Nutella French Toast Casserole

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Indulge in a decadent and comforting breakfast with this Nutella French Toast Casserole. This baked dish combines soft, fluffy bread soaked in a rich, custardy mixture, layered with creamy Nutella, and baked to golden perfection. Finished with a drizzle of melted chocolate and a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert!

A Decadent Twist on Classic French Toast

Traditional French toast is delicious, but turning it into a casserole makes it even better! This dish takes all the goodness of classic French toast—crispy edges, soft centers, and rich flavors—and transforms it into a baked delight that’s easy to serve and share.

Instead of individually cooking slices of bread, everything is layered and baked together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The result? A warm, custardy, chocolate-filled treat that’s crispy on top and soft inside.

Why You’ll Love This Nutella French Toast Casserole

This recipe is perfect for special occasions, family breakfasts, or when you want to treat yourself to something indulgent. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Easy to Make – No need to stand by the stove flipping slices of toast! Just assemble and bake.
• Make-Ahead Option – Prepare it the night before and bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
• Perfect for Sharing – Great for brunch gatherings, holidays, or cozy weekend mornings.
• Irresistible Flavor – Nutella’s creamy, chocolate-hazelnut richness adds a deliciously indulgent touch.

Whether you serve it with fresh fruit, a drizzle of syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream, this Nutella French Toast Casserole is guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients for Nutella French Toast Casserole

To create this rich and indulgent dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to make the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

• Bread – Use thick, slightly stale bread like brioche, challah, or French bread. These absorb the custard well without becoming too mushy.
• Nutella – The star ingredient! This creamy, chocolate-hazelnut spread adds a luscious, sweet flavor to every bite.
• Eggs – Eggs help bind everything together and create the rich custard base.
• Milk & Heavy Cream – A combination of milk and heavy cream gives the custard a creamy, velvety texture.
• Sugar – A little granulated sugar enhances the sweetness and caramelization.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the custard.
• Cinnamon – A hint of cinnamon complements the Nutella and adds warmth to the dish.
• Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
• Powdered Sugar & Chocolate Drizzle (for topping) – A final dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of melted chocolate make this casserole extra special.

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How to Make Nutella French Toast Casserole

Making this dish is simple, and it comes together with just a few easy steps. Here’s how to prepare it:

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by cutting the bread into thick slices or cubes. If it’s fresh, let it sit out for a few hours or lightly toast it to help absorb the custard better.

Step 2: Layer with Nutella

Spread a generous layer of Nutella on half of the bread slices, then sandwich them together with the remaining slices. If using cubed bread, drizzle Nutella in layers as you assemble the dish.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Arrange the Nutella-filled bread slices or cubes in a greased baking dish. Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure every piece is well soaked. Lightly press down to help the bread absorb the liquid.

Step 5: Let It Soak

For best results, cover the dish and let it soak for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm, either on its own or with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra decadence!

How Long to Bake Nutella French Toast Casserole

Baking time is crucial to achieve the perfect texture—crispy on top while soft and custardy inside. Here’s a general guideline based on your preferred consistency:

• Soft and Moist: Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The center will still be slightly gooey.
• Golden and Set: Bake for 35-40 minutes for a balance of crispy edges and a set custard.
• Extra Crispy: Bake for 40-45 minutes if you prefer a firmer, crispier texture.

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean or with minimal moisture.

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How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds.
• Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Tips for the Best Nutella French Toast Casserole

Want to make this dish absolutely perfect? Keep these expert tips in mind:

• Use Slightly Stale Bread – Fresh bread can become too soggy, so let your bread sit out overnight or toast it lightly before using.
• Let It Soak – For deeper flavor and better texture, allow the bread to soak in the custard for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
• Don’t Overbake – The casserole should be soft inside, so avoid baking too long or it may dry out.
• Add Toppings for Extra Flavor – Try adding sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder before serving.
• Serve Warm – This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the Nutella is still warm and gooey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole the night before?
Yes! Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning for an easy, stress-free breakfast.

2. Can I use another spread instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! Try peanut butter, almond butter, or even a fruit jam for a different flavor.

3. Can I make this without dairy?
Yes! Substitute the milk and heavy cream with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

4. How can I make it extra crispy?
Sprinkle some brown sugar on top before baking for a caramelized, crispy crust!

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