Give your classic French toast a speical treat. Celebrate breakfast with your special someone making these easy heart French toasts. A simple and easy recipe that gets done in less than 15 minutes. Perfect for an anniversary, Valentine's Day, or that special someone's birthday.
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Sometimes, it takes very little to make someone feel special. In our home, usually, breakfast is when Ziv and I spend time together because the kids are in school. So, I always think breakfast is a great way to share a special meal.
While a yogurt parfait is always top on our list, I thought a heart shape French toast would be a great addition for this year. The best part is, it is so easy to make in less than 15 minutes. And you can serve it in so many different ways.
Why make this breakfast?
- This is a classic French toast recipe but made with heart-shaped bread. Perfect to make someone special feel special on days like Valentine's Day or Mother's day.
- You don't need any resting time in between. That means you can have breakfast in less than 20 minutes.
- You can use up the stale bread. In fact, stale bread is a good candidate for French toast because it soaks up more of the egg and milk mixture and still does not fall apart.
- They are so easy which makes them the perfect breakfast, snack, or dinner on lazy weekends.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Bread - Today, I am using a sandwich loaf cut into thick slices. But, you can also use challah, brioche, or any other sandwich bread you like. Try my brioche French toast recipe
- Eggs - Use large eggs and combine them well with the milk. This will ensure the bread absorbs as much as possible.
- Milk - I am using 3% whole milk but you can also use skimmed as well as half and half, or cream for a richer French toast.
- Spices - You can add more but I like just a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Vanilla - Use good quality vanilla extract. I am using vanilla bean paste.
Step by step instructions
- Use a heart cookie cutter to cut the heart shape from each slice of bread (see video).
Pro tip - Use a heart cutter close to the size of the bread so you don't have too much waste. Use the trimming for something else.
- In a wide plate or baking dish, add the eggs, milk, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Pro tip - Use a whisk to bread the egg strands, it will coat the slices better.
- Dip the heart-shaped slices of bread in the milk mixture.
Pro tip - Once dipped in liquid these are delicate, so it is best to put them into the hot pan as soon as they are soaked. - Next, heat a skillet or frying pan with oil and butter. Then, add the slices of bread and cook on medium for 3 minutes on each side.
Pro tip - Don't keep the heat on high as it will burn the butter and create black specks on the finished toast. - Remove and serve immediately with sliced fruits and maple syrup or honey.
What do you serve with French toast?
- French toast is usually served with maple syrup or honey.
- Macerated fresh fruits in season are always a great option. Today, I am using fresh strawberries and blueberries because they are in season.
- To macerate fruits add 1 tablespoon sugar for every cup of chopped fruits and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
- My kids love French toast with whipped cream and chopped fruits which is another great option.
- Of course, if you love chocolate try chocolate syrup, Nutella, or a sprinkle of chocolate chips.
- I love serving French toast over Creme Anglaise for dessert too.
Frequently asked questions
French toast is also called eggy bread because it is dipped in a custard mixture made with milk and eggs then cooked on a hot skillet with lots of butter. Usually served for breakfast topped with maple syrup, honey, macerated fruits, whipped cream, etc.
Well, personally, I like to serve these immediately. Any leftovers can be saved in the fridge and reheated in the microwave for 30 to 40 seconds
Today we are using brioche because it is buttery and rich so it makes amazing French toast. But, any sandwich-style of bread would work. You can use challah, brioche, brown sandwich bread, white sandwich bread. As long as it is flat and can be cooked you can use it.
Technically, you can. However, though the toast soaks up the milk well, it does not have a soft smooth texture when cooked. It is best to use stale but not hard bread.
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Printable Recipe
Heart French Toast
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Video
Conversions Used
1 lb = 453 grams, 1 cup = 240 ml, 1 stick = 113g, 1 tbsp= 15 ml, 1 tsp= 5 ml,
Ingredients
Custard base
Plus
- 8 slices Brioche sandwich bread
- 2 tablespoon Butter
- 1 tablespoon Oil (flavorless cooking)
Instructions
- Use a heart cookie cutter to cut the heart shape from each slice of bread (see video).Pro tip - Use a heart cutter close to the size of the bread so you don't have too much waste. Use the trimming for something else.
- In a wide plate or baking dish, add the eggs, milk, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pro tip - Use a whisk to bread the egg strands, it will coat the slices better.
- Dip the heart-shaped slices of bread in the milk mixture.Pro tip - Once dipped in liquid these are delicate, so it is best to put them into the hot pan as soon as they are soaked.
- Next, heat a skillet or frying pan with oil and butter. Then, add the slices of bread and cook on medium for 3 minutes on each side. Pro tip - Don't keep the heat on high as it will burn the butter and create black specks on the finished toast.
- Remove and serve immediately with sliced fruits and maple syrup or honey.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Prep -Ensure all the ingredients are at room temperature. You don't want the butter to solidify. You want the bread to soak up everything better when its at room temperature
- Bread - It is always best to use stale bread (a day-old bread) so it's not too soft. A slice of bread with a good crust works better and cut the slices thicker so they won't fall apart. You can also airdry the bread slices for a few hours or even lightly toast the slices in the oven.
- Egg - If you like a custardy milk mixture that's richer, use only egg yolks instead of whole eggs.
- Milk - You can use any milk - dairy or non-dairy such as almond, soy, or coconut. and let the slices soak up some of the milk and egg moisture. You don't want dry French toast. You can also switch the milk to eggnog during Christmas or add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice in the fall to add a bit more to your French toast
- Crisp - Preheat the skillet well before you add the slices. This will give nice crisp edges while still keeping the inside soft and creamy.
- Flavor - While we use vanilla extract to flavor the milk you can also use liquor such as brandy, cognac, Irish cream.
- Serve - While French toast is usually served with honey or maple syrup, try whipped cream with fresh fruits. Or try fruit fillings such as strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry - all these are great to accompany pancakes and waffles.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
Melanie C
I love French Toast so when I came across your recipe I knew I had to try it! Glad I did, it was delicious and my husband loved the extra "love" that day, lol!
Veena Azmanov
Aww so happy to hear that Melaine. Thanks for the feedback
Debbie
What an adorable idea, making Heart French toast for your sweetheart. Making french toast with brioche is a must at my house, it is such a buttery rich bread. This looks like a fantastic recipe and I think I will treat my family to this very soon.
Sam
These pancakes are adorable and the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day! My son will LOVE this. I can't wait to make it!
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
Such a cute recipe to make with kids for the Valentine's day. I might actually hint to my boys to make this for me on a weekend. My little one loves to make breakfast for me and this is just perfect!