Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast | A Breakfast You’ll Love

Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast is the answer to every rushed morning when you’re craving something special but don’t have time for elaborate recipes. You know that feeling when plain toast just won’t cut it, but you’re staring at the clock wondering how you’ll get everyone fed and out the door? This recipe bridges that gap beautifully.

Hey there! I’m Emeli, a chef, storyteller, and passionate home cook who believes that food is one of life’s greatest joys. I still remember the first time I made Nutella French toast it was a chaotic Tuesday morning, and my niece had just announced she was “bored of regular breakfast.” With nothing but brioche, eggs, and that trusty jar of Nutella in my pantry, I threw together this gooey, golden creation. Her face lit up like it was Christmas morning, and I knew I’d stumbled onto something special.

Since then, Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast has become my go-to for turning ordinary mornings into memorable ones. In this guide, I’ll walk you through choosing the perfect bread, mastering the egg mixture, achieving that crispy-yet-soft texture, and even share creative variations that’ll keep this recipe fresh every time you make it.

Why This Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast Recipe Works

This Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making it perfect for both beginners and busy home cooks.

• Uses simple, everyday ingredients no specialty items required, just what’s already in your kitchen
• Comes together in under 15 minutes from bread to plate faster than most drive-thru runs
• Perfect for any occasion weekday breakfasts, lazy weekend brunches, or even a sneaky dessert-for-breakfast treat
• Kid-approved and adult-loved the Nutella factor makes everyone happy
• Easily scalable double or triple the recipe for brunch gatherings without breaking a sweat

Choosing the Right Bread for Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

The foundation of exceptional Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast starts with selecting the right bread. Not all loaves are created equal when it comes to soaking up that custard mixture and holding melted Nutella.

Best Bread Types for This Recipe

Brioche is my top choice for Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast. Its rich, buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor complement the Nutella perfectly, while its sturdy crumb prevents sogginess. The eggs in brioche dough also help create that coveted golden-brown crust.

Challah runs a close second. This Jewish egg bread has a similar texture to brioche but with a slightly less sweet profile. Its braided structure creates wonderful nooks and crannies that catch extra egg mixture.

Texas toast or thick-cut white bread works beautifully if brioche or challah isn’t available. Look for bread that’s at least 1 inch thick pre-sliced “Texas toast” from the bakery section is ideal.

Buying Tips

When shopping for bread for your Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast, look for:

• Day-old bread rather than fresh it absorbs the egg mixture better without falling apart
• Uniform thickness for even cooking
• Soft but sturdy texture avoid bread that’s too airy or crumbly
• If buying from a bakery, ask them to slice it thick (about 1 inch) for you

Bread Substitutions

While I always recommend brioche or challah for the best Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast, you can substitute with:

• Sourdough adds a tangy contrast to the sweet Nutella (let it get slightly stale first)
• Croissants slice horizontally for an ultra-decadent version
• Gluten-free bread choose thick-cut varieties and reduce soaking time to prevent mushiness

Ingredients & Prep for Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

Getting your ingredients ready properly ensures your Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast turns out perfect every time.

Prep Essentials for Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

Slice your bread thick (about 1 inch) if you’re cutting it yourself. Thinner slices become soggy and won’t hold the Nutella well.

Warm the Nutella slightly before spreading about 10-15 seconds in the microwave or set the jar in warm water. This makes it spreadable without tearing the bread, and it’ll stay gooey and melted inside your finished French toast.

Bring eggs to room temperature if you have time they mix more evenly with the milk and create a smoother custard.

What You’ll Need for Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

• 8 slices of brioche or challah bread the star base of your French toast
• 4 tablespoons Nutella or more if you’re feeling indulgent (I won’t judge)
• 3 large eggs for that rich, custardy coating
• ¾ cup milk whole milk creates the creamiest texture
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract adds warmth and depth
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon a subtle spice that elevates everything
• Butter for frying unsalted preferred, so you control the salt level
• Powdered sugar or fresh berries optional garnishes that make it Instagram-worthy

Pantry Staples

The beauty of Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast is that most ingredients are breakfast essentials you already have: milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and butter. These classic staples transform simple bread into something extraordinary. Keep these on hand, and you’re always just minutes away from an impressive breakfast.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

Follow these detailed steps to create perfect Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast every single time.

Pre-Cooking Prep for Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

Start by creating your Nutella sandwiches. Spread Nutella between two slices of bread like you’re making a sandwich about 1 tablespoon of Nutella per sandwich works perfectly. Don’t spread it all the way to the edges; leave about a ½-inch border to prevent excessive oozing during cooking.

In a shallow bowl or pie dish, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until completely combined. The mixture should be smooth with no streaks of egg white visible. A shallow, wide dish makes dipping much easier than a deep bowl.

Cooking Method for Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

Dip each Nutella sandwich into the egg mixture, letting it soak for about 10-15 seconds per side. You want the bread fully coated but not so saturated that it falls apart. Brioche and challah can handle a bit more soaking than regular bread.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add about 1 tablespoon of butter. Let it melt and foam, but don’t let it brown that’s your signal the pan is ready.

Place the soaked sandwiches in the skillet (work in batches to avoid crowding) and fry for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. You’ll know it’s time to flip when the edges look set and the bottom is deeply golden. The butter should sizzle gently; if it’s smoking, your heat is too high.

Doneness Check for Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

Your Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast is done when the exterior is crispy and golden brown, while the inside stays soft with slightly melted, gooey Nutella. The bread should feel firm when you press it gently with a spatula, not mushy. If you see Nutella starting to leak out significantly, your heat may be too high the outside is cooking faster than the inside can warm through.

Resting Your Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

This step is crucial: let the French toast sit for about a minute before serving. This brief rest allows the texture to set properly and gives the molten Nutella a moment to stabilize, preventing it from immediately running all over the plate (though a little oozing is part of the charm!). If you’re making multiple batches, you can keep finished pieces warm in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest.

Pro Tips for Perfect Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

Master these techniques to elevate your Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Avoiding Soggy or Burnt Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

Don’t oversoak the bread while you want good coverage, leaving bread in the egg mixture too long creates a soggy, custard-like interior instead of that perfect tender texture. For brioche and challah, 10-15 seconds per side is ideal; for regular bread, cut it to 5-8 seconds.

Cook over medium heat, not high the temptation to crank the heat is real when you’re hungry, but patience pays off. Medium heat gives the inside time to warm and the Nutella time to melt while the outside turns golden. Too high, and you’ll burn the exterior while the center stays cold.

Use enough butter in the pan this isn’t the time to skimp. Butter adds flavor and creates that crispy, golden crust. About 1 tablespoon per batch keeps things from sticking and adds delicious richness.

Tool Recommendations for Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

• Large non-stick or cast-iron skillet provides even heat distribution and plenty of room
• Shallow dish or pie plate makes dipping sandwiches much easier than a bowl
• Offset spatula helps flip delicate sandwiches without breaking them
• Pastry brush perfect for spreading softened Nutella evenly on bread

Storage & Reheating Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

While Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat, use your oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave if possible it makes the bread soggy and the Nutella molten-hot in seconds while leaving the bread lukewarm.

For longer storage, freeze cooked French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes.

Flavor Variations for Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

Transform your Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast with these creative twists that cater to different tastes and dietary needs.

Sweet Variations for Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

Banana-Nutella Version: Add thin banana slices between the Nutella layers before cooking. The banana caramelizes slightly and adds natural sweetness.

Peanut Butter Addition: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter alongside the Nutella for that classic chocolate-peanut butter combination.

Berry Bliss: Tuck fresh strawberry slices or raspberries into the Nutella before dipping in the egg mixture. The fruit adds brightness and cuts through the richness.

Dietary-Friendly Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, and use vegan butter or coconut oil for frying. Many Nutella alternatives are also dairy-free.

Lower Sugar: Use a sugar-free chocolate hazelnut spread or even almond butter with a small amount of cocoa powder mixed in for a less sweet version.

Gluten-Free: Simply swap in your favorite thick-cut gluten-free bread and reduce soaking time slightly.

Global-Inspired Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

Italian Twist: Add a splash of amaretto or almond extract to the egg mixture and top with toasted almonds.

Mexican-Inspired: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cinnamon for subtle heat, and serve with dulce de leche drizzled on top.

Middle Eastern Touch: Add a pinch of cardamom to the egg mixture and top with chopped pistachios and a drizzle of honey.

Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast Variations Comparison

Serving Suggestions for Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

Make your Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast a complete meal with these perfect pairings and presentation ideas.

Classic toppings include a generous dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries), and a drizzle of maple syrup. I love adding whipped cream for an extra-indulgent touch.

For a balanced breakfast, serve your Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast alongside crispy bacon or turkey sausage. The savory-sweet combination is unbeatable. A side of scrambled eggs adds protein to make the meal more substantial.

Fresh fruit salads with mint provide a refreshing contrast to the rich Nutella. Try mixed berries, sliced peaches, or even caramelized bananas as a side dish.

Beverage pairings can elevate the experience: freshly brewed coffee, especially a cappuccino or latte, complements the hazelnut notes in Nutella beautifully. For kids or non-coffee drinkers, chocolate milk, fresh orange juice, or a fruit smoothie rounds out the meal perfectly.

For brunch entertaining, arrange the Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast on a large platter, dust with powdered sugar, and let guests add their own toppings from small bowls berries, whipped cream, extra Nutella, chopped nuts, and chocolate chips create a beautiful DIY station.

FAQs About Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast

Can I use frozen bread for Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast?

Yes, but thaw it completely first. Frozen bread won’t absorb the egg mixture properly and can become soggy in the center while the outside cooks. Let it come to room temperature and pat off any excess moisture before spreading Nutella and dipping.

How do I keep Nutella from leaking out during cooking?

Warm the Nutella just slightly so it spreads easily but isn’t runny. Leave a ½-inch border around the edges when spreading, and avoid overfilling. Press the sandwich edges gently together before dipping. Most importantly, don’t soak the bread too long the more saturated the bread, the more likely the Nutella will escape.

Can I make Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can assemble the Nutella sandwiches the night before and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then proceed with dipping and frying. Cooked French toast can be made an hour ahead and kept warm in a 200°F oven, though it won’t be quite as crispy.

What if I don’t have Nutella?

Any chocolate hazelnut spread works beautifully. Alternatively, try cookie butter (Biscoff spread), peanut butter mixed with chocolate chips, or even cream cheese with jam for a completely different but equally delicious version.

Is this recipe safe during pregnancy?

Yes, as long as you cook the French toast thoroughly so the eggs reach a safe internal temperature (about 160°F). The eggs should be fully set, not runny. Always use pasteurized eggs and fresh ingredients.

Can I make this without eggs?

For an egg-free version, create a mixture of ¾ cup milk, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and the vanilla and cinnamon. Whisk until smooth and use this as your coating. It won’t be quite as rich, but it works surprisingly well for those with egg allergies.

Conclusion

Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast proves that extraordinary breakfasts don’t require extraordinary effort. With just a few simple ingredients and about 15 minutes, you can transform everyday bread into a restaurant-worthy dish that brings joy to everyone at your table.

Whether you’re making it for a special weekend brunch, a quick weekday treat, or surprising someone with breakfast in bed, this recipe delivers every single time. The combination of crispy, golden bread and melted, gooey Nutella creates a moment of pure happiness and isn’t that what cooking is all about?

Fire up your skillet and try this tonight (or tomorrow morning!) your taste buds will thank you. And here’s a little secret from my kitchen to yours: this recipe also makes an absolutely decadent late-night snack. Just saying.

Join thousands of home cooks who’ve made this their go-to breakfast recipe, and don’t forget to share your creation! I love seeing how you make it your own, whether that’s with extra berries, a mountain of whipped cream, or your own creative twist.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later! I’d love to see your unique twist feel free to post your photos on Pinterest!

Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast | A Breakfast You’ll Love

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• Author: Emili
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast is a decadent yet effortless breakfast treat with a crispy exterior, soft interior, and melty Nutella center.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 slices brioche or challah bread

4 tbsp Nutella

3 large eggs

3/4 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Butter for frying

Powdered sugar or berries for garnish

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Instructions

1. Spread Nutella between two slices of bread.

2. Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

3. Dip sandwiches in the egg mixture on both sides.

4. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.

5. Cook each sandwich until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.

6. Serve warm with powdered sugar or fresh fruit.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture.

Reheat leftovers in the toaster for a crispy finish.

Add banana slices for a fun twist.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Pan-fry
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 slices
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: Quick and Easy Nutella French Toast, breakfast, Nutella, French toast