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I first encountered the magic of s'mores French toast at a tiny brunch spot in Portland, where they served it with torched marshmallows on top. I was skeptical at first – could something so indulgent really work for breakfast? But one bite changed everything. The way the custardy French toast paired with melted chocolate and gooey marshmallow was revelatory. I spent weeks trying to recreate it at home, experimenting with different breads, chocolate ratios, and marshmallow techniques. This recipe is the result of all that testing, and I'm proud to say it's even better than the original that inspired me. What I love most is how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The thick slices of eggy bread become golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft inside, creating the perfect vessel for all that chocolate and marshmallow goodness. When you stack them up and watch the chocolate sauce drizzle down, catching bits of graham cracker as it goes, it's honestly hard to believe you made something this beautiful in your own kitchen. Every time I make it, I'm transported back to childhood summers and campfire nights, but with an elevated, grown-up twist that makes it special for any occasion.
Why I love this recipe
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it proves that breakfast doesn't have to be boring or basic. It's pure joy on a plate – the kind of dish that makes people smile before they even take a bite. I love how it combines nostalgia with indulgence, taking something we all loved as kids and elevating it into a breakfast worth waking up early for. The process of making it is just as fun as eating it; there's something deeply satisfying about watching the marshmallows melt and the chocolate get all gooey between the layers. It's also incredibly forgiving – if you've never made French toast before, this is actually a great place to start because the layers of flavor hide any minor imperfections. But what I truly love most is how this recipe brings people together. Every time I serve it, it starts conversations, creates memories, and makes ordinary mornings feel like celebrations. It's become my go-to for special occasions, lazy weekend mornings, and those times when I just need a little extra sweetness in my life. The fact that it uses simple pantry ingredients but looks and tastes like something from a fancy brunch spot makes it even more special to me.
What You Need From Your Kitchen
- Thick-cut bread: Use brioche or challah for best results; slice about 1-inch thick for optimal custard absorption
- Eggs and milk: Whisk together with sugar and vanilla to create the rich custard base
- Mini marshmallows: Melt in microwave until smooth and spreadable for the gooey filling
- Chocolate chips: Melt separately and use for both filling and drizzling on top
- Graham cracker crumbs: Crush finely and sprinkle between layers and on top for authentic s'mores flavor
- Butter: Use for cooking the French toast to achieve that golden, crispy exterior
- Chocolate sauce: Drizzle generously over the finished stack for extra decadence
Let's Make These Together
- Create the Perfect Custard
- Start by whisking together your eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon in a large shallow bowl until everything is beautifully combined. You want this mixture to be smooth with no visible egg whites streaking through. This custard is what gives your French toast that rich, custardy interior, so take your time to get it right. The cinnamon adds a warm spice note that complements the chocolate and marshmallow perfectly.
- Cook Golden French Toast
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter, letting it melt and coat the pan. Dip each bread slice into the custard mixture, allowing about 10-15 seconds per side – you want it soaked but not soggy. Place it on the hot skillet and listen for that satisfying sizzle. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until you get that gorgeous golden-brown color and crispy exterior. The key here is patience; don't rush the process or you'll end up with pale, soggy toast instead of crispy, golden perfection.
- Melt Your S'mores Components
- While your French toast cooks, prepare the star ingredients that make this recipe special. Melt the mini marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl in short 15-second bursts, stirring between each interval until you have a smooth, glossy marshmallow cream. Do the same with your chocolate chips in a separate bowl. These melted components should be warm and pourable when you're ready to assemble – if they start to firm up, just give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave.
- Layer Your Gooey Stack
- Now comes the fun part – building your masterpiece! Place your first slice of French toast on a plate and spread a generous amount of that melted marshmallow cream on top. Drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs. Add another slice and repeat the process, creating those gorgeous layers you see in the photos. Each layer should have all three components for maximum gooeyness and flavor in every bite.
- Finish with Flair
- Top your completed stack with a final generous drizzle of chocolate sauce, letting it cascade down the sides naturally. Sprinkle with remaining graham cracker crumbs and dust lightly with powdered sugar for that professional finish. If you have a kitchen torch, now's the time to use it – give the top a quick toast for that authentic campfire char. Serve immediately while everything is still warm and gloriously gooey!
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Switch Things Up
I first made this recipe on a rainy Sunday when I was craving something sweet but didn't want to leave the house. I had all the s'mores ingredients left over from a camping trip that got rained out, and suddenly inspiration struck – why not turn them into French toast? The first time I pulled apart those layers and saw the marshmallow stretch and the chocolate ooze, I knew I'd created something special. Now, I make this whenever I need a pick-me-up or want to surprise my family with something extraordinary. I've learned that the key is not to rush the cooking process – letting each slice get perfectly golden ensures that crispy exterior we all love. Sometimes I'll torch the marshmallows right before serving for that authentic campfire char, and the smell alone is worth it. I've also discovered that using day-old bread actually works better because it soaks up the custard without getting soggy. This recipe has become my signature weekend breakfast, and I love how it brings that nostalgic campfire feeling indoors, no matter the weather outside.
Perfect Pairings
This decadent French toast pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries or raspberries to cut through the richness with a bright, tart contrast. A hot cup of strong coffee or espresso balances the sweetness perfectly, while a cold glass of whole milk is the classic companion that never fails. For an even more indulgent brunch spread, serve alongside crispy bacon – the salty-sweet combination is absolutely divine. If you're hosting, consider offering a bowl of whipped cream and extra chocolate sauce on the side so guests can customize their stack. A simple fruit salad with citrus segments also makes an excellent palate cleanser between bites of this rich, gooey creation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the French toast slices ahead and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warm, then assemble with the melted marshmallow and chocolate. The fillings are best made fresh right before serving to maintain that gooey texture.
- → What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Thick-cut brioche or challah bread works best because they're rich, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold all the gooey fillings without falling apart. Day-old bread is actually ideal as it absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy. Slice it about 1-inch thick for the perfect ratio of crispy exterior to soft, custardy interior.
- → Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Absolutely! Regular marshmallows work just as well – you'll just need to cut them into smaller pieces before melting, or melt them whole and stir until smooth. The mini marshmallows are simply more convenient because they melt faster and more evenly, but regular marshmallows will give you the same delicious gooey result.
- → How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing or becoming grainy?
The key is to melt the chocolate slowly and gently. Use 15-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each burst. Avoid getting any water in the chocolate as this causes it to seize. If your chocolate does become too thick, you can add a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter and stir until smooth again.
- → Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips. For a fully vegan version, you'll also need to replace the eggs with a flax egg mixture (3 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 3/4 cup water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use vegan marshmallows. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
- → What can I serve alongside this French toast?
This dish is quite rich and sweet, so it pairs beautifully with fresh berries or sliced fruit to cut through the richness. Crispy bacon or sausage on the side provides a nice salty contrast. A strong cup of coffee or cold milk is the perfect beverage pairing. You could also serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for ultimate indulgence!
Conclusion
This Gooey S'mores French Toast Stack is everything you love about classic s'mores reimagined as the ultimate breakfast indulgence. The combination of crispy, golden French toast with pockets of melted chocolate and toasted marshmallow cream creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will make any morning feel special. Whether you're treating yourself to a luxurious weekend breakfast or impressing guests at brunch, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple techniques. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – you can adjust the sweetness, add extra toppings, or even make it ahead for easy entertaining. Serve it warm with a cold glass of milk, and watch as everyone's eyes light up at that first gooey, chocolatey bite.