream come true – familiar, yet excitingly new. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes with the first bite and let out a little happy sigh. It’s not complicated, it’s just pure joy on a plate, with that unmistakable Nutella flavor that everyone loves.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, there are so many reasons why this Nutella French toast has become a permanent fixture in my recipe rotation, and I just know you’re going to love it too. First off, the FLAVOR is just out of this world. That rich, creamy hazelnut chocolate filling combined with the perfectly cooked, custardy bread is pure bliss. It’s sweet enough to feel like a treat, but balanced with the eggy bread so it doesn’t feel overly heavy. And the SIMPLICITY! Seriously, if you can fry an egg, you can make this. It takes just a few minutes to whisk together the batter and spread the Nutella, and then it’s just a matter of cooking it until it’s golden brown. It’s a lifesaver on busy weekend mornings when you want something impressive without all the fuss. Plus, it’s incredibly COST-EFFECTIVE. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and a jar of Nutella goes a long way. You’re using regular bread, eggs, milk – all things you likely have on hand. What I love most about this recipe is its VERSATILITY. While it’s fantastic on its own, you can totally customize it. I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon to the egg batter for a little extra warmth, or even a tiny splash of vanilla extract. It’s perfect for a special occasion breakfast, a fun brunch with friends, or even a surprisingly elegant dessert if you serve it with some fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. Compared to other sweet breakfast treats that require more steps or fancy ingredients, this Nutella French toast hits that sweet spot of impressive flavor and effortless execution. It truly is a winner.
How do I make Nutella French Toast?
Quick Overview
Making this amazing Nutella French toast is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll whisk together a simple egg batter, then slather your bread generously with Nutella before sandwiching two slices together. Dunk the whole creation into the egg mixture, letting it soak up all that eggy goodness, and then fry it to a beautiful golden brown. The magic happens as the Nutella inside melts into a warm, gooey river of chocolatey heaven. It’s a quick process that delivers maximum flavor impact, making it perfect for lazy mornings when you want something extraordinary with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
4 large eggs – These are the backbone, creating that essential custardy texture. Make sure they’re room temperature if you have time; it helps them whisk up more smoothly.
1 cup whole milk – You can use 2%, but whole milk really gives it that richer, creamier mouthfeel. I’ve tried almond milk in a pinch, and it was still good, just a little less decadent.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Just a touch to add sweetness to the batter itself. We’re getting most of our sweetness from the Nutella, so this is just for balance.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – This is a flavor booster! It adds depth and complexity to the eggy custard.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Don’t skip the salt! It actually enhances the sweetness and all the other flavors.
For the Filling:
About 1/2 cup Nutella – This is the star! You can use more or less depending on how intensely you want that hazelnut chocolate flavor. Make sure it’s softened slightly so it spreads easily, but not melted.
For the Bread:
8 slices of thick-cut bread – Brioche, challah, or even a good quality sourdough work beautifully. Thicker slices hold up better to the soaking and give you more surface area for that glorious Nutella swirl.
For Cooking & Glaze:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter – For pan-frying. It gives a lovely golden crust and a hint of nutty flavor.
Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting, fresh berries, whipped cream for serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, let’s get our pan ready. You’ll want to use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron pan. Place it over medium heat. We’re not looking for scorching hot, just a nice, gentle heat that will cook the French toast evenly without burning the outside before the inside is cooked. Add about 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan, letting it melt and coat the bottom. You want it to shimmer, not smoke!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a shallow dish, or a pie plate, which is perfect for dipping, whisk together the granulated sugar and salt. It’s simple, but making sure these are evenly distributed in the dry part of the batter base helps ensure everything blends smoothly when you add the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Now, crack your eggs into the same shallow dish. Add the whole milk and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and looks nice and uniform – no streaks of egg white left! You want a smooth, pale yellow mixture that’s ready to soak your bread.
Step 4: Combine
This step is actually just about readying the ingredients for the next stage. You’ve already mixed your wet and dry ingredients separately in the shallow dish, so now it’s ready for the bread. The key here is not to overmix anything, which can make the final dish tough. We want it light and airy!
“Made the Easy Nutella Rollups Your Kids Will Love tonight and wow — perfect weeknight dinner. Will definitely make again!”
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Now for the fun part: the Nutella! You don’t really need to *prepare* it, but make sure it’s spreadable. If your jar is a bit stiff, you can gently warm it for a few seconds in the microwave, or just give it a good stir. Take two slices of bread and spread a generous layer of Nutella on one side of each slice. Don’t be shy; this is where all that delicious chocolatey goodness comes from!
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Take one slice of bread and place it, Nutella-side up, onto your clean work surface. Then, place the second slice of bread on top, Nutella-side down, so you have a Nutella sandwich. Gently press down to seal the edges a little. This sandwich will be your French toast base. The goal is to create that beautiful molten Nutella center.
Step 7: Bake
Carefully place your Nutella sandwich into the prepared egg mixture. Let it soak for about 30 seconds to a minute per side. You want the bread to absorb the batter without getting completely soggy. Gently lift it out, letting any excess drip back into the dish. Carefully place the soaked sandwich into your preheated, buttered skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it’s beautifully golden brown and puffed up. You might need to adjust the heat slightly to ensure the inside is cooked through and the Nutella is melted without burning the outside. Trust me, you’ll know it’s ready when you see that golden crust and smell that amazing aroma!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once your Nutella French toast is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the skillet and place it on a wire rack for just a minute. This helps prevent it from getting soggy on the bottom. If you’re using a dusting of powdered sugar, this is the time to lightly sift it over the top. For a more decadent touch, you could drizzle a little extra warmed Nutella or even a chocolate glaze over the top. Honestly, though, it’s perfect just as it is.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Now for the grand reveal! Using a sharp knife, carefully slice your Nutella French toast in half, diagonally is always pretty. You’ll see that beautiful, gooey Nutella center revealed – it’s pure magic! Serve immediately while it’s warm and melty. It’s delicious on its own, but a scattering of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can take it to another level.
What to Serve It With
This Nutella French toast is so decadent and satisfying on its own, but it also plays wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments, depending on the occasion and your mood! Here are some of my family’s favorite ways to enjoy it.
For Breakfast:
When it’s just a regular weekend morning, I usually keep it simple. A strong cup of coffee is an absolute must for me to pair with my Nutella French toast. Sometimes, I’ll add a few fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side. Their tartness provides a lovely contrast to the rich chocolate hazelnut flavor. It’s a comforting, easy breakfast that feels a bit special.
For Brunch:
If we’re hosting friends or having a more leisurely family brunch, I love to elevate the presentation. Serving it with a small bowl of whipped cream and a drizzle of honey or a light berry compote makes it feel quite fancy. A side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage can also add a savory element to balance the sweetness. For beverages, a mimosa or a sparkling rosé feels celebratory and pairs wonderfully.
As Dessert:
Yes, you read that right! This makes an incredible dessert. Imagine serving a warm slice after dinner with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of the warm, gooey French toast and the cold ice cream is divine. A dusting of cocoa powder or some shaved dark chocolate on top would be the ultimate indulgence. It’s perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to bake a whole cake.
For Cozy Snacks:
Sometimes, it’s just a quiet afternoon and you need a little treat. This Nutella French toast is perfect for that. I’ll often just cut a slice in half and enjoy it with a glass of cold milk. It’s that ultimate comfort food that feels indulgent without being overly complicated. It’s a small bit of happiness that’s easy to whip up when you need it most.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Nutella French Toast
I’ve made this Nutella French toast more times than I can count, and along the way, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think really make a difference. Here are my top tips to ensure yours turns out absolutely perfect every single time.
Zucchini Prep:
Okay, wait, why am I talking about zucchini? That’s a mistake! I must have been thinking about my famous zucchini bread. For this Nutella French toast, there’s no zucchini involved! My apologies! What I *meant* to say is, choose good quality bread. The thickness is key – aim for slices that are at least ¾ inch thick. Thin bread will get too soggy and fall apart. Brioche or challah are my favorites because their slightly sweet, rich dough really complements the Nutella and egg batter beautifully. If you can’t find those, a sturdy, slightly stale white bread works well too.
Mixing Advice:
When you’re whisking the egg mixture, don’t overdo it. You want it well combined, but beating it too much can make the French toast tough. Aim for a smooth, uniform color. Also, make sure your Nutella is spreadable but not runny. If it’s too cold and stiff, it’ll tear your bread. If it’s too warm and melted, it’ll just ooze out everywhere. A gentle stir or a brief 5-second zap in the microwave usually does the trick.
Swirl Customization:
The magic is in that melty Nutella center! Don’t spread it all the way to the very edge of the bread. Leave a small border, maybe ¼ inch, all around. This helps create a seal when you press the two slices together, keeping that delicious Nutella goodness contained within. When you spread it on one side of each slice and then put them together, you get that perfect ‘swirl’ effect when you cut into it.
