Name: Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-490997H30M44S
Cuisine: French
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

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Introduction

Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent twist on a classic breakfast favorite. With its rich custard-soaked bread and caramelized sugar topping, this recipe brings a creamy, crisp delight to your morning table. Perfect for a special brunch or weekend treat.

The image shows a close-up of a stack of three grilled cheese sandwiches, each with two layers of golden-brown, crispy toasted bread and thick, melted white cheese in between. Rich honey syrup is dripped over the stack, glistening as it flows down the sides. On top of the stack, there is a small sprig of fresh green thyme, adding a touch of color. The sandwiches are placed on a white plate, set on a white marbled surface. The textures of the crunchy bread, smooth melted cheese, and sticky honey are all clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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

Tips & Variations

Use stale day-old brioche or challah for better custard absorption without sogginess.
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use almond or oat milk as indicated.
Add a splash of orange liqueur or zest to the custard for a citrusy twist.
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, carefully broiling the sugar topping works well—just watch closely to prevent burning.

Storage

Store leftover crème brûlée French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, avoiding the microwave to keep texture intact. For best results, sprinkle fresh sugar and caramelize again before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up of a stack of three grilled cheese sandwiches on a white plate, each sandwich showing two golden brown toasted bread slices with a slightly crispy texture and melted white cheese oozing between the layers. Thick amber syrup is poured over the sandwiches, dripping down the sides, adding a glossy shine. A small sprig of green thyme rests on top of the stack. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this French toast the night before?

Yes, soaking the bread overnight in the custard allows for deeper flavor and creamier texture. Simply cover and refrigerate before baking the next morning.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

You can achieve the caramelized sugar topping by placing the French toast under a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.