Crème Brûlée French Toast

Why make this recipe

This dish combines rich custard and crisp caramel. It turns simple bread into a special breakfast or dessert. It is easy to make ahead and please a group. The flavors are creamy, sweet, and lightly toasted.

introduction

Crème Brûlée French Toast uses brioche or challah soaked in a custard, baked, then topped with a crunchy caramel layer. You get a soft inside and a crisp sugar top. It tastes like crème brûlée but with the comfort of French toast.

how to make Crème Brûlée French Toast

1. Cut thick slices of brioche or challah. Place them in a greased baking dish so they fit without crowding.
2. Whisk eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon until smooth. Pour this custard over the bread. Press slices gently so they soak well.
3. Let the bread soak at least 30 minutes. For best texture, cover and chill overnight.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the top turns golden and the custard sets. This usually takes 30–35 minutes.
5. After baking, sprinkle the remaining granulated sugar on top. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until it is golden and crisp. If you do not have a torch, you can broil briefly while watching closely.
6. Serve warm. Add fresh berries or whipped cream if you like.

Ingredients :

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Directions :

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. Cut the bread into thick slices and arrange them in the baking dish.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the bread, ensuring it is well coated.
4. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and custard is set.
6. After baking, sprinkle the remaining granulated sugar on top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize until golden and crispy.
7. Serve warm, optionally with fresh berries or whipped cream.

how to serve Crème Brûlée French Toast

Serve warm so the custard feels soft and the caramel stays crisp. Add berries, sliced bananas, or a dollop of whipped cream. A small dusting of powdered sugar looks nice but is optional.

how to store Crème Brûlée French Toast

Cool completely. Cover and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) until warm. If you want the sugar top crisp again, sprinkle a little sugar and use a torch after reheating.

tips to make Crème Brûlée French Toast

• Use day-old brioche or challah so slices soak without falling apart.
• Let it soak longer for a richer custard center. Overnight is best.
• Watch the sugar when caramelizing. It moves quickly from golden to burnt.
• If you do not have a torch, place under a hot broiler for a few seconds, watching the sugar closely.
• Use a shallow baking dish so the custard reaches all bread pieces evenly.

variation (if any)

• Add orange zest to the custard for citrus notes.
• Swap cinnamon for nutmeg or cardamom for a different spice profile.
• Use brown sugar or turbinado sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
• Make individual servings in ramekins for baked French toast crème brûlée style.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this the night before?

A: Yes. Assemble and soak overnight in the fridge. Bake in the morning.

Q: What if I do not have brioche or challah?

A: You can use challah, brioche, or another soft, rich bread. Sturdy white bread or French bread works but the texture will be different.

Q: Is a kitchen torch necessary?

A: No. A torch gives the best caramel top. You can use the oven broiler for a short time while watching closely.

Q: Can I freeze this?

A: You can freeze baked pieces in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat slowly and add sugar on top to re-crisp.

Q: How do I know the custard is set?

A: The center should be slightly firm and not jiggle like liquid. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.

Conclusion

For a tested recipe and extra tips, see the full Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe on Allrecipes: Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe.

Crème Brûlée French Toast

This dish combines rich custard and crisp caramel, transforming simple bread into a special breakfast or dessert. Easy to make ahead, it pleases a group with creamy, sweet, and lightly toasted flavors.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American, French

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 loaf loaf of brioche or challah bread Day-old bread is preferable.
• 4 large large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk You can use any milk type.
• ½ cup granulated sugar For custard.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup granulated sugar For caramelizing.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
• Cut the bread into thick slices and arrange them in the baking dish.
• In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the bread, ensuring it is well coated.
• Let it soak for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.

Baking

• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and custard is set.
• After baking, sprinkle the remaining granulated sugar on top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize until golden and crispy.

Serving

• Serve warm, optionally with fresh berries or whipped cream.

Notes

Cool completely before covering. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a low oven for best results. Sprinkle a little sugar on top and use a torch after reheating to maintain crispness.

Keyword Breakfast Recipe, Crème Brûlée, Custard, Dessert, French Toast