Ingredient Swaps:
While whole milk provides the richest custard, you can absolutely use 2% milk or even an unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or soy. The texture might be slightly less creamy, but it will still be delicious. If you don’t have vanilla extract, a tiny pinch of cinnamon can add a lovely warmth to the batter. For the sugar in the batter, you can use brown sugar for a slightly caramel note, but adjust to your sweetness preference, as Nutella is already quite sweet.
“New family favorite! This Easy Nutella Rollups Your Kids Will Love was so flavorful and ridiculously easy. Crowd-pleaser for sure.”
Baking Tips:
Medium heat is your friend here. Too high, and the outside will burn before the Nutella melts and the inside cooks. Too low, and the bread will just get greasy and pale. You’re looking for that beautiful, even golden-brown color on both sides. Gently press down on the sandwich with your spatula as it cooks to ensure good contact with the pan and even browning. If your skillet is large enough, you can cook two sandwiches at once, but make sure they have a little space between them.
Glaze Variations:
The optional dusting of powdered sugar is classic and pretty, but if you want to go all out, warming up a little extra Nutella with a tiny splash of milk or cream makes for a fantastic glaze that you can drizzle over the top. A simple chocolate ganache or even a fruit sauce like raspberry or strawberry coulis also pairs wonderfully and adds a different dimension of flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
I’ll be honest, this Nutella French toast is best enjoyed fresh off the griddle when that Nutella is perfectly molten and gooey. My family usually devours it within minutes! But if, by some miracle, you have leftovers, or you want to prep ahead, here’s how I handle storing and reheating.
Room Temperature:
If you have a slice or two that didn’t quite make it into bellies, you can leave them at room temperature for a few hours, loosely covered with foil or a clean kitchen towel. Just make sure your kitchen isn’t too warm. They are still pretty tasty at room temp, though the Nutella will firm up a bit.
Refrigerator Storage:
For longer storage, let the French toast cool completely. Then, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread will soften slightly as it sits, and the Nutella will become firmer.
Freezer Instructions:
This freezes surprisingly well! Once completely cooled, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 1 month. This is a great option if you want to have a special treat ready to go on a weekday morning!
Glaze Timing Advice:
If you plan to reheat, it’s usually best to reheat the French toast *without* any glaze or dusting of powdered sugar. You can add those fresh after reheating for the best presentation and texture. For refrigerated leftovers, I like to reheat them in a toaster oven or a dry skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes per side until warmed through. For frozen French toast, pop it directly into the toaster oven or a slightly lower oven temperature (around 325°F or 160°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave reheating is possible, but it can sometimes make the bread a bit chewy, so I tend to avoid it if I can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite way to make Nutella French toast! It’s a recipe that truly embodies comfort food for me. It’s simple enough for any weekend morning, yet decadent enough to make any occasion feel special. The way the Nutella melts into that warm, custardy bread is just pure bliss, and the smell that fills the kitchen? It’s like a little slice of heaven. I really hope you give this a try; it’s one of those dishes that just brings a smile to everyone’s face. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my recipes for Fluffy Pancakes or Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, which are other favorites for sweet breakfast treats! I can’t wait to hear what you think, so please leave a comment below and let me know how your Nutella French toast turned out. Happy cooking, everyone!
Nutella French Toast
Ingredients
French Toast Ingredients
- 0.25 cup milk
- 0.25 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 12 slices sandwich bread such as Whole Wheat by Pepperidge Farms
- 0.5 cup Nutella hazelnut spread for spreading
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 0.25 cup vanilla sugar or powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Make the custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Prepare the bread slices: Carefully cut the crusts from each slice of sandwich bread. Using a rolling pin, flatten each bread slice as much as possible.
- Roll them up: Spread a thin layer of Nutella hazelnut spread evenly over one side of each flattened bread slice. Tightly roll up each bread slice, gently pinching the seam to help secure it.
- Cook the roll-ups: Place 2 tablespoons of butter in a large frying pan or skillet and melt over medium heat. Dip each Nutella roll-up into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Place the coated roll-ups in the hot frying pan. Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. You will likely need to cook these in batches. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter as needed for subsequent batches.
- Finish and serve: If using vanilla sugar, pour it into a shallow dish. Once the French toast roll-ups are cooked and golden, immediately roll them in the vanilla sugar until thoroughly coated. If using powdered sugar, simply dust the warm roll-ups generously with it instead. Serve immediately and enjoy!
