Valentines Breakfast Chocolate French Toast

Name: Valentines Breakfast Chocolate French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients: 4 slices of thick bread (Brioche or Challah recommended); 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup dark chocolate, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon sugar; Pinch of salt; Butter for frying; Fresh strawberries and powdered sugar for serving

Highlighted under: Special Recipes

I absolutely adore starting my Valentine's Day with a touch of sweetness, and nothing compares to these Chocolate French Toast slices. Combining rich, velvety chocolate with soft, fluffy bread elevates a simple breakfast to a romantic feast. I love how the melted chocolate mingles with the custard, creating a delightful dish that feels extra special. Served with fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, this indulgent breakfast will surely start your day off on the right foot—so why not surprise someone special with this treat?

Created by

Kitty Lawrence

Last updated on 2026-01-13T01:01:35.012Z

When I first experimented with Chocolate French Toast, I was amazed at how well chocolate blends with the creamy custard. It was a game changer! I used good quality dark chocolate, which added a richness that paired beautifully with the eggs and milk.

One tip I found essential is to let the bread soak well in the custard before cooking. This ensures that each bite is decadent and full of flavor. Plus, serving it with fresh fruit not only adds color but also brings a refreshing balance to the chocolatey goodness.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate flavor that delights the senses
Soft, custardy texture that wraps around every bite
Perfectly paired with fresh fruits for a vibrant touch

      

Choosing the Right Bread

The type of bread you choose significantly impacts the final texture and taste of your Chocolate French Toast. Brioche, with its rich, buttery flavor, offers a lovely sweetness and soft texture that soaks up the custard beautifully. On the other hand, Challah provides a slightly denser bite while still being fluffy. If you're seeking alternatives, consider whole grain or even a gluten-free bread, though these may require shorter soaking times to avoid sogginess.

Remember to use thick slices—about 1 to 1.5 inches—so that the custard can penetrate without compromising the integrity of the bread, ensuring every bite is filled with chocolatey goodness. If you're making a big batch, pre-slicing the bread the night before can save you time in the morning.

Mastering the Custard Mixture

The custard is the heart of this recipe, and achieving the right consistency is key. When mixing your eggs, milk, and melted chocolate, aim for a smooth and glossy blend without any lumps. Whisking vigorously helps incorporate air, which adds a fluffy texture to the cooked French toast. I recommend using whole milk for a richer flavor, but you can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version; just ensure that they're unsweetened to maintain balance with the sugar.

Make sure to let the custard rest for about 10 minutes before you start soaking the bread. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and improves the texture of the custard. If you find your custard is too thick, a splash of milk can help loosen it up for better soaking.

Plating and Serving Suggestions

Presentation is everything when it comes to a special breakfast. Once you've cooked your French toast to a perfect golden-brown on both sides, stacking the slices with a slight offset will create an appealing look. Dusting with powdered sugar is a classic touch, but consider serving with a light drizzle of chocolate sauce or even a dollop of whipped cream for added flair.

Fresh strawberries are a delight, offering a natural sweetness and brightness that cuts through the richness of the chocolate. For a twist, you can substitute strawberries with raspberries or slices of banana. If you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a few mint leaves can elevate the plate even further.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a rich and delicious breakfast!

Ingredients

4 slices of thick bread (Brioche or Challah recommended)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup dark chocolate, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon sugar
Pinch of salt
Butter for frying
Fresh strawberries and powdered sugar for serving

Once you have everything ready, let's start cooking!

Instructions

Here's how to make your delicious Chocolate French Toast!

Prepare the Custard

In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted chocolate, vanilla extract, sugar, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

Soak the Bread

Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for a few minutes on each side to absorb the flavors.

Cook the French Toast

In a skillet over medium heat, melt a little butter. Cook the soaked bread slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate the French toast, dust with powdered sugar, top with fresh strawberries, and drizzle with any remaining melted chocolate. Serve warm!

Your delightful breakfast is ready to be savored!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the custard mixture. It pairs wonderfully with chocolate.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your French toast turns out soggy, it’s likely that the bread was soaked for too long. Each slice should be dipped for just 10-20 seconds per side—long enough to absorb the custard but not so long that it loses structure. You can also try using slightly stale bread, as it absorbs the liquid more evenly without falling apart.

For sticks that are unevenly cooked, ensure your skillet is preheated adequately over medium heat before adding the butter. A temperature that's too low might result in a pale and soft French toast, while too high can lead to burnt edges. Always adjust the heat as necessary, aiming for a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Make-Ahead Options

For those who want to streamline their morning, you can prepare the custard mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk in the morning to recombine before soaking your bread. Additionally, you can soak the bread slices in the custard overnight, keeping them submerged in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Cooked French toast can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so in a toaster oven or a skillet over low heat to maintain that delightful texture, rather than using a microwave which can leave it chewy.

Delicious Variations to Try

While chocolate is the star of this recipe, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for a warm, fragrant twist. You can also experiment with flavored extracts such as almond or orange for an unexpected surprise in each bite, pairing beautifully with the chocolate.

For a fun and rich variation, try adding a layer of cream cheese or mascarpone between two slices of bread before dipping them in the custard. This not only adds creaminess but also makes each bite feel indulgent and special—it’s perfect for celebrating the day of love!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, while Brioche and Challah work best for their softness, you can use any thick slice of bread you have on hand.

→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread, ensuring the custard ingredients are also gluten-free.

→ Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Soak the bread just before cooking.

→ What chocolate works best for this recipe?

Good quality dark chocolate with a cocoa percentage of 60% or higher gives the best flavor and richness.