Decadent Instant Pot Chocolate Almond French Toast Recipe
In this fast-paced and busy world, we often don’t have the luxury of spending hours preparing a delicious breakfast. We crave something quick, easy and satisfying to fuel our bodies for the day ahead. That’s where my Instant Pot Chocolate Almond French Toast Casserole comes in.
This decadent breakfast casserole is simple to make in your Instant Pot, and it’s packed with chocolate, almonds and all the flavors you love in French toast. With a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious breakfast that will leave your family feeling satisfied and energized.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just want to switch up your morning routine, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. So grab your Instant Pot and get ready to indulge in a mouth-watering breakfast that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Indulging in delicious food is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and this Instant Pot Chocolate Almond French Toast Casserole Recipe takes breakfast to a whole new level. If you’re looking for a recipe that is easy to make, yet guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds, look no further. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
Firstly, the combination of chocolate and almond flavors is simply irresistible. The rich, velvety texture of the chocolate milk and the sweet aroma of the almond extract produce a heavenly taste that will leave you wanting more.
In addition to its delectable taste, this recipe offers a convenient way to create the perfect brunch dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The use of an Instant Pot means you can prepare this flavorful casserole in minutes instead of hours, leaving you more time to relax and unwind with your loved ones.
What’s more, this recipe boasts a long list of versatile ingredients that can be easily substituted or adjusted based on your preferences. Whether you prefer raspberries or blueberries, maple syrup or powdered sugar, there are endless ways to make this recipe your own.
Finally, not only does this French toast casserole serve as an amazing breakfast dish, but it also makes for a decadent dessert. Served with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, this casserole turns into an indulgent bread pudding that will have everyone licking their plates clean.
In short, this Instant Pot Chocolate Almond French Toast Casserole Recipe is the perfect way to start your day or end your evening on a sweet note. Its delicious ingredients, simple preparation method, versatility and dual purpose as both breakfast and dessert make it a must-try for anyone looking for an out-of-this-world culinary experience.
Ingredient List
Here’s a list of the ingredients you will need to make this delicious Instant Pot Chocolate Almond French Toast Casserole Recipe:
For the casserole:
- 1 loaf french bread, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
For the chocolate almond mixture:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chopped chocolate, milk or dark
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Other ingredients:
- Cooking spray
- Raspberries, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for serving
You may substitute chocolate milk with coconut milk or use regular milk and add cocoa powder, this will give it a richer chocolate flavor. You can also sprinkle some blueberries on top of your casserole before baking it for an added fruity flavor.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have seen why this Instant Pot Chocolate Almond French Toast Casserole Recipe is something worth trying, let’s get straight to business and look at the how-to of the recipe.
Preparing the French Bread
Firstly, cut one pound of French bread into 1-inch pieces before adding it to a mixing bowl. Add to the bowl three eggs, 1 cup heavy cream, 2 cups chocolate milk, and mix together well until the mixture is completely blended.
By doing this, you will be getting the perfect chocolate flavor on every inch of your bread as it serves as a base and soaks up all the flavors.
Adding Flavor
In a separate mixing bowl, add 6 large eggs, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Pour in 1 cup chocolate milk, 1 cup heavy cream + almond extract (1 tsp), and keep whisking until everything blends well together.
You can also add some cinnamon powder to the mixture if you prefer a hint of cinnamon to your dessert. This would make your French toast casserole taste more like a cinnamon roll with flavorful toppings!
Combining The Mixture
After whisking everything together nicely, add it to the mixture prepared earlier (the one with French bread). Stir everything together very well and allow it to sit for one hour.
Make sure to coat every piece of bread evenly with this delicious mixture so that there isn’t any corner left unflavored.
Setting Your Instant Pot And Cooking
Spray cooking oil over a baking dish and pour everything into it gently. Cover it using aluminum foil tightly ensuring that there aren’t any gaps left.
Pour two cups of water into your instant pot before placing your aluminum foil covered baking dish over your trivet. Close your lid tightly and set your pot on manual mode for around 40 minutes.
Once the pot releases pressure, carefully remove your dish from the pot, and let it cool a bit before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Now that you’ve gone through every step, remember to plate your masterpiece and pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh raspberries. Trust me; this Chocolate Almond French Toast Casserole Recipe will be a new favorite!
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I understand that every individual has their own tastes and preferences when it comes to food. That’s why I always encourage them to experiment with various substitutions and variations in recipes.
If you’re looking for a healthier version of the Instant Pot Chocolate Almond French Toast Casserole, you can use almond milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of granulated sugar used. Instead of chocolate milk, you can also use unsweetened cocoa powder mixed with milk.
For those who would like to add more flavors to the dish, try incorporating fresh berries such as raspberries or blueberries. You can either mix them into the casserole mixture or use them as toppings after baking. You can also add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for texture and extra flavor.
If you prefer a cinnamon roll flavor, omit the chocolate milk and add ground cinnamon to the egg mixture. You can also top the casserole with a glaze made of powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream.
For those who prefer an apple-cinnamon flavor, substitute the chocolate milk with apple cider and add ground cinnamon to the egg mixture before mixing it with cubed pieces of French bread. Top it off with sliced apples before baking.
Additionally, you can swap the almond extract with honey almond butter for a unique twist on this classic breakfast casserole recipe.
Overall, don’t hesitate to think outside the box and tailor this recipe to your preference by experimenting with substitutions and variations to create your own version of this Instant Pot Chocolate Almond French Toast Casserole.
