French toast has long been a comforting breakfast staple, but when you elevate it with the rich flavors of crème brûlée, you get a truly indulgent experience. This Crème Brûlée French Toast combines the creamy, caramelized goodness of a traditional crème brûlée with the soft, custard-soaked bread of classic French toast.
Whether you’re making this for a special brunch, a weekend treat, or simply craving something decadent, this dish will impress everyone at the table. In this post, we’ll explore the origins of this delightful fusion, walk through the step-by-step cooking process, and answer common questions.
The Story Behind Crème Brûlée French Toast
I remember the first time I had crème brûlée—it was at a charming Parisian café, where the server carefully cracked the caramelized sugar crust with a spoon, revealing the rich, velvety custard underneath. Years later, I thought, why not merge that luscious experience with my favorite breakfast dish? The result was this Crème Brûlée French Toast—a perfect blend of caramelized sugar, creamy custard, and fluffy bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday brunch, birthday breakfast, or weekend treat, this dish is sure to impress.
✔ Easy to Make: Despite its luxurious taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple.
✔ Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the custard overnight and bake it fresh in the morning.
Ingredients List
For the Custard Soak:
- 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 250 ml (1 cup) whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Bread:
- 8 slices of brioche or challah (thick-cut)
For the Caramelized Topping:
- 75 g (⅓ cup) brown sugar
- 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Soak
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow dish.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
- Lay the slices of brioche or challah in the custard mixture.
- Let them soak for about 5 minutes on each side to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and melt 1 tbsp of butter.
- Cook each slice for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Place the cooked slices on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Caramelize the Top
- Brush each slice with melted butter and sprinkle brown sugar evenly on top.
- Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until golden and crispy. If you don’t have a torch, place the slices under a broiler for 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Top with fresh berries, whipped cream, or maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Serve warm and enjoy the crunchy caramelized topping with the creamy custard-like bread.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
FAQs About Crème Brûlée French Toast
1. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! Brioche and challah work best due to their soft and rich texture, but you can also use French bread or thick-cut sandwich bread.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can soak the bread in the custard mixture overnight, store it in the fridge, and cook it fresh the next morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
3. How do I get the perfect caramelized sugar crust?
Using a kitchen torch is the best way to achieve a golden, crunchy crust. If you don’