When it comes to starting your day on a delicious note, few things can rival the allure of a well - crafted breakfast. And if you're someone with a sweet tooth who loves a bit of decadence in the morning, then this chocolate - hazelnut French toast bake is an absolute must - try.
Let's first talk about the star ingredient: the chocolate - hazelnut spread. This rich, creamy concoction is like a little piece of heaven in a jar. It has a deep, chocolatey flavor that is perfectly balanced with the nutty undertones of hazelnuts. When you spread it on the French bread, it immediately transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. The smooth texture of the spread melts slightly as it bakes, creating a gooey, delicious layer that is simply irresistible.
The French bread used in this recipe is also crucial. Its dense yet soft texture holds up well to the soaking and baking process. It soaks in all the flavors of the eggs, milk, and the chocolate - hazelnut spread, becoming a tender and flavorful base for the entire dish. You can choose a fresh, crusty French baguette or a softer loaf, depending on your preference. The key is to cut it into thick slices so that it can absorb all the goodness without falling apart.
Adding fresh bananas to the mix takes this French toast bake to a whole new level. Bananas bring a natural sweetness and a lovely, soft texture. As they bake, they become slightly caramelized, adding a depth of flavor that complements the chocolate and hazelnut perfectly. The combination of the creamy bananas, the rich chocolate - hazelnut spread, and the fluffy French bread is a symphony of flavors in your mouth.
Now, let's get into the actual recipe. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 - inch baking dish. Take your French bread slices and spread a generous amount of chocolate - hazelnut spread on one side of each slice. Arrange the slices, spread - side up, in the prepared baking dish. Next, slice the fresh bananas and place them on top of the bread slices. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, a bit of vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the bread and bananas in the baking dish. Make sure all the bread slices are well - soaked.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 - 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can tell it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once the French toast bake is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together even more. You can serve it warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It's the perfect breakfast to share with family and friends on a lazy weekend morning.
Not only is this chocolate - hazelnut French toast bake incredibly delicious, but it's also relatively easy to make. You can prepare the ingredients the night before and have it ready to pop in the oven in the morning. It's a great way to start your day with a burst of flavor and energy.
So, the next time you're looking for a breakfast that's both sweet and indulgent, give this chocolate - hazelnut French toast bake a try. It's sure to become a favorite in your household and a go - to recipe for those special morning meals.