Chocolate Babka French Toast Recipe

 

Prep: 20 mins

Cook: 15 mins

Babka Drying Time: 4 hrs

Total: 4 hrs 35 mins

Servings: 2 Slices

Yield: 4 to 5 Servings

Chocolate Babka French Toast elevates the beloved babka with a custard dip and a buttery, toasted finish. This decadent dish is perfect for a special brunch or dessert. Topped with a variety of optional ingredients, it's both versatile and indulgent.

Ingredients

• For the French Toast:

  • 1 loaf chocolate babka, sliced 1-inch thick (Mekelburg's recommended)
  • 5 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups half-and-half
  • 1 orange, zested (optional)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 tablespoons oil

• Optional Toppings:

  • Confectioners' sugar
  • Flaky salt
  • Butter
  • Maple syrup
  • Yogurt
  • Mascarpone
  • Additional orange zest
  • Raspberry or orange jam

Steps to Make It

1. Gather the Ingredients:

   • Make sure all ingredients are ready before starting.

2. Prepare the Babka:

   • Place the babka slices on a rack set over a baking sheet to dry out for a few hours or overnight. Alternatively, use the quick dry method (detailed below).

3. Make the Custard:

   • In a large bowl or casserole dish, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, vanilla extract, salt, and sugar.
   • Whisk in the half-and-half and orange zest, if using.

4. Soak the Babka:

   • Place a few slices of the dried out babka in the custard and let them soak, turning once, until completely soaked through, about 4 minutes.

5. Cook the French Toast:

   • Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of oil in a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat until the butter foams.
   • In batches, cook the babka slices until golden brown on both sides and just cooked through, about 2 minutes per side.
   • Repeat with remaining babka slices, adding more butter and oil as needed to keep the pan coated.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the French toast hot, topped with a bit of flaky salt and any other desired toppings such as confectioners' sugar, butter, maple syrup, yogurt, mascarpone, additional orange zest, or raspberry/orange jam.

Tips

• Quick Dry Method: If you don’t have time to let the slices dry out for hours or overnight, place the slices on a rack set over a baking sheet and pop them in a 300°F oven for 20 minutes. This will dry them out enough to absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
• Keeping French Toast Warm: To keep French toast slices warm while you cook the remaining batches, place the cooked slices on a rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F oven.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 1234
• Fat: 108g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 35g

Chocolate Babka French Toast is a rich and luxurious dish that transforms the already decadent babka into an even more indulgent treat. Perfect for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress.