Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

Introduction

Crème Brûlée French Toast is a delicious twist on a classic breakfast favorite. It combines the rich, creamy custard of crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast, finished with a crispy caramelized sugar topping. Perfect for a special brunch or weekend treat.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (12-14 slices)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or nutmeg)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the brioche or challah into thick slices and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the custard mixture over the bread slices, pressing down gently to ensure they soak up the liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Step 5: Remove the dish from the refrigerator and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. For a crispier top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar evenly over the top. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy crust, or place under a broiler for 1-2 minutes while watching closely.
7. Step 7: Let the French toast cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh berries, powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old brioche or challah for better soaking without falling apart.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with almond or oat milk and use a suitable non-dairy cream.
• Try adding a splash of orange liqueur or zest to the custard mixture for a citrusy twist.
• If you don’t have a kitchen torch, broiling the topped French toast carefully works well for caramelizing the sugar.

Storage

Store leftover crème brûlée French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid sogginess. For best texture, caramelize the sugar topping fresh before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe the night before?

Yes, soaking the bread overnight in the custard helps the flavors deepen and improves texture. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator.

What can I use if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

You can place the French toast under a broiler for 1-2 minutes to caramelize the sugar topping. Watch it closely to prevent burning.

Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 56 reviews

This Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe combines the richness of traditional crème brûlée with the comfort of French toast. Slices of brioche or challah bread are soaked in a creamy custard mixture, baked to perfection, and topped with a caramelized sugar crust for a decadent breakfast or brunch treat.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes to overnight (including soaking time)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

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Bread

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (12–14 slices)

Custard Mixture

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or nutmeg)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Cut the brioche or challah into thick slices and arrange them evenly in a greased baking dish to ensure they don’t stick.
2. Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the custard mixture is smooth and fully combined.
3. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the arranged bread slices, gently pressing them down to soak in the custard evenly. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard fully.
4. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat thoroughly to ensure even baking.
5. Bake the French Toast: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the custard is set and the top has developed a beautiful golden-brown color. For an extra crispy top, you can broil the French toast for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
6. Brûlée the Top: Evenly sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the baked French toast’s surface. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust. Alternatively, place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve the desired caramelization.
7. Serve: Allow the crème brûlée French toast to cool slightly before serving. Enhance the dish by topping with fresh berries, a light dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of pure maple syrup if desired.

Notes

• For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk and coconut cream.
• Soaking the bread overnight intensifies the custard flavor and improves texture.
• Use challah or brioche bread for best results due to their rich and soft texture.
• When brûlée-ing the sugar on top, watch carefully to avoid burning the caramel.
• Serve with fresh fruits or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

Keywords: Crème Brûlée French Toast, French toast recipe, baked French toast, brunch, breakfast, custard soaked bread, caramelized sugar topping