Description
Thick slices of brioche bread are soaked in a dark cocoa and egg custard, then pan-fried in butter until crisp on the outside.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups (350 ml) whole milk, divided
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil, divided
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh strawberries, sliced, for serving
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Place a baking sheet inside to keep the cooked slices warm.
- Whisk the sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and 3/4 cup (175 ml) of the milk in a large bowl until it forms a smooth paste.
- Whisk in the remaining 3/4 cup (175 ml) of milk, the eggs, and the vanilla extract until the custard is well blended.
- Pour the custard into a wide, shallow baking dish. Place the bread slices in the dish and let them soak for 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Add as many soaked bread slices as will fit in a single layer. Cook for 3 minutes on each side until browned and crisp. The internal temperature of the egg mixture must reach 160°F (71°C).
- Transfer the cooked french toast to the baking sheet in the warm oven.
- Wipe the skillet clean if needed. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining butter, oil, and soaked bread.
- Dust the warm slices with powdered sugar and serve with fresh strawberries and maple syrup.
Notes
- The internal temperature of dishes containing eggs must reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Mixing the cocoa powder with a small amount of milk first prevents dry lumps from forming in the custard.
- Watch the heat closely while cooking. The sugar and cocoa in the batter can burn quickly if the skillet gets too hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-fry
- Cuisine: American