Sunday mornings in my house always meant French toast – until that one fateful weekend when I ran out of maple syrup and had to get creative. That’s how this peanut butter French toast was born, and let me tell you, it’s become our family’s most requested brunch dish ever since! After years of testing brunch recipes (and eating way too many mediocre French toast versions), I finally perfected this decadent twist on the classic. It’s quicker than pancakes, more indulgent than cereal, and turns any ordinary morning into something special. The magic happens when creamy peanut butter melts into warm, custardy brioche, with chocolate chips adding little pockets of joy in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter French Toast

This isn’t just French toast – it’s a hug on a plate that makes ordinary mornings feel like celebrations. Here’s why it’s my go-to brunch star:

5-minute prep (seriously, just whisk and dunk!)
That perfect sweet-salty combo from melty peanut butter and cinnamon
Works equally well for impromptu cravings and fancy brunch spreads

Perfect for Special Occasions

Birthdays, anniversaries, lazy Sundays – this peanut butter French toast turns them all into edible confetti. The chocolate chips make it feel festive, while the rich brioche base keeps it sophisticated enough for adult palates.

Kid-Friendly and Customizable

My picky eater devours this because she can “decorate” her plate with toppings. Crushed peanuts? Chocolate drizzle? Strawberry slices? It’s like edible arts and crafts that actually get eaten.

Peanut Butter French Toast Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference with this peanut butter French toast. Trust me – I’ve learned the hard way that substitutions can lead to sad, soggy toast! Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

1 loaf brioche or thick Texas toast – day-old works best (cut into 1-inch cubes)
4 large eggs – room temperature blends smoother
1 cup whole milk – don’t skimp here, the fat matters!
1/4 cup heavy cream – this is our secret for extra richness
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter – skip the natural kind, we need that smooth texture
1/2 cup chocolate chips – I prefer mini chips for better distribution

The bread thickness is crucial – thin slices will turn to mush. If your store doesn’t have brioche, challah or even thick white sandwich bread works in a pinch!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry – you probably have everything already! For perfect peanut butter French toast, grab these basics:

Large nonstick skillet – my trusty cast iron works great too
Mixing bowl & whisk – for that silky custard
Spatula – helps flip those golden cubes without casualties

That’s it! No fancy gadgets needed – just good old-fashioned brunch magic.

How to Make Peanut Butter French Toast

Okay, let’s get cooking! This peanut butter French toast comes together faster than you can say “second helping.” Follow these simple steps for brunch perfection:

Prep the Custard

First, grab that mixing bowl and whisk like you mean it! Combine eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until silky smooth. No streaks of egg white should remain – this ensures every bite has that luscious custard texture we’re after.

Soak and Cook the Bread

Now the fun part! Dunk each brioche cube into the custard, counting to three to ensure full absorption. Melt butter in your skillet over medium heat – too hot and the sugar burns, too low and you’ll get soggy toast. Cook cubes until golden brown on all sides, turning gently with your spatula. That crisp exterior with a creamy center? Pure magic.

Add Peanut Butter and Chocolate

Here’s where the peanut butter French toast becomes legendary. Drizzle warm toast cubes with peanut butter immediately after cooking – the residual heat helps it melt into every nook. Then shower with chocolate chips and watch them get gloriously soft. Resist eating straight from the pan (I never do).

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter French Toast

After making this peanut butter French toast more times than I can count (okay fine, it’s basically weekly), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:

Use stale bread! Day-old brioche absorbs custard like a dream without turning mushy. No stale bread? Toast fresh slices lightly first.
Medium heat is key – too hot burns the sugar, too low makes soggy toast. Look for that perfect golden-brown crust.
Drizzle peanut butter while hot – it melts into every crevice for maximum flavor in every bite.

Oh, and don’t skimp on the chocolate chips – they’re not just toppings, they’re little molten pockets of joy!

Peanut Butter French Toast Variations

One of my favorite things about this peanut butter French toast is how easily you can switch it up! Try almond butter instead of peanut for a different nutty twist – it’s delicious with sliced bananas on top. For a fun breakfast-dessert hybrid, swap chocolate chips for crushed Oreos or drizzle with caramel sauce. My neighbor swears by adding a sprinkle of sea salt flakes to balance the sweetness. The possibilities are endless!

Serving and Storage

Serve this peanut butter French toast immediately – that first bite when the chocolate chips are still melty is pure bliss! If you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house), store them airtight in the fridge for up to a day. Reheat gently in the oven to bring back that perfect crispness. Pro tip: add fresh peanut butter drizzle when rewarming!

Peanut Butter French Toast Nutrition

Let’s be real – we’re not eating peanut butter French toast for its health benefits! But for those curious, here’s the scoop (values vary by brands used):

520 calories per serving
15g protein from eggs and peanut butter
50g carbs – mostly from that glorious brioche

I always say life’s too short to skip the chocolate chips – balance it with a fruit salad if you’re feeling virtuous!

FAQs About Peanut Butter French Toast

Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of brioche?
Absolutely! While brioche makes it extra rich, regular thick-cut white bread works in a pinch. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the custard – I’ve had good results with Texas toast or even sourdough for a tangy twist.

Can I prep this peanut butter French toast ahead?
You bet! Mix the custard ingredients the night before and store them covered in the fridge. In the morning, just dunk your bread cubes and cook. The flavors actually deepen overnight – my secret for stress-free brunch hosting!

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes! Swap eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg), use your favorite plant milk, and opt for dairy-free chocolate chips. The peanut butter stays the same – because let’s be real, peanut butter is already perfect as-is.

Did this peanut butter French toast make your morning magical? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a quick rating below and tell me your favorite topping combo – your feedback helps me create more delicious recipes just like this one!

5-Minute Peanut Butter French Toast That Melts Hearts