Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
This Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe combines the classic richness of custard-soaked brioche or challah bread with a caramelized, crispy sugar topping reminiscent of the famous French dessert. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or brunch, it offers a creamy, flavorful experience that’s easy to prepare and bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes to overnight soaking plus 30 minutes baking
- Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (12–14 slices)
Custard Mixture
- 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
Topping
- Thin layer of granulated sugar for brûlée topping
- Optional: Fresh berries, powdered sugar, maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the brioche or challah into thick slices and arrange them evenly in a greased baking dish to create the base for the French toast.
- Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming a rich custard.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, pressing down gently to ensure each slice absorbs the custard thoroughly. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; for best flavor and texture, soak overnight.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for slow, even cooking of the soaked bread.
- Bake the French Toast: Remove the soaked bread from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil on high for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Brûlée the Top: Sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar on top of the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust. Alternatively, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Let the French toast cool slightly before slicing. Serve with fresh berries, a light dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup as desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use whole grain or gluten-free bread to increase fiber content and accommodate dietary preferences.
- Substitute low-fat milk and cream options to reduce calorie and fat content.
- Granulated sugar can be replaced with honey or sugar substitutes for a healthier alternative.
Keywords: Crème Brûlée French Toast, brunch recipe, baked French toast, brioche French toast, custard soaked bread, caramelized sugar topping
Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/creme-brulee-french-toast-recipe/
