If you are a brunch lover or someone who delights in decadent breakfast treats, you simply must try this Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe. Imagine the luxurious creaminess of classic crème brûlée infused into every bite of warm, custardy French toast, finished with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust that cracks beneath your fork. This recipe transforms ordinary bread into a show-stopping dish that’s comforting yet elegant, making any morning feel like a special occasion. Trust me, once you master this recipe, it will become a beloved staple at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in the final magic. From rich eggs and creamy dairy to fragrant vanilla and warming spices, these components come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures.
- Brioche or Challah bread: Choose thick slices with a soft crumb that soak up the custard perfectly without falling apart.
- Large eggs: They provide the essential structure and richness to the custard base.
- Whole milk or plant-based milk: Adds creaminess and balances the eggs for smooth custard.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: Key to that luscious, velvety texture reminiscent of crème brûlée itself.
- Granulated sugar or brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the classic caramelized top.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Brings warmth and depth with that signature vanilla aroma.
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg: Delivers a subtle spicy note that complements the custard beautifully.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors just right.
How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Begin by slicing your brioche or challah into thick, hearty pieces. Lay these slices neatly in a greased baking dish to create the perfect base that will soak in the custard without losing their shape.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until everything is beautifully blended. This custard is the heart of the recipe, soaking into the bread and turning it impossibly tender.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour the rich custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices. Press down gently so each piece absorbs as much custard as possible. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; for an even deeper flavor and texture, letting it sit overnight is pure magic.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot and ready to give your French toast that beautiful golden bake.
Step 5: Bake the French Toast
Place your custard-soaked bread in the oven and bake for roughly 25 to 30 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden brown top and set custard underneath. For an irresistible crispy finish, pop it under the broiler for a couple of minutes—but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Brûlée the Top
This step is what truly makes this dish shine. Lightly sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top, then use a kitchen torch to caramelize it until it forms a crisp, golden sugar crust. No torch? No problem—just use the broiler for a short time to achieve that signature crackly finish.
Step 7: Serve
Allow your Crème Brûlée French Toast to cool just a bit before serving. Top with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup if you like for a picture-perfect, flavorful presentation.
How to Serve Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of color and tartness that balances the rich custard. A light dusting of powdered sugar creates a delicate sweetness and an elegant look.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with crispy bacon or savory sausage for a classic contrast. Alternatively, serve alongside a fresh green salad or fruit salad to keep the brunch light and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the French toast in a trifle dish with whipped cream and fruit for a stunning brunch centerpiece. You can also cut it into squares and serve bite-sized pieces on skewers with fresh fruit for an easy-to-share appetizer at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Crème Brûlée French Toast tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 3 days. The custardy texture holds up surprisingly well.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze individual slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents sticking and maintains the best texture for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat, use a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F until warmed through and the crust is re-crisped. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that luscious brûlée crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use any bread for the Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe?
While brioche or challah are ideal because of their rich, soft texture, you can experiment with other thick-sliced breads like French bread or even Texas toast. Just make sure it has a sturdy crumb to soak up all that custard.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the whole milk and heavy cream for your favorite plant-based alternatives, such as almond or oat milk, and a coconut cream or cashew cream for richness.
Can I prepare the dish in advance?
Yes, soaking the bread overnight in the custard is encouraged. It enhances the custard absorption and intensifies the flavors, making your Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe even more irresistible.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
No worries! The broiler in your oven works well to caramelize the sugar topping. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning and remove promptly when it develops a golden crust.
How do I prevent the French toast from being soggy?
Key tips are to use thick slices of bread and not to soak them excessively. Also, baking rather than pan-frying helps cook the custard evenly, creating a light yet creamy texture without sogginess.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe inspires you to bring a little extra joy to your breakfast or brunch table. It’s a deliciously indulgent treat that’s surprisingly easy to make but endlessly satisfying. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to wow your family and friends with a dish that tastes as elegant as it looks. Happy cooking!
Print
Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes plus soaking time (30 minutes to overnight)
- Yield: Serves 6-8
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe transforms classic French toast into a luxurious, custardy breakfast treat with a caramelized, crispy sugar topping reminiscent of crème brûlée. Made with rich brioche or challah bread soaked in a vanilla-cinnamon custard, then baked and finished with a brûléed sugar crust, it’s perfect for special occasions or a decadent weekend brunch.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (12–14 slices)
Custard
- 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 they don’t stick during baking.
- Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, to allow full infusion of flavors.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature by the time you’re ready to bake.
- Bake the French Toast: Take the dish out of the refrigerator and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top turns golden brown. For an extra crispy and browned top, you can broil it for an additional 2 to 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, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust. Alternatively, place the dish under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- 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 an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Using brioche or challah bread is ideal as their rich texture absorbs the custard beautifully and yields a tender interior.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk; however, the custard may be slightly less rich.
- Soaking the bread overnight enhances flavor and texture but a minimum of 30 minutes will still produce good results.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, broiling the sugar topping works well but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
