Are you tired of the same boring breakfast routine that leaves you uninspired to start your day? Picture waking up to a plate of decadent, golden-brown Heart-Shaped Nutella Stuffed French Toast that’s crispy on the outside and oozing with warm, chocolatey goodness inside. This Heart-Shaped Nutella Stuffed French Toast transforms ordinary mornings into special occasions with just a few simple ingredients and techniques.
Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes! As someone who believes breakfast should be something to look forward to, I’ve perfected this Nutella-stuffed creation over countless weekend brunches with my family. The smiles that appear when I bring these heart-shaped treats to the table are truly what cooking is all about!
In this recipe, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect bread, creating the ideal custard mixture, and achieving that picture-perfect heart shape that makes this dish so Instagram-worthy. Plus, I’ll share my top tips for serving suggestions, make-ahead options, and answers to commonly asked questions.
Why This Heart-Shaped Nutella Stuffed French Toast Recipe Works
- Uses basic pantry staples most home cooks already have on hand
- Can be prepped in just 15 minutes for maximum morning efficiency
- Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or regular weekend treats
- Creates a stunning presentation with minimal effort
- Balances sweet chocolate with the warmth of vanilla and cinnamon
Choosing the Right Bread for Heart-Shaped Nutella Stuffed French Toast
Best Breads for This Recipe
Selecting the right bread is crucial for creating the perfect Heart-Shaped Nutella Stuffed French Toast. Brioche and challah reign supreme with their buttery richness and ability to soak up the custard mixture while maintaining their structure. Texas toast or thick-cut white bread work wonderfully as budget-friendly alternatives that still deliver excellent results.
Buying Tips
Look for bread that’s slightly stale (1-2 days old) as it absorbs the egg mixture better without becoming soggy. If you only have fresh bread, toast it lightly before using. The slices should be at least ¾-inch thick to create sturdy pockets for the Nutella filling.
Substitutions
If you’re looking for healthier options, whole grain bread can work, though the flavor profile will be nuttier. Gluten-free bread is also an option for those with dietary restrictions, but choose a denser variety that won’t fall apart when soaked.
Heart-Shaped Nutella Stuffed French Toast Ingredients & Prep
Toast Prep Essentials
To create perfect heart shapes, you’ll need a heart-shaped cookie cutter or sharp knife for tracing. Press firmly to cut through the bread cleanly, then create a pocket in each slice by carefully cutting a slit along one side without going all the way through.
Custard Mixture Components
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk produces the richest results)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Filling and Toppings
- ½ cup Nutella (room temperature for easy spreading)
- 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
- Optional garnishes: fresh berries, powdered sugar, maple syrup, or whipped cream

Step-by-Step Heart-Shaped Nutella Stuffed French Toast Cooking Instructions
Pre-Cooking Heart-Shaped Toast Prep
- Cut bread into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or knife.
- Create a pocket in each slice by carefully making a horizontal cut along one side, leaving the other three sides intact.
- Gently fill each pocket with 1-2 tablespoons of Nutella, being careful not to overfill.
- Press the edges slightly to seal in the filling.
Cooking Method for Heart-Shaped Toast
- Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a shallow dish.
- Heat a tablespoon of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Dip each filled heart into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20 seconds per side.
- Cook the french toast for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
Doneness Check for Heart-Shaped Toast
Your French toast is done when both sides are golden brown and slightly crisp to the touch. The center should be cooked through but still soft, and the Nutella inside should be warm and melty.
Resting Heart-Shaped Toast
Allow the finished toast to rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the Nutella to set slightly so it doesn’t all run out when cut, while keeping the toast warm and delicious.
Pro Tips for Perfect Heart-Shaped Nutella Stuffed French Toast
Avoiding Soggy French Toast
- Don’t soak the bread too long in the egg mixture – about 20 seconds per side is perfect
- Cook on medium heat to ensure the inside cooks through before the outside burns
- Use slightly stale bread that will hold up better to soaking
Tool Recommendations
A heart-shaped cookie cutter creates the most uniform shapes, but a sharp knife works too. Invest in a good non-stick skillet or griddle with even heat distribution, and use a wide, flat spatula for flipping without breaking your heart shapes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover french toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven for 3-4 minutes until warmed through, or briefly in a skillet to restore some of the exterior crispness.
