Print

Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 76 reviews

Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent breakfast dish that combines the rich custard flavors of crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast. Made with buttery brioche or challah bread soaked in a creamy egg custard, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a caramelized sugar crust, this recipe offers a luxurious twist to a classic favorite. Served with fresh berries, powdered sugar, and maple syrup, it’s an elegant and indulgent start to your day.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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

  1. Prepare the Bread: 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.
  2. Make the Custard: 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. This mixture will create the rich custard that makes this dish so special.
  3. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices. Press down gently on the bread to ensure it soaks up the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a deeper flavor.
  4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking and a perfectly golden crust.
  5. Bake the French Toast: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and uncover it. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. For an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  6. Brûlée the Top: Once baked, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the top of the French toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust. If you don’t have a torch, you can place it under the broiler for a minute or two, but keep a close eye on it!
  7. Serve: Let the Crème Brûlée French Toast cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For best results, use day-old brioche or challah bread as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
  • The soaking time can be extended overnight to enhance the custard flavor.
  • Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version and heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
  • Be cautious when caramelizing the sugar with a torch or broiler to avoid burning.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness.

Keywords: Crème Brûlée French Toast, French toast recipe, baked French toast, brunch recipes, custard French toast, brioche French toast

Find it online: https://lieblingsmahlzeit.com/creme-brulee-french-toast-recipe/