Serving and Pairing
I’ve found that the best way to serve this Instant Pot Chocolate Almond French Toast Casserole is with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup. The combination of the nutty almond flavor with the rich chocolate will make your taste buds sing with happiness.
For an extra pop of flavor and color, I like to add fresh raspberries on top. Not only do they add a visual appeal to the dish, but they also bring a tart and refreshing taste that balances out the sweet casserole.
This dish pairs well with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The warm and comforting flavors of this dish match perfectly with a cozy morning at home.
If you want to mix things up, try adding some apple cinnamon compote on top of the casserole instead of maple syrup. The apple’s natural sweetness with the kick of cinnamon will complement the nutty and chocolate flavors in the casserole.
You could also turn this casserole into a dessert by serving it with vanilla ice cream and drizzling some chocolate sauce on top. It’s like having a decadent chocolate bread pudding that everyone will rave about!
No matter how you choose to serve it, this Chocolate Almond French Toast Casserole will undoubtedly become a new family favorite for breakfast, brunch or dessert!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Instant Pot Chocolate Almond French Toast Casserole Recipe is that it can be prepared ahead of time, making it a perfect choice for busy mornings. Once the casserole is cooked, you can allow it to cool to room temperature before storing it in the fridge for up to three days. This means you can have a fresh, delicious breakfast ready to go all week long!
To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until heated through. You could also reheat the entire casserole by covering it with aluminum foil and baking it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes.
If you want to freeze this casserole for later use, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before putting it in the freezer. It will keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as listed above.
Another great way to enjoy this French toast casserole is by making French toast sticks! Simply cut leftover pieces into strips and pan-fry them until golden brown on both sides. Serve with maple syrup or honey almond butter dipping sauce for a delicious breakfast or brunch treat.
Overall, this Instant Pot Chocolate Almond French Toast Casserole Recipe is a versatile and practical breakfast option that can be made ahead of time, stored easily, and reheated quickly. The perfect solution for busy mornings when you still want a warm, homemade meal!
Tips for Perfect Results
Ahoy there, my fellow chef. At this point, I would have to say that you have now a good grasp of what an Instant Pot Chocolate Almond French Toast Casserole recipe entails and how to make it. However, if you want to take the dish a notch higher and achieve excellent results, then you must keep in mind these tips that I’m going to share with you.
Firstly, resist the temptation of overmixing the casserole ingredients. Over beating the eggs may ruin that perfect texture that we want and create clumps or result in a dry casserole. As much as possible, whisk the ingredients just enough to mix them uniformly.
Secondly, when mixing liquids (the maple syrup, chocolate milk, eggs, and heavy cream), be sure to start whisking slowly before increasing the speed gradually. Doing so will prevent splatters from happening and ensure that the liquids are well combined.
Thirdly, choose bread that is not too fresh nor too stale. I prefer using day-old bread as it has hardened slightly and is better at absorbing moisture from the eggs and liquids mixture. It also holds its shape effectively during baking.
Fourthly, it may be tempting to cut down on sugar to achieve a less sweet dessert. However, doing so may result in a bland dish. Thus, be sure to use sufficient amounts of granulated sugar in your mixture.
Fifthly, keep an eye on the cooking time. It’s crucial not to cook your casserole for too long or too short a time. The timing varies depending on your oven or Instant Pot model; therefore, it’s always advisable to check frequently as the cooking process continues.
Lastly, use fresh toppings like raspberries or powdered sugar only when serving. Adding them beforehand may result in soggy toppings that can affect both taste and appearance.
By considering these tips while preparing this Chocolate Almond French Toast Casserole recipe, I’m confident that you’ll attain perfect results every time.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Instant Pot Chocolate Almond French Toast Casserole recipe is a delicious option for breakfast or brunch. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a mouthwatering dish that your loved ones will adore. Whether you decide to serve the casserole with raspberries, maple syrup, or powdered sugar, it’s sure to be a hit.
By using an Instant Pot, you can significantly cut down on cooking times without sacrificing taste or quality. Plus, with the ability to make ahead, store and reheat, this recipe is perfect for those busy mornings when you just don’t have time to cook.
So go ahead and try this recipe today! Don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions and variations to make it your own. And if you’re looking for more breakfast inspiration, check out our other instant pot breakfast recipes like the Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole or Blueberry Almond French Toast Casserole.
Remember, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. With this Instant Pot Chocolate Almond French Toast Casserole recipe, you’ll start your day off right with a delicious and satisfying meal that will keep you fueled and energized all morning long!
Instant Pot Chocolate Almond French Toast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 (14 ounce) brioche bread, cut into cubes or (14 ounce) challah, loaf cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for serving
- 1/2 cup maple syrup, for serving
- 1 pint raspberries, for serving
Instructions
- Grease a 7-inch round baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Place a trivet inside your Instant Pot and pour in the water.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the chocolate milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, almond extract, cinnamon and salt until well combined. Add the cubed brioche and stir until combined. Allow to sit for 5 minutes so that the bread soaks up the mixture. Transfer to the prepared baking dish, top with almonds cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Place the baking dish inside the Instant Pot and lock the lid in place, making sure the valve is set to seal. Pressure cook on high for 30 minutes and then follow the manufacturer's instructions for quick release. Carefully open the lid and remove baking dish from Instant Pot, uncover and let cool 10 minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar, cut and serve with maple syrup and raspberries.