Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent twist on classic French toast, combining the rich, creamy custard flavors of crème brûlée with the comforting texture of brioche or challah bread. This baked recipe features a caramelized sugar crust on top, creating a perfect balance of creamy custard and crispy caramelized sugar. Ideal for a special brunch or a cozy breakfast treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes plus soaking time (minimum 30 minutes, ideally overnight)
- Yield: 12-14 slices, serves 6-8 people 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
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 into thick slices and arrange them evenly in a greased baking dish to ensure even soaking and baking.
- 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 well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the bread slices, gently pressing down with a spatula to help each slice absorb the custard. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the bread to soak fully; for best flavor and texture, soak overnight.
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the custard-soaked bread.
- Bake the French Toast: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the custard is set and the top surface turns golden brown. For an added crisp top, place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Brûlée the Top: Sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar over the baked French toast. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar to form a crisp, golden crust. Alternatively, use the oven broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to achieve 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, enhancing the rich flavors and presentation.
Notes
- Use whole grain or gluten-free bread as a nutritious alternative to add more fiber to the dish.
- To reduce calories, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with low-fat milk and half-and-half.
- Replace granulated sugar with honey or a sugar substitute to accommodate dietary preferences or reduce refined sugar intake.
Keywords: Crème Brûlée French Toast, baked French toast, crème brûlée custard, brioche French toast, dessert-style breakfast, caramelized sugar toast
Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/creme-brulee-french-toast-recipe/
