Chocolate Chip Brioche French Toast Recipe
This Chocolate Chip Brioche French Toast is a decadent and versatile dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Combining the richness of brioche bread soaked in a creamy egg custard with generous amounts of dark chocolate chips, it offers a luscious bread pudding-like texture with a sweet, satisfying flavor. Serve it warm alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a delightful family treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including soaking time of at least 1 hour)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Sweet Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche (14 oz, preferably from Whole Foods)
- 6 whole eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (or whole milk as an alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for garnish
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Prepare Brioche: Cut the brioche into 1 to 2 inch cubes and place them in a large bowl, making sure the pieces are evenly sized for consistent soaking.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 6 whole eggs, 2 egg yolks, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well combined and smooth.
- Soak Brioche: Pour the custard mixture over the brioche cubes, gently tossing to coat all the pieces evenly. Cover and let it sit for at least 1 hour or refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak thoroughly.
- Assemble in Pan: Spoon the soaked brioche into the lined loaf pan, layering and spreading evenly. Sprinkle the 1 cup of dark chocolate chips liberally between layers as you go, then pour any remaining custard mixture on top.
- Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and a pinch of salt over the top of the assembled bread to create a slight crunchy crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes or until the custard is set and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite fresh fruit, yogurt, or syrup for a delightful breakfast, brunch, or dessert experience.
Notes
- For best flavor, use a brioche loaf with a soft crumb and rich buttery taste.
- You can substitute whole milk for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Letting the bread soak overnight intensifies the custard absorption and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of chocolate chips to your taste preference.
- Sprinkling sugar and salt on top before baking enhances the texture and flavor balance.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
