Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
A few years ago, I visited a friend for a weekend brunch. She’d promised something “fun,” but I had no idea what to expect. As I made my way into the kitchen, the smell of cinnamon, butter, and sugar curled into each room like a warm hug. On the table, she placed before me a slice of something decadent: crispy on the edges, soft inside, and as I bit into it—ooh—a rich rivulet of Nutella oozed from within. It was a Nutella Stuffed Churro French Toast Recipe—a mashup of childhood treats: churros, chocolate, French toast.
That bite changed my morning game forever. I came home the next day and attempted my own version. Many burnt edges, soggy slices, and kitchen experiments later, I landed on a method that reliably gives you crunchy, golden exteriors, soft custardy insides, and that satisfying “melted Nutella core.”
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything—the ingredient list, step by step process, serving ideas, spin‑offs, answers to FAQs, and some final thoughts to help you make a brunch dish people talk about.
Do you want more recipes?
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Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for a solid base recipe (makes ~2–4 servings, depending on how generous your servings are).
Ingredients (Base Recipe)
Ingredient | Approximate Quantity | Notes / Purpose |
---|---|---|
Thick slices of bread (brioche, Texas toast, challah) | 4 slices (or 2 “sandwiches”) | Thick bread gives stability while soaking the custard. |
Nutella (chocolate‑hazelnut spread) | ~ 2 tablespoons (divided) | The gooey, luxurious filling. |
Eggs | 2 large eggs | For the custard / egg wash. |
Milk (or non‑dairy alternative) | ¼ cup | Helps loosen the custard. |
Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | Brings churro‑flavor into the custard. |
Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Adds aroma and depth. |
Sweetener (sugar or preferred alternative) | ~ 1 teaspoon (or to taste) | To sweeten the custard slightly. |
Butter (or butter + oil mix) | Enough for frying (≈ 1–2 Tbsp) | For cooking and flavor. |
For coating / “churro sugar” | ||
Granulated sugar + ground cinnamon | ~ 3–4 Tbsp sugar + 2–3 tsp cinnamon (or pre‑mixed cinnamon sugar) | To coat the finished French toast so it mimics churro texture. |
Optional toppings | Fresh berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, extra Nutella drizzle, ice cream | For serving flair. |
Kitchen Tools / Equipment
- A shallow dish or bowl (for custard / egg wash)
- Whisk or fork
- Butter knife or spoon (for spreading Nutella)
- Nonstick skillet, griddle, or frying pan
- Spatula
- Small plate or shallow bowl (for cinnamon sugar coating)
- Serving plates
- Optional: cooling rack or oven (to keep cooked ones warm)
How to Prepare: Step‑by‑Step
Here is a clear, stepwise method to turn ingredients into your gorgeous Nutella stuffed churro French toast.
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Before you cook anything, mix up the coating:
- In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon. Adjust ratio to your taste (e.g. 3 tablespoons sugar + 2 teaspoons cinnamon).
- Set aside the coating mixture.
Doing this first means you’re not scrambling later with hot toast in hand.
Step 2: Build the Nutella‑Stuffed Sandwiches
- Take your thick bread slices. On half of them, spread Nutella (divide your total amount evenly).
- Place another bread slice on top to form a sandwich (Nutella inside). Press gently at the edges to seal a bit (it doesn’t need to be perfect).
Some more elaborate versions even cut a slit in the bread and pipe Nutella inside (like Joshua Weissman’s style), but for simplicity, the sandwich method works great.
Step 3: Mix the Custard (Egg Wash)
- In the shallow dish or bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Ground cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Sweetener (if using)
- Stir until homogeneous. You want a smooth custard with cinnamon aroma.
Step 4: Soak the Bread
- Dunk or soak each Nutella sandwich in the egg mixture, allowing both sides to absorb some of the custard. Aim for ~ 20–30 seconds (or just enough to coat)—don’t oversoak and risk sogginess.
