Crème Brûlée French Toast

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why make this recipe

Crème Brûlée French Toast is a delicious twist on classic French toast. It combines the creamy and rich flavors of crème brûlée with the comforting appeal of French toast. This dish is not only indulgent but also perfect for special occasions such as brunch, holidays, or family gatherings. The golden caramelized sugar on top adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, soaked bread underneath.

how to make Crème Brûlée French Toast

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (for caramelizing)
  • Butter (for greasing the baking dish)
“Thick stacked slices of Crème Brûlée French Toast with caramelized sugar crust, creamy custard layers, and maple syrup dripping down the sides, garnished with fresh thyme on a plate.”
This Crème Brûlée French Toast is layered, caramelized, and soaked in rich custard, then finished with a crackly top and plenty of warm syrup for the ultimate brunch treat.

Directions:

  1. Grease a baking dish with butter. Cut the bread into thick slices and arrange them in the dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread slices, pressing them down slightly to soak.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the French toast for 30-35 minutes, until golden and set.
  5. Remove from the oven and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until bubbling and golden.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy the decadent flavors!

how to serve Crème Brûlée French Toast

Serve the Crème Brûlée French Toast warm right from the oven. You can add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor. Fresh berries or whipped cream can also make a lovely addition to each plate.

how to store Crème Brûlée French Toast

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. It’s best to caramelize the sugar on top right before serving to keep that crunchy layer intact.

tips to make Crème Brûlée French Toast

  • Use day-old bread for better texture. It absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart.
  • Let the bread soak for longer in the egg mixture for a richer flavor.
  • Experiment with different types of bread, like sourdough or a nutty bread, for a unique taste.
  • If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the dish under the broiler for a minute or two. Just watch carefully to avoid burning.

variation

You can add flavor variations by mixing in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture. It’s also delightful to include chocolate chips or fresh fruit between the layers of bread before baking.

FAQs

1. CAN I PREPARE CRÈME BRÛLÉE FRENCH TOAST THE NIGHT BEFORE?
YES, YOU CAN PREPARE IT THE NIGHT BEFORE AND LET IT SOAK IN THE FRIDGE OVERNIGHT. THIS ACTUALLY GIVES THE BREAD MORE TIME TO ABSORB THE CUSTARD MIXTURE, MAKING THE TEXTURE EXTRA CREAMY AND FLAVORFUL. JUST BAKE IT STRAIGHT FROM THE FRIDGE IN THE MORNING AND CARAMELIZE THE SUGAR RIGHT BEFORE SERVING.

2. WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A KITCHEN TORCH?
NO WORRIES! YOU CAN USE YOUR OVEN BROILER TO CARAMELIZE THE SUGAR ON TOP AFTER BAKING. SPRINKLE THE BROWN SUGAR EVENLY, PLACE THE DISH UNDER THE BROILER FOR 1–3 MINUTES, AND WATCH VERY CLOSELY SO IT DOESN’T BURN. ONCE THE SUGAR IS BUBBLY AND DEEP GOLDEN, LET IT SIT FOR A MINUTE TO SET INTO THAT SIGNATURE CRUNCH.

3. CAN I FREEZE CRÈME BRÛLÉE FRENCH TOAST?
YES, YOU CAN FREEZE INDIVIDUAL PORTIONS OR THE WHOLE BATCH AFTER BAKING AND COOLING. WRAP TIGHTLY IN PLASTIC WRAP AND THEN FOIL, OR PLACE IN A FREEZER-SAFE CONTAINER, AND FREEZE FOR UP TO 2–3 MONTHS. REHEAT IN THE OVEN UNTIL WARMED THROUGH, THEN ADD A FRESH LAYER OF SUGAR ON TOP AND CARAMELIZE AGAIN FOR THE BEST TEXTURE AND FLAVOR.

Crème Brûlée French Toast

A delicious twist on classic French toast, featuring creamy flavors reminiscent of crème brûlée and a satisfying crunch of caramelized sugar on top.
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American, French
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread Use day-old bread for better texture.
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Caramelizing

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar For caramelizing on top.
  • Butter For greasing the baking dish.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Grease a baking dish with butter.
  • Cut the bread into thick slices and arrange them in the dish.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
  • Pour the mixture evenly over the bread slices, pressing them down slightly to soak.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Baking

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake the French toast for 30-35 minutes, until golden and set.
  • Remove from the oven and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top.
  • Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until bubbling and golden.

Serving

  • Serve warm and enjoy the decadent flavors!

Notes

You can add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor. Fresh berries or whipped cream can also make a lovely addition to each plate.
Keyword Brunch Recipe, Caramelized Sugar, Creme Brulee, French Toast, Indulgent Breakfast

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