Valentines Breakfast Chocolate French Toast

Name: Valentines Breakfast Chocolate French Toast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 slices of thick bread (Brioche or Texas toast); 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons sugar; Butter for frying; Powdered sugar for topping; Fresh strawberries, for serving; Whipped cream, for serving

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love treating my loved ones to something special on Valentine's Day, and this Chocolate French Toast recipe is a perfect way to do just that. Each slice is drizzled with chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar, making it not just a meal but a delightful experience. I enjoy serving it with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for that beautiful touch. It's quick to make, and the result is nothing short of impressive, transforming a simple breakfast into an unforgettable feast.

Created by

Megan Douglas

Last updated on 2026-01-13T03:34:04.923Z

When I first tried making Chocolate French Toast, I was searching for something to surprise my partner on Valentine's Day. The addition of rich cocoa to the egg mixture elevates a classic dish, giving it that lovely chocolate kick. I found that soaking the bread just enough ensures it’s soft and flavorful without being too soggy.

To top it off, I've discovered that a sprinkle of cinnamon enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully. Don’t forget the fresh strawberries; they not only bring vibrancy to the plate but also cut through the richness of the chocolate. Every bite is pure bliss!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

Elevate Your French Toast Technique

To achieve the perfect texture for your Chocolate French Toast, it’s crucial to use thick slices of bread like Brioche or Texas toast. These varieties are airy and absorbent, allowing the egg mixture to penetrate deeply. If you're short on time, consider using stale bread; it will absorb the mixture more readily. Just be sure not to let it soak too long or it may become too soggy.

When cooking, keep an eye on the heat level. Medium heat is ideal for a golden exterior while ensuring the interior cooks thoroughly. If your skillet or pan smokes, it’s a sign that the heat is too high. Lowering the temperature not only prevents burning but also allows the rich chocolate flavor to develop fully, enhancing the overall depth of your French toast.

Choosing the Right Chocolate

The choice of cocoa powder can significantly impact the flavor profile of your French toast. A high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa will give a richer, darker chocolate taste compared to natural cocoa. If you want to take it a step further, you might try adding dark chocolate chips directly to the bread as it cooks; they will melt and create delicious pockets of chocolate that enhance each bite.

For a note of brightness, consider adding a pinch of salt to your cocoa mixture. This subtle boost elevates the chocolate flavor, creating a more balanced dish. Additionally, if you want a sweeter version, you can substitute some of the cocoa powder with chocolate syrup or even melted chocolate, adjusting the sugar content accordingly.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Presentation matters, especially for a special occasion like Valentine's Day. Serve your Chocolate French Toast on a decorative plate, topped with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh strawberries not only add a pop of color but their tartness beautifully balances the sweetness of the chocolate, making every bite an experience.

For those looking to impress further, consider pairing this dish with a glass of orange juice. Freshly squeezed orange juice complements the rich chocolate flavor and adds a refreshing component to the meal. Alternatively, a light dusting of citrus zest over the whipped cream can bring an aromatic finish that harmonizes well with the decadent elements of the dish.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Chocolate French Toast

4 slices of thick bread (Brioche or Texas toast)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons sugar
Butter for frying
Powdered sugar for topping
Fresh strawberries, for serving
Whipped cream, for serving

Steps

Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sugar until well combined and smooth.

Soak the Bread

Place the slices of bread into the egg mixture, allowing them to soak for about 30 seconds on each side to absorb the chocolate goodness.

Cook the French Toast

In a skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add the soaked bread slices and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, serve your Chocolate French Toast dusted with powdered sugar, alongside fresh strawberries and whipped cream for that extra charm.

Pro Tips

For an added flavor twist, try adding a hint of orange zest to your egg mixture – it complements the chocolate beautifully!

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to impress your loved ones with this breakfast but want to save time on the big day, you can prepare the egg mixture the night before. Whisk the eggs, milk, cocoa powder, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar, then cover and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld, and all you’ll need to do in the morning is soak the bread and cook it.

For even easier preparation, soak the bread slices in the mixture for up to one hour before cooking. This can infuse the bread with more chocolate flavor, but be cautious, as soaking too long may lead to overly soggy toast. Always test one slice before cooking the rest to ensure you have your ideal texture.

Freezing and Reheating

Leftover Chocolate French Toast can be frozen for later enjoyment. Place cooked slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to indulge again, simply reheat them in the toaster or oven until warm and crispy, which helps restore their glorious texture.

Alternatively, you can also reheat in a skillet. Just add a little butter to the pan and warm over low heat, flipping occasionally to ensure even heating. This method helps recapture the delightful golden crust while keeping the inside soft and chocolatey, making it a quick and delicious morning treat any day of the week.

Dietary Swaps

For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt the recipe. Substitute the regular milk with almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free version that still delivers a creamy texture. If you're avoiding gluten, opt for gluten-free bread, ensuring it's thick enough to hold up during cooking.

To reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute suitable for baking, or reduce the overall amount of sugar in the egg mixture. For added health benefits, you could incorporate mashed bananas in place of sugar entirely, which will also impart a slight sweetness and extra moisture to every slice.

Questions About Recipes

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

Yes, but thicker bread like Brioche or Texas toast works best for soaking up the mixture.

→ Is there a dairy-free option?

Absolutely! You can substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk and use dairy-free butter.

→ How can I make this recipe more indulgent?

Add chocolate chips into the egg mixture for extra chocolatey bites and serve with chocolate syrup on top.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

You can prepare the egg mixture in advance, but it's best to soak and cook the bread just before serving for optimal texture.