Crème Brûlée French Toast
why make this recipe
Crème Brûlée French Toast tastes rich and special. It has a creamy custard inside and a crisp caramel top. You can make it for a weekend brunch or a holiday breakfast.
introduction
This dish uses brioche soaked in a sweet custard, then cooked and topped with brown sugar that caramelizes like crème brûlée. It feels fancy but is easy to make at home. If you like warm flavored toast with a creamy center, try this instead of regular French toast or try a seasonal twist like pumpkin French toast.
how to make Crème Brûlée French Toast
Make the custard, soak thick brioche slices, cook them in a skillet, then bake with brown sugar on top until the custard sets and the top caramelizes. Work in steps: mix, soak, brown, then bake. This order gives a soft inside and a crisp, glassy top.
Ingredients :
- 1 loaf of brioche bread
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar for caramelizing
- Optional toppings: fresh fruit, whipped cream
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the brioche bread into thick slices and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the brioche slices, ensuring they are fully soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Transfer the soaked bread slices to the skillet, cooking until golden brown on both sides.
- Place the bread slices in the baking dish again and sprinkle brown sugar over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is caramelized.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving with optional toppings.
how to serve Crème Brûlée French Toast
Serve warm. Add fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. A light side or a small sweet like vanilla French beignets makes a nice pairing for a brunch spread. Cut into portions so each person gets some crisp caramel top.
how to store Crème Brûlée French Toast
Cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat single slices in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) until warm and slightly crisp on top. Do not freeze if you want the caramel top to stay crisp; frozen custard textures change.
tips to make Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Use thick brioche slices so they hold the custard well.
- Soak at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best flavor.
- Brown the slices in butter to lock in color before baking.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar right before baking so it melts and caramelizes.
- For a savory-sweet brunch table, consider serving with a warm main like French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole.
variation (if any)
- Add orange zest or cinnamon to the custard for a citrus or spiced note.
- Use challah instead of brioche for a slightly different crumb.
- Make it mini by using small bread slices for single servings.
FAQs
Q: Can I use stale bread?
A: Yes. Slightly stale brioche soaks custard better and holds shape.
Q: Can I skip the skillet step and bake directly?
A: You can, but browning in the skillet adds flavor and helps the top caramelize nicely.
Q: How do I get a crisp top?
A: Use brown sugar on top and bake until the sugar melts and darkens. Broil briefly if needed, watching closely.
Q: Can I make this ahead for guests?
A: You can soak the bread and keep it in the fridge overnight. Cook and bake just before serving for best texture.
Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich and special Crème Brûlée French Toast with a creamy custard inside and a crisp caramel top, perfect for brunch or holiday breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of brioche bread
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar for caramelizing
- Optional toppings: fresh fruit, whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the brioche bread into thick slices and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the brioche slices, ensuring they are fully soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Transfer the soaked bread slices to the skillet, cooking until golden brown on both sides.
- Place the bread slices in the baking dish again and sprinkle brown sugar over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is caramelized.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving with optional toppings.
Notes
For the best results, soak bread overnight and brown the slices in butter before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
