If you adore the cozy comfort of French toast but crave a bright and indulgent twist, the Chocolate Orange French Toast Recipe is about to become your new breakfast crush. This delightful dish perfectly blends rich, melty chocolate with zesty orange notes, creating a harmonious balance that wakes up your taste buds and your morning. Soft, golden slices of brioche soaked in a luscious orange-infused custard batter make every bite a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special holiday treat, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and joy to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Orange French Toast Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the complex layers of flavor, from the bright citrus zest that livens things up to the creamy custard base that ensures each slice is perfectly tender and golden.
- 4 large eggs: Provide richness and structure to soak the bread thoroughly without making it soggy.
- 1 cup whole milk: Offers creaminess and moistness, balancing the eggs perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Adds fresh citrus aroma and vibrant flavor.
- 2 tablespoons orange juice: Enhances the orange brightness and tenderizes the bread.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the custard.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens gently without overpowering the chocolate and orange.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Highlights all the other flavors beautifully.
- 8 slices brioche or challah bread: Choose day-old bread for the best texture and soakability.
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into gooey pockets of chocolatey joy.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for cooking): Ensures a golden, crispy exterior with a delicious buttery flavor.
- Powdered sugar and extra orange zest for garnish: Add a final touch of elegance and extra zing.
- Maple syrup or chocolate sauce for serving: Customize your sweetness and richness for the perfect finish.
How to Make Chocolate Orange French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Custard Mixture
Begin by combining the eggs, whole milk, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This custard is the flavorful heart of your Chocolate Orange French Toast Recipe, so take your time to ensure it’s perfectly mixed.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cooking Surface
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Melt a small amount of the unsalted butter, tilting the pan to coat the surface evenly. This buttery layer will help achieve that gorgeous golden crust and prevent sticking.
Step 3: Soak and Cook the Bread
Dip each slice of brioche or challah into the custard mixture. Allow it to soak for a few seconds on each side so the bread absorbs the orange-infused batter without becoming too soggy. Let excess drip off, then place the slice onto the hot skillet. Cook each slice for 2 to 3 minutes per side until both sides are golden brown and the custard is cooked through.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips While Warm
Once the French toast slices are cooked, sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips on top while they are still warm from the pan. The gentle heat will soften the chocolate chips into little pockets of melty richness that pair beautifully with the citrus notes.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Serve your Chocolate Orange French Toast Recipe right away, dusted with powdered sugar and a little extra orange zest. Accompany it with your choice of warm maple syrup or luscious chocolate sauce for an eye-catching and indulgent presentation.
How to Serve Chocolate Orange French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your dish with a dusting of powdered sugar that mimics a light morning frost. Sprinkle some fresh orange zest on top to enhance that citrus brightness with every bite. For a touch of green and freshness, a few mint leaves work beautifully as well.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crispy bacon or turkey sausage for a savory counterpoint that balances the sweet- citrusy notes. Fresh fruit like strawberries, orange slices, or raspberries can add refreshing textures and colors that complement the Chocolate Orange French Toast Recipe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the slices elegantly and drizzle warm chocolate sauce into delicate zigzags. Use edible flowers or candied orange peel as unexpected but charming garnishes. For a festive touch, sprinkle some crushed pistachios for crunch and a pop of green color to elevate the visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover slices in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Covering them well helps preserve moisture while preventing the bread from drying out.
Freezing
This Chocolate Orange French Toast Recipe freezes wonderfully. Flash freeze the cooked slices on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They will keep well for up to one month and are perfect for quick breakfasts.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a small pat of butter if needed to refresh the crisp crust. Alternatively, pop them in a toaster oven until warmed through and slightly crisp again — no microwave needed to retain that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah are ideal for their tender, rich texture, sturdy breads like sourdough or thick-cut white bread also work well. Just make sure the slices aren’t too thin or fresh to avoid sogginess.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and use a vegan butter alternative for cooking the French toast. The orange and chocolate flavors will still shine beautifully.
Can I add more chocolate to make it extra indulgent?
Definitely! Feel free to mix chocolate chips directly into the custard or layer them between two slices of bread before soaking. Just be mindful not to overpower the bright orange flavor that defines this special recipe.
How far ahead can I prep this French toast?
You can prepare the custard mixture the night before and soak the bread shortly before cooking. This can save valuable time in the morning without compromising flavor or texture in your Chocolate Orange French Toast Recipe.
What’s the best way to get the orange zest?
Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the orange, avoiding the white pith underneath, which is bitter. Fresh zest gives a vibrant burst of citrus aroma that really elevates this recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way the Chocolate Orange French Toast Recipe marries rich, comforting flavors with bright, lively citrus notes. It’s a perfect dish to start a weekend or celebrate a holiday morning with loved ones. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare, bringing a bit of brunch magic right into your own kitchen.
Print
Chocolate Orange French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in this decadent Chocolate Orange French Toast, featuring fluffy brioche soaked in a citrus-infused egg mixture and topped with melting semi-sweet chocolate chips. A perfect holiday breakfast or brunch treat that balances sweet chocolate and bright orange flavors.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Bread and Toppings
- 8 slices brioche or challah bread
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for cooking)
- Powdered sugar (for garnish)
- Extra orange zest (for garnish)
- Maple syrup or chocolate sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of unsalted butter to lightly coat the cooking surface.
- Soak the bread: Dip each slice of brioche or challah into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on both sides, then let excess drip off before cooking.
- Cook the french toast: Arrange soaked bread slices on the heated skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and the center is cooked through.
- Add chocolate chips: While the french toast is still warm on the skillet, sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the slices so they soften and melt slightly.
- Serve: Remove the french toast from the skillet and immediately garnish with powdered sugar and extra orange zest. Serve warm with maple syrup or chocolate sauce on the side.
Notes
- For a richer flavor and creamier texture, substitute half-and-half for whole milk.
- Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a more intense cocoa taste.
- Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard without becoming soggy.
