Celebrate 2018 with a Golden Chocolate French Toast Twist!
Goodbye 2017, hello 2018! 🎉 What better way to say “Welcome!” to the new year than with a fluffy, chocolate-drenched French toast that spells out “Hello 2018” in every bite? This recipe is equal parts sweet, nostalgic, and totally Instagrammable—perfect for your last breakfast of 2017 or your first morning of 2018. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients: The Sweet Essentials
You’ll only need a few simple pantry staples for this festive treat. No fancy tools required—just good vibes and a desire to celebrate! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 slices of bread (I swear by brioche for extra fluff, but regular white bread works too!)
- Generous chocolate spread (or chocolate sauce—Nutella, Hershey’s, or homemade chocolate sauce all work!)
- 1 large egg (the star of the batter)
- 1–2 tbsp milk (to thin the egg mixture and make it extra creamy)
- 1 tsp honey (adds a subtle sweetness that balances the chocolate)
- 10g butter (for that buttery, crispy fry—no substitutions, trust me!)
Step-by-Step: Making “Hello 2018” French Toast
Let’s get cooking! This is a no-fail process—just follow along, and you’ll have golden, chocolatey magic in under 30 minutes. Pro tip: Keep the heat low to avoid burning the bread while the inside stays soft!
- Trim the bread crusts: Take your two slices of bread and carefully cut off the crusts. I like to trim them in a diagonal to make it look neater later—plus, it’s easier to wrap the bread in batter without the crust getting in the way. If you’re lazy, just skip this step! Crusty bread still works, but it might get a little messy.
- Whisk the egg batter: Crack the egg into a shallow bowl or plate. Add the milk and honey, then whisk everything together until smooth. Think of it like a fluffy, sweet egg wash—no lumps allowed!
- Coat the bread with chocolate: Spread a thick layer of chocolate spread on one slice of bread. The more, the merrier! Go wild—this is where the chocolate flavor lives.
- Assemble the French toast sandwich: Top the chocolate-coated slice with the second bread slice. Press gently to make sure the bread sticks together—this keeps the chocolate from oozing out during cooking.
- Dip the sandwich in the egg wash: Carefully submerge the sandwich into the egg mixture. Press gently on both sides to coat thoroughly, then let the excess batter drip off. Try not to over-soak it—you want a thin, even layer for that crispy exterior!
- Heat the butter in a pan: Grab a non-stick skillet and set it over low heat. Add the butter and let it melt slowly until it’s foamy but not browned. If you use a regular pan, you might need a splash more butter to prevent sticking.
- Fry the French toast: Gently place the batter-coated sandwich into the pan. Cook on low heat for 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Then flip it over and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes. Now, here’s the secret: you need to cook all six sides! So turn it to the left, right, front, back, top, and bottom—each side needs a golden crisp.
- Crisp up all six sides: Keep flipping and cooking until every side is a beautiful golden brown. If it’s taking too long, turn the heat down a bit—you don’t want burnt bread, just crispy, soft goodness.
- Melt chocolate for the message: While the French toast cools, melt chocolate for the “Hello 2018” text. Put chocolate chips or chocolate spread into a small bowl, then set the bowl over a pot of simmering water (a double boiler!). Stir occasionally until smooth and runny—no burnt chocolate, please!
- Slice the French toast diagonally: Once golden, remove the French toast from the pan and let it cool for 1–2 minutes. Then cut it diagonally into two triangles. Now, snip a tiny hole at the tip of your piping bag (or use a small spoon if you’re feeling fancy) and drizzle the melted chocolate over the toast to write “Hello 2018.” Take your time—no rush!
- Add the “Hello 2018” flair: Drizzle the chocolate in a smooth, diagonal line. If you mess up, no biggie—just wipe it off with a toothpick and start over. The goal is to make it look cute, not perfect!
- Celebrate with a smile: Life’s too short for boring breakfasts! Take a moment to appreciate this sweet creation—you’ve earned it. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea, and toast to 2018!
- 2017’s perfect send-off: This is the ideal way to end 2017—sweet, golden, and full of hope for the year ahead. Trust me, you’ll remember this breakfast forever!
Pro Tips: Make It Your Own!
Don’t like chocolate? No problem! This recipe is totally customizable. Here are my go-to tweaks:
- Swap the chocolate: Use strawberry jam, blueberry jam, or even peanut butter and banana! Any jam or spread works—just go with your favorite flavor.
- Skip the crusts or not: Trimming the crusts is optional, but it makes the French toast look neater. If you’re short on time, leave the crusts on—they add texture!
- Piping bag hack: No piping bag? Use a small zip-top bag! Snip a tiny corner, spoon in the melted chocolate, and squeeze away—easy peasy.
- Extra chocolate magic: If you want a richer chocolate flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the egg batter or a pinch of cinnamon. Small twists = big upgrades!
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try for 2018
Beyond the delicious taste, this French toast is all about ritual. New Year’s resolutions feel more achievable when you start the day with something special—this isn’t just breakfast, it’s a celebration! Whether you’re eating alone or sharing with friends/family, the “Hello 2018” message adds that personal touch that makes the year feel fresh and exciting.
And the best part? It’s super easy to make. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps—just a little patience and a lot of chocolate. So grab your ingredients, fire up the pan, and let’s ring in 2018 with a golden, chocolatey bang! 🥐🍫
