Heart-Shaped Nutella French Toast

By Lily | Last modified on Mar 7, 2026

Featured in: Breakfast

Start your morning with a delightful touch of romance and indulgence. This Heart-Shaped Nutella French Toast combines the rich creaminess of Nutella nestled within soft, buttery brioche bread, all perfectly coated in a lightly spiced cinnamon custard and cooked to golden perfection.

Every bite offers a crispy exterior with a warm, gooey chocolate center that’s sure to melt hearts and satisfy sweet cravings alike. It’s an enchanting way to transform breakfast or dessert into a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect blend of creamy Nutella and soft brioche creates a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Heart shapes add a charming and festive presentation ideal for special mornings or celebrations.
Cinnamon custard infuses a subtle warm spice that complements the rich chocolate beautifully.

Ingredients

Brioche Bread: Thick, soft slices that provide a tender and fluffy base for the custard soak and Nutella filling.
Nutella: Creamy hazelnut chocolate spread, adding rich, indulgent flavor to every bite.
Eggs: Large eggs whisked smoothly to create the custard base for dipping the bread slices.
Milk: Whole milk to enrich the custard offering a creamy texture and balanced flavor.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon which adds a warm, sweet spice enhancing the custard’s aroma and taste.
Butter: Used to lightly butter the skillet, ensuring a golden, crisp exterior without stickiness.

Instructions

Prepare the Nutella Sandwiches: Spread Nutella evenly between pairs of brioche slices to assemble four thick sandwiches. This layering ensures the chocolate filling is generously enclosed, creating a warm, gooey center when cooked.
Cut into Heart Shapes: Use a heart-shaped sandwich cutter to punch out heart shapes from each Nutella sandwich. This step not only creates a festive look but also makes the toast easier to handle and cook evenly.
Whisk Cinnamon Custard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cinnamon until smooth and consistent. The cinnamon adds a delicate spice, while the eggs and milk form a custard that will soak the bread perfectly.
Dip the Heart-Shaped Sandwiches: Fully coat each heart-shaped sandwich in the custard mixture, flipping to cover both sides. This ensures a balanced custard penetration without soaking too long, preventing soggy bread.
Cook the French Toast: Heat a butter-coated skillet over medium heat. Place the custard-coated sandwiches and cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp. Medium heat helps cook the toast through without burning its surface.
Serve with Toppings: Serve immediately while warm. Enhance the plate with optional toppings like powdered sugar, fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, or extra Nutella for added charm and flavor.

You Must Know

Use thick-cut brioche for the richest flavor and to avoid soggy custard absorption.
Do not over-soak the bread in custard—it should be coated but not soggy to maintain structure while cooking.
Cooking on medium heat allows the Nutella to warm without burning the bread exterior.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or toaster oven to maintain crispness without melting the Nutella filling excessively.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar. For an extra indulgent touch, serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or warmed extra Nutella for dipping.

Professional Tips

For easier handling and cleaner cuts, chill the sandwiches briefly before cutting them into heart shapes.
Using a non-stick skillet and fresh butter prevents sticking and enhances browning.
Adjust cinnamon quantity according to taste preference—start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more for spicier notes.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than brioche?: While brioche gives the best texture and flavor, thick slices of challah or Texas toast can be good substitutes.
How do I prevent Nutella from leaking out?: Spread Nutella evenly but avoid overfilling. Press the sandwich edges gently to seal before cutting.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?: Yes, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free spread instead of butter for cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?: Absolutely! The fun heart shapes and chocolate filling make it a kid-friendly and delightful breakfast treat.
Can I prepare sandwiches in advance?: Yes, you can assemble and cut the sandwiches a few hours ahead. Keep them refrigerated, then dip and cook fresh before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?: Use a skillet over low heat or a toaster oven to reheat gently while retaining crispness and keeping the Nutella warm.
Can I add other fillings besides Nutella?: Cream cheese and jam or peanut butter with banana slices are delicious alternatives that work well with this custard soak.