This Chocolate Stuffed Coffee Brioche French Toast is an indulgent breakfast treat that takes classic French toast to the next level. Made with soft, buttery brioche bread, stuffed with premium chocolate, and soaked in a coffee-flavored custard, this French toast is topped with homemade whipped coffee cream. Perfect for special occasions like Easter, Mother’s Day, or Christmas, it’s a decadent and comforting way to enjoy breakfast!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 4 thick slices of brioche bread (2-inch thick)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 64g chocolate (such as Valrhona, chopped or in pieces)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar for topping
For the Whipped Coffee Cream:
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Directions
- Prepare the Brioche: Slice the brioche into 4 thick slices (about 2 inches each). Cut each slice ¾ of the way down to create a pocket. Fill each pocket with about 16g (~0.5 oz) of chocolate.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and salt. In a separate pitcher or bowl, combine milk, espresso powder, sugar, and whisk until fully dissolved. Pour the milk mixture into the eggs and whisk to combine.
- Make the Whipped Coffee Cream: In a small bowl, mix together instant espresso, sugar, and hot water. Whip the mixture using a hand mixer until it triples in size and becomes fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Slowly add the heavy cream and continue whipping until you reach medium peaks.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a pan or griddle over medium-low heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Dip the brioche slices into the egg mixture, coating both sides, and immediately transfer them to the pan. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and the chocolate inside has melted.
- Serve: Serve the French toast warm, topped with a generous dollop of whipped coffee cream, powdered sugar, and a dusting of espresso powder.
Nutrients
- Calories: 594 kcal (per serving)
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Cholesterol: 311mg
- Sodium: 566mg
- Potassium: 255mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 21g
A Perfect Combination: Brioche, Chocolate, and Coffee
The base of this dish is the soft and buttery brioche bread, which is known for its rich texture and slightly sweet flavor. Unlike regular bread, brioche has a pillowy softness that’s ideal for soaking up a flavorful custard mixture without losing its structure. This makes it the perfect bread for French toast, as it holds its shape while still absorbing all the wonderful flavors from the custard.
Inside each slice of brioche is a delicious surprise—premium chocolate. When the French toast cooks, the chocolate inside melts to create a gooey, decadent center that’s absolutely irresistible. The richness of the chocolate complements the softness of the brioche, adding a layer of indulgence that will make each bite feel like a treat.
The Coffee Twist: Adding Boldness to a Classic
This recipe also includes an exciting twist with the addition of espresso powder in the custard mixture. Espresso powder is a concentrated form of coffee, offering a bold, aromatic flavor that infuses the brioche with a deep, coffee-inspired essence. The sweetness of the custard, combined with the slight bitterness of the coffee, creates a delightful contrast to the chocolate, balancing out the richness with just the right amount of depth.
The espresso-flavored custard not only enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish but also ensures that the brioche gets perfectly soaked, resulting in a custard-rich interior. This is the secret to achieving the ideal French toast texture—crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, with the perfect balance of flavors.
The Whipped Coffee Cream: The Finishing Touch
What sets this French toast apart is the addition of whipped coffee cream, which brings an extra layer of decadence to the dish. Made from instant espresso powder, sugar, hot water, and heavy cream, this creamy topping adds an airy, fluffy texture that’s a delight to spoon on top of the warm French toast.
The whipped coffee cream complements the custard-soaked brioche perfectly, adding both sweetness and a rich, coffee-infused flavor. It’s the finishing touch that elevates this French toast from good to extraordinary, providing a creamy contrast to the crispy, warm toast. You can customize the amount of cream to your liking, but just a dollop of it creates the perfect balance of flavors.
Perfect for Special Occasions and Gatherings
While this dish is indulgent enough for everyday enjoyment, it’s also a great option for special occasions. Whether you’re celebrating Easter, Mother’s Day, Christmas, or any other gathering, Chocolate Stuffed Coffee Brioche French Toast is sure to impress your guests. The combination of chocolate, coffee, and rich brioche is luxurious, yet simple enough to prepare at home.
The presentation of this dish is another reason why it’s perfect for gatherings. Topped with a generous dollop of whipped coffee cream and a dusting of powdered sugar, the French toast looks as good as it tastes. It’s a showstopper that’s bound to be a hit at any brunch or breakfast table.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. While the recipe calls for rich chocolate and espresso, you can easily adjust the flavors to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For those who want to try a different type of chocolate, consider substituting with dark chocolate or even milk chocolate for a sweeter twist. If you’re not a fan of coffee, you can opt for a flavored custard with vanilla or cinnamon.
Additionally, while this recipe is already indulgent, you can make it even more exciting by adding fruit such as bananas, strawberries, or raspberries inside the brioche, creating an even more complex flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to experiment and make this French toast your own.
A Nutritionally Balanced Breakfast (Sort Of)
While this Chocolate Stuffed Coffee Brioche French Toast is undeniably decadent, it does offer a bit of nutritional value as well. The protein from the eggs and healthy fats from the butter and cream provide energy to fuel your day. The chocolate adds a touch of antioxidants, while the coffee gives you a caffeine boost to start the morning.
However, this dish is not meant to be an everyday breakfast for those counting calories. It’s a special treat that’s best enjoyed occasionally. If you want to balance the richness of the French toast, consider pairing it with a fresh fruit salad or a light smoothie to add some vitamins and fiber to the meal.
The Appeal to All Ages
The rich, indulgent nature of this Chocolate Stuffed Coffee Brioche French Toast makes it a favorite among adults, but it’s also sure to be a hit with children and teenagers. Kids will love the chocolatey, gooey center, while adults will appreciate the sophisticated touch of coffee and the homemade whipped cream. It’s a dish that can be enjoyed by the entire family or served to guests of all ages at a special brunch gathering.
The combination of flavors—sweet, creamy, and slightly bitter—offers something for everyone. Whether served as a dessert or a sweet breakfast, this dish appeals to both chocolate lovers and coffee aficionados.
Conclusion: A Decadent Breakfast to Remember
In conclusion, Chocolate Stuffed Coffee Brioche French Toast is a perfect choice for anyone who wants to indulge in a rich, comforting breakfast or brunch. The combination of buttery brioche, melted chocolate, and coffee-infused custard makes each bite a luxurious experience. Topped with homemade whipped coffee cream, this dish is sure to impress anyone who tries it, making it the ultimate breakfast treat for special occasions or lazy weekends.
The versatility of the recipe allows for many variations, and it can easily be customized to suit your tastes. While this French toast is a bit on the indulgent side, it’s well worth the splurge for an occasional treat that’s as decadent as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a family brunch or a special celebration, this Chocolate Stuffed Coffee Brioche French Toast is sure to become a new favorite in your breakfast repertoire.
