Make Ahead Chocolate French Toast
Indulge in the decadent comfort of Make Ahead Chocolate French Toast, a crowd-pleasing brunch favorite that's as convenient as it is delicious. This recipe layers thick slices of challah or brioche in a rich, velvety custard made with eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and a hint of cinnamon for a subtle spice. Studded with melty chocolate chips and baked to golden perfection, this overnight French toast casserole is designed to soak up all the flavors while you rest, making it the ultimate make-ahead dish for busy mornings or holiday gatherings. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup, it's the perfect combination of chocolatey indulgence and French toast nostalgia. Whether you're hosting a brunch party or treating your family to a special breakfast, this easy-to-prep recipe guarantees rave reviews.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Challah bread (or brioche)
- 6 large Eggs
- 2 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 cup Chocolate chips (semisweet or dark)
- 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Slice the challah bread into 1-inch-thick slices and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Arrange the bread slices in the baking dish, overlapping them slightly if necessary.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring each slice is well-coated. Use a spatula to press the bread down lightly so it absorbs the liquid.
Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top, tucking some between layers of bread if desired.
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while the oven preheats.
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly crispy.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Dust with powdered sugar for garnish and serve warm with maple syrup, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5543 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 245.2 g | 314% | |
| Saturated Fat | 131.4 g | 657% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1592 mg | 531% | |
| Sodium | 2593 mg | 113% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 795.8 g | 289% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 114.9 g | 410% | |
| Total Sugars | 425.3 g | ||
| Protein | 164.8 g | 330% | |
| Vitamin D | 11.5 mcg | 58% | |
| Calcium | 1517 mg | 117% | |
| Iron | 66.4 mg | 369% | |
| Potassium | 6202 mg | 132% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
