Heart-Shaped French Toast with Berry Compote is a fun and sweet way to start the day, especially when you want to add a little extra love to your breakfast table. The golden, fluffy toast is shaped into hearts, which makes it feel festive and special, and it’s topped with a bright, fresh berry compote that adds a burst of fruity goodness and a touch of natural sweetness.
I love making this when I have a little extra time on the weekend. The berry compote is super simple to whip up—just simmering mixed berries until they get nice and soft—and it feels like such a treat alongside the rich French toast. Plus, using cookie cutters to shape the toast makes breakfast feel like a little celebration, even on a regular morning.
My favorite way to serve this is with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup on top. It’s perfect with a side of fresh fruit or some crispy bacon if you want a mix of sweet and savory. It’s the kind of meal that brings smiles all around, and I always find myself wanting to make it again soon after.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick slices like brioche or challah work best here. They soak up the egg mixture without falling apart and give you that soft, fluffy texture inside. If you don’t have these, a good quality white or sourdough bread can work, just make sure it’s thick-cut.
Eggs & Milk: Eggs provide structure and richness, while whole milk adds creaminess. You can swap milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option, but keep it unsweetened to control sweetness.
Mixed Berries: Fresh berries make the compote vibrant and naturally sweet. You can use frozen berries if fresh aren’t available — just thaw them before cooking. Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are a great combo, but feel free to add blackberries if you like.
Sugar & Lemon Juice for Compote: Sugar balances the tartness of the berries, while lemon juice adds brightness and helps preserve the color. Honey or maple syrup can substitute sugar if you want a different sweetness note.
How Do You Make the Perfect Heart-Shaped French Toast without it Falling Apart?
The heart shape is fun but can be tricky to cook without breaking. Here’s what helps:
- Use sturdy, thick bread so it holds its shape after cutting with the cookie cutter.
- Dip each slice in the egg mixture gently—don’t soak too long, especially the shaped pieces. Too much liquid makes them fragile.
- Heat your skillet to medium, then melt butter. Cooking at a steady medium heat allows the toast to brown nicely without burning or drying out.
- Flip carefully with a thin spatula. Supporting the toast from underneath helps keep the heart shape intact.
- Cook till golden on each side, about 3-4 minutes. If the toast is still soft inside, you can finish cooking briefly in a warm oven to avoid burning the outside.
Following these steps keeps your French toast shaped perfectly and deliciously tender!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter – I like it because it helps you cut out cute, festive shapes easily from thick bread.
- Nonstick skillet or griddle – makes cooking and flipping the toast smooth and less sticky.
- Whisk – for mixing the egg and milk mixture until smooth and frothy.
- Spatula – gently flip the French toast without breaking the heart shape.
- Small saucepan – for making the berry compote, so you get perfect consistency.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cream cheese or mascarpone in the middle of the toast for a richer, creamy surprise.
- Add a splash of bourbon or orange liqueur to the berry compote for an adult twist.
- Top with whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Swap the berries for sliced peaches, apples, or bananas when in season for a different fruity flavor.
Heart-Shaped French Toast with Berry Compote
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 4 slices thick bread (such as brioche or challah)
- Butter, for cooking
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Berry Compote:
- 1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup
- Fresh whole strawberries, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and cooking. The berry compote simmers for 5-7 minutes while you cook the French toast, making it a quick and easy breakfast treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread Shapes:
Use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut a heart shape out of the center of two bread slices. Leave the other two slices whole for serving underneath the hearts.
2. Mix the Batter:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and combined.
3. Cook the French Toast:
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a knob of butter. Dip each bread slice, both whole and heart-shaped, into the egg mixture, soaking both sides well but not soggy. Place on the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Flip carefully, especially for the heart shapes, to keep them intact. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
4. Make the Berry Compote:
In a small saucepan, combine mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens slightly—about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool just a bit.
5. Assemble Your Dish:
Place a whole slice of French toast on your serving plate. Gently place a heart-shaped slice on top, with the hollow center facing upward. Spoon the warm berry compote into the hollow center of the heart-shaped toast. Dust lightly with powdered sugar and garnish with whole strawberries if you like.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately with a side of maple syrup. Enjoy this lovely and delicious breakfast that’s sure to brighten your day!
Can I Use Frozen Berries for the Compote?
Yes, frozen berries work great! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery compote.
Can I Make the French Toast Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the egg mixture and slice the bread in advance, but it’s best to cook the French toast fresh for each serving to keep it crispy and tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover French toast and berry compote separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the toast in a toaster or skillet to keep it crisp.
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have a Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutter?
No problem! You can use a round or any fun-shaped cookie cutter you have, or simply make regular slices of French toast and top with the berry compote for a beautiful presentation.