Name: Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (12-14 slices); 4 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt; Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries); Powdered sugar; Maple syrup

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Introduction

Crème Brûlée French Toast combines the rich custard of classic crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast. It’s a luxurious breakfast treat featuring buttery bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard and topped with a crisp caramelized sugar crust.

A close-up view of a stack with three layers of golden-brown grilled cheese sandwiches, each layer showing melted white cheese oozing slightly between crispy, well-toasted bread with a speckled texture. Thick, glossy amber syrup pours down the sides of the stack, pooling on the white plate beneath. A small sprig of fresh green herbs rests on top, adding a touch of color. The whole scene is set against a softly blurred white marbled background. 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
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Optional toppings: fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), powdered sugar, maple syrup

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the brioche or challah into thick slices, about 1 inch thick. Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish, overlapping them slightly for even soaking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Step 3: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices. Press down gently to help the bread soak up the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking and a golden crust.
Step 5: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and uncover it. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is set. For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.
Step 6: Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust. Alternatively, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
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. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use day-old brioche or challah for better custard absorption and texture.
Substitute almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Try brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the custard for a richer flavor.
For a different spice note, replace cinnamon with ground nutmeg or add a pinch of both.
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, keep a close eye while broiling the sugar to prevent burning.

Storage

Store leftover French toast covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) to maintain the crispy topping, or use a microwave for a quicker option but expect softer texture. Avoid caramelizing the sugar topping again after storage as it may become sticky.

How to Serve

A close-up of a stack of four crispy golden-brown grilled cheese sandwiches, each sandwich showing thick layers of melted white cheese oozing between the toast. The toast layers have a perfectly charred texture with dark brown, slightly bubbly spots. Golden syrup is slowly dripping down the sides of the stack, catching the light and adding shine to the crispy edges. On top, two small sprigs of fresh green herbs add a touch of color. The stack sits on a white plate over a white marbled textured surface, the syrup pooling slightly around the base. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the French toast the night before?

Yes, soaking the bread in the custard overnight in the refrigerator enhances the flavor and texture, making the dish even more delicious.

What if I don’t have brioche or challah bread?

Use any thick, sturdy bread like French baguette or Texas toast, but brioche or challah will give the best rich, buttery result.