Looking for more breakfast inspiration? Check out my collection of sweet and savory breakfast recipes on Pinterest you’ll find everything from quick weekday options to impressive weekend brunch ideas!
Heart-Shaped Nutella Stuffed French Toast Flavor Variations
Berry Delicious
Add fresh strawberries or raspberries inside with the Nutella for a fruity twist that cuts through the richness of the chocolate. The tartness of berries perfectly balances the sweetness of Nutella.
Healthier Options
Use almond butter or a chocolate-hazelnut spread with less sugar for a healthier alternative. You can also use a splash of almond milk instead of dairy and reduce the sugar in the custard mixture.
Global Flavors
Add orange zest and a splash of Grand Marnier to the custard for a French-inspired twist, or incorporate a touch of cardamom and rose water for a Middle Eastern-inspired flavor profile.
| Flavor Variation | Additional Ingredients | Best Topping Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Berry Bliss | 2 tbsp fresh berries with Nutella | Lemon zest & honey |
| Banana Dream | Thin banana slices with Nutella | Caramel sauce & walnuts |
| Coconut Paradise | 1 tbsp coconut cream in custard | Toasted coconut flakes |
| Cinnamon Roll | 1 tsp extra cinnamon in custard | Cream cheese glaze |
| Peanut Butter Cup | 1 tbsp peanut butter with Nutella | Chocolate sauce |
Heart-Shaped Nutella Stuffed French Toast Serving Suggestions
Create a complete breakfast experience by serving your Heart-Shaped Nutella Stuffed French Toast with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a sweet and savory contrast. A side of fresh fruit balances the richness, while a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar adds an extra special touch.
For beverages, pair with a strong coffee to complement the chocolate notes, or serve with cold milk for the kids. For a special brunch, orange juice or a fruit smoothie provides a refreshing contrast to the rich toast.

Heart-Shaped Nutella Stuffed French Toast FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the heart-shaped, Nutella-filled bread the night before and store covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, just dip in the custard mixture and cook. You can also fully cook the French toast and reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
How do I prevent the Nutella from leaking out during cooking?
Make sure to seal the edges of your bread after filling with Nutella. Use a fork to gently press around the edges, and don’t overfill the pockets. Chilling the assembled hearts for 15-20 minutes before dipping in custard can also help.
Can I freeze this French toast?
Yes! Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven or toaster oven until heated through.
Conclusion
Heart-Shaped Nutella Stuffed French Toast transforms an ordinary breakfast into something truly special. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or simply want to show someone you care, this delightful recipe is guaranteed to start the day with smiles all around.
The combination of golden, custard-soaked bread with warm, melty Nutella creates a breakfast experience that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to prepare. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine!
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Heart-Shaped Nutella Stuffed French Toast: Breakfast Bliss!
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden heart-shaped French toast stuffed with creamy Nutella, lightly crisp on the outside and soft in the center a decadent, romantic breakfast perfect for special mornings.
Ingredients
8 slices thick-cut bread
1/2 cup Nutella
3 large eggs
3/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp butter for cooking
Powdered sugar for dusting
Fresh strawberries for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut hearts from each slice of bread.
2. Spread Nutella on half of the bread hearts and top with remaining hearts to make sandwiches.
3. In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter.
5. Dip each sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides.
6. Place on skillet and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
7. Repeat with remaining sandwiches, adding more butter as needed.
8. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with strawberries if desired.
Notes
Slightly freeze Nutella-stuffed sandwiches for easier dipping.
Brioche or challah bread works best.
Serve with maple syrup or chocolate drizzle for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: nutella french toast, heart shaped french toast, valentine breakfast, stuffed french toast
