Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Indulge in this luxurious Crème Brûlée French Toast featuring thick slices of brioche or challah soaked in a rich custard blend of eggs, milk, cream, and vanilla, baked to golden perfection and topped with a crisp caramelized sugar crust. This elegant breakfast dish combines the creamy texture of classic crème brûlée with the comforting flavors of French toast, perfect for special mornings or brunch gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes to overnight (if soaking overnight)
- Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the brioche or challah loaf into thick slices and arrange them evenly in a greased baking dish to create the base for soaking.
- Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices, pressing down gently to ensure each slice absorbs the custard fully. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, to allow the custard to infuse into the bread thoroughly.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to set the baking temperature for even cooking of the soaked bread.
- Bake the French Toast: Remove the soaked bread from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top turns a lovely golden brown. For an extra crisp finish, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Brûlée the Top: Evenly sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on the baked French toast’s surface. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, glossy crust. Alternatively, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to achieve the perfect caramelization.
- Serve: Allow the French toast to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired, for a decadent and inviting breakfast experience.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk and a non-dairy creamer.
- Soaking the bread overnight enhances flavor absorption and improves texture.
- If you do not have a kitchen torch, broiling is an effective alternative to caramelize the sugar topping.
- Using brioche or challah enhances the richness and softness; avoid denser breads for best results.
- Be cautious while broiling and caramelizing sugar to prevent burning.
Keywords: Crème Brûlée French Toast, baked French toast, custard soaked bread, caramelized sugar, brunch recipe, brioche French toast, challah French toast
Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/creme-brulee-french-toast-recipe/