- Let any excess drip off before placing in the pan.
This step ensures your French toast will cook evenly and let the custard penetrate.
Step 5: Cook / Pan‑Fry
- Heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a bit of butter (or a butter + neutral oil mix) to prevent burning.
- Place soaked sandwiches onto the hot pan.
- Cook ~2–3 minutes per side (or until golden brown). You want crisp edges but also ensure the inside is warmed and the Nutella is melted.
- If one side browns faster, reduce heat or shift position.
If your cooking surface is large enough, cook multiple sandwiches side by side; otherwise, do in batches, adding butter as needed.
Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar (“Churro Finish”)
- Once a sandwich is cooked on both sides, transfer it to the cinnamon sugar plate and gently press to coat both surfaces—like how you’d roll a churro in sugar.
- Shake off excess sugar and place onto a serving plate.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
- Serve the filled, coated French toast warm. Top with optional extras (berries, whipped cream, extra Nutella drizzle, ice cream, powdered sugar).
Because this dish is best fresh, aim to serve right away. If you need to keep some warm while finishing others, you can place completed slices on a baking sheet in a warm (≈ 200°F / 90–95°C) oven.
How to Serve & Pairings
This dish is indulgent on its own, but here are ideas to take it further or balance it out.
Serving Suggestions & Presentation
- Cut each “sandwich” in half diagonally or into triangles to show off the oozy Nutella core.
- Dust with powdered sugar or a light dusting of extra cinnamon.
- Drizzle melted Nutella (or chocolate sauce) on top for extra decadence.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt—framing it like dessert meets breakfast.
- Scatter fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, bananas) for acidity and freshness.
- Serve on a wooden plank or white plate to let the browns and sugars pop visually.
Flavor Pairings & Sides
- Fresh fruit salad or a citrusy fruit side to offset richness
- Yogurt (especially tangy Greek) to complement
- Coffee, espresso, cappuccino, or rich hot chocolate
- Freshly squeezed orange juice
- Whipped cream or crème fraîche
- Mint leaves or citrus zest as garnish
Because this French toast is quite rich, pairing with something fresh, tart, or slightly acidic is ideal to balance the palate.
Variations & Creative Twists
Once you’ve mastered the basic method, you can play with many variations to adapt flavors, textures, or dietary needs.
1. Cut & Stuff (Pocket Style)
- Instead of sandwiching, cut a slit into a thick slice of brioche, creating a “pocket.”
- Pipe Nutella directly into the pocket.
- Soak and cook as usual. This gives more visual drama when the filling bursts. This approach is used in some versions referenced by home cooks.
2. Roll‑Up / French Toast Roll Variations
- Flatten bread slices (e.g. with a rolling pin), spread Nutella + optional banana or strawberry inside, roll them, then dip and fry.
- After cooking, dust or drizzle with cinnamon sugar. This gives “French toast roll-ups” a churro twist.
3. Savory‑Sweet Crossover
- Reduce or omit sugar in custard. Add a pinch of sea salt.
- Top with crumbled bacon, sea salt flakes, or a smear of mascarpone to contrast the sweetness.
4. Alternative Spreads / Fillings
- Swap Nutella for hazelnut chocolate spread (homemade or lower sugar).
- Use peanut butter + chocolate, salted caramel, dulce de leche, or fruit jam + chocolate.
- You could do half Nutella, half banana slices inside for fruit + chocolate combo.
5. Healthier / Lighter Versions
- Use whole-grain or higher-fiber bread (but ensure it’s sturdy).
- Use a lighter milk (2%, oat, almond) for custard.
- Use a moderate amount of butter or nonstick spray while cooking.
- Lightly coat in cinnamon sugar (less sugar) or use a sugar substitute.
- Serve with more fresh fruit or yogurt to balance.
6. Oven / Bake Variation
- After dipping and assembling sandwiches, place them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven (~350°F / 175°C) until set and golden, then coat in cinnamon sugar.
