Name: Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-490594H12M1S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (12-14 slices); 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; Thin layer of granulated sugar for brûlée topping; Optional: Fresh berries, powdered sugar, maple syrup for serving

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Introduction

Crème Brûlée French Toast combines the rich, creamy flavors of classic crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast. This indulgent breakfast dish features custard-soaked brioche baked to perfection with a caramelized sugar crust on top. It’s a delightful treat that’s perfect for special mornings or brunch gatherings.

A close-up of a tall stack of grilled cheese sandwiches showing four layers, each layer having golden brown crispy bread with a slightly burnt texture and melted white cheese oozing between the slices. Rich amber syrup is dripping down the sides of the stack, creating glossy streaks that catch the light. A small green herb garnish sits on top, adding contrast. The stack is on a white plate against a soft blurred background over a white marbled surface. 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 (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

Step 1: Cut the brioche or challah into thick slices and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Pour the custard over the bread slices, pressing down gently to ensure they soak up the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 5: Remove the dish from the refrigerator and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a crispy top.
Step 6: Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy crust. Alternatively, place it under the broiler for a minute or two, watching closely.
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.

Tips & Variations

Use whole grain or gluten-free bread for added fiber and dietary needs.
Substitute low-fat milk and cream to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
Replace granulated sugar with honey or a sugar substitute for a different sweetness profile.
For an extra touch, sprinkle a little ground nutmeg along with cinnamon for warm spice notes.

Storage

Store leftover Crème Brûlée French Toast covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving. To restore the caramelized crust, briefly use a kitchen torch or broiler again after reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a stack of four thick grilled cheese sandwiches, each layer showing a golden-brown crispy crust with specks of seasoning and melted white cheese oozing slightly from between the slices. The top slice is glossy from a thick drizzle of honey flowing down the sides, pooling on the white plate beneath. Two small green sprigs of herbs garnish the top, adding a fresh contrast to the warm tones of the sandwich. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, emphasizing the rich textures and colors of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than brioche or challah?

Yes, brioche and challah work best because they are rich and absorb custard well, but you can use other thick, sturdy breads such as French bread or Texas toast. Avoid very thin or crusty breads for best results.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch for caramelizing sugar?

You can use your oven broiler to caramelize the sugar on top. Sprinkle sugar evenly over the baked French toast and place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.