Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

Introduction

Crème Brûlée French Toast is a luxurious twist on a classic breakfast favorite. It combines the creamy richness of crème brûlée custard with the comforting texture of French toast, finished with a caramelized sugar topping for a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 slices brioche or challah bread
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup turbinado sugar (for caramelizing)
• Fresh berries and powdered sugar (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and combined.
2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter to coat the surface.
3. Step 3: Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20 seconds on each side without becoming soggy.
4. Step 4: Place the soaked bread slices onto the heated skillet and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter as needed.
5. Step 5: Transfer cooked French toast slices to a baking sheet. Sprinkle each slice evenly with turbinado sugar.
6. Step 6: Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar on each slice until it forms a crisp, golden crust. If you don’t have a torch, place under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old brioche or challah for better custard absorption and firmer texture.
• For a richer flavor, substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture for warmth.
• If you don’t have a kitchen torch, a hot broiler can caramelize the sugar—just watch carefully.

Storage

Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or under a broiler to help restore crispness, but avoid microwaving as it can make the toast soggy. For best texture, caramelize the sugar topping fresh before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the custard mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Give it a good whisk before dipping the bread.

What type of bread works best for Crème Brûlée French Toast?

Brioche or challah are ideal due to their soft, slightly sweet texture, which complements the custard well and holds up to soaking without falling apart.

Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

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4.8 from 67 reviews

Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of Crème Brûlée French Toast, a perfect brunch treat that combines the custardy texture of crème brûlée with the comforting warmth of French toast. This recipe features thick slices of bread soaked in a vanilla and cinnamon-infused custard, cooked to golden perfection, then topped with a caramelized sugar crust for a satisfying crunch.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Custard Mixture

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the French Toast

• 6 thick slices brioche or challah bread
• Butter, for cooking

Topping

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for caramelizing
• Fresh berries, optional
• Maple syrup, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
2. Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of brioche or challah into the custard mixture, allowing the bread to soak up the custard thoroughly for about 20-30 seconds each side. Be careful not to oversoak to avoid sogginess.
3. Preheat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a generous knob of butter, allowing it to melt and coat the pan evenly.
4. Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked bread slices into the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the French toast is golden brown and cooked through. Adjust heat as necessary to avoid burning.
5. Caramelize the Sugar: Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the cooked French toast slices. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust, similar to traditional crème brûlée. Alternatively, place under a broiler for 1-2 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor.

Notes

• Use thick slices of bread like brioche or challah for the best texture and custard absorption.
• A kitchen torch is preferred for caramelizing the sugar to get an even crust without warming the toast too much.
• If you don’t have a torch, use your oven’s broiler but monitor carefully to avoid burning the sugar.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk, but texture may vary.
• Serve immediately after caramelizing to enjoy the contrast of crunchy top and soft interior.

Keywords: Crème Brûlée, French Toast, brunch recipe, caramelized sugar, custardy, vanilla cinnamon