- You may want to flip halfway or finish under broiler carefully.
7. Air Fryer or Griddle Style
- Use an air fryer (if your basket fits the sandwiches) to get crisp surfaces with less fat.
- Or use a griddle for even heating if making many at once.
8. Churro‑Inspired Extras
- Mix in a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom in the custard.
- Use superfine sugar or powdered sugar in the coating mix for finer coating.
- After coating, lightly torch or caramelize the sugar surface for extra crunch (use caution).
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Here are common questions people ask about Nutella stuffed churro French toast, with answers.
Q1. What kind of bread is best?
A: Thick, sturdy breads like brioche, Texas toast, challah, or day‑old bread work best. They absorb custard without falling apart. Thin sandwich bread is more likely to get soggy or tear.
Q2. Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep the sandwiches (with Nutella inside) and even the custard in advance, but do not soak and fry until just before serving. Soak + fry fresh gives you the best texture. If pre-assembled, cover tightly and refrigerate until ready.
Q3. How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?
A:
- Don’t oversoak—just enough to coat both sides.
- Cook promptly after soaking.
- Use thick bread that holds shape.
- Cook over moderate heat so the inside warms without burning the outside.
- Use butter + oil mix to moderate browning.
Q4. How long should I cook each side?
A: About 2–3 minutes per side on medium heat, until golden brown and crisp. If it’s browning too fast, lower the heat.
Q5. Can I freeze leftover Nutella stuffed French toast?
A: Yes, but texture will suffer a bit. Wrap cooled slices individually and freeze. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet (not microwave if possible) to preserve crispness.
Q6. How to reheat without losing crispness?
A: Reheat in an oven or toaster oven (≈ 350°F / 175°C) for several minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp. A skillet with a bit of butter also works.
Q7. Can I use a sugar substitute / less sugar?
A: Absolutely. You can reduce the sugar in custard and coating, or use sugar substitutes. The flavor will be less intense, but still delicious.
Q8. My Nutella is not melting / still thick—what gives?
A: Make sure your interior is warmed well enough (the bread needs to be heated through). If needed, lower heat and let longer. Also, using a thinner layer of Nutella helps.
Q9. Can I use dairy‑free or vegan substitutes?
A: Yes. Use non‑dairy milk (almond, soy, oat), vegan butter or oil for frying, and a dairy‑free chocolate hazelnut spread. Ensure your bread is vegan (no eggs/dairy in recipe).
Q10. What if the sugar coating falls off?
A: Press gently into the coating while still warm. If it cools too much, the coating may not adhere well. Work quickly and use fine sugar mix.
Final Thoughts & Tips for Success
This Nutella Stuffed Churro French Toast is one of those recipes that feels like a treat, not a chore. It’s indulgent, playful, and perfect for special mornings (birthdays, brunch, lazy weekends). To help your version shine, here are some extra tips:
- Quality ingredients matter. Good bread, fresh eggs, real vanilla, and a decent Nutella or substitute will elevate the result.
- Balance textures. Crispy edges, soft interior, gooey center, and crisp sugar coating give that full experience.
- Watch your heat. Medium is safer than high: too hot and outside burns before inside cooks.
- Do coating last. Do the cinnamon sugar roll just after cooking while warm, so it sticks and forms that churro effect.
- Use thin but even Nutella layers. Too thick might ooze and leak; too thin might lose flavor.
- Keep cooked pieces warm carefully. Use a low oven (≈ 200°F) or warming rack if doing batches.
- Garnish with contrast. Berries, citrus zest, whipped cream, or fresh mint help cut through richness.
- Practice once, then feel free to experiment. Once you know the process, try filling combos, spices (nutmeg, cardamom), or coating tweaks.
That morning in my friend’s kitchen taught me that breakfast can be magical. With this recipe, you can bring that magic to your table—crisp, sweet, chocolatey, and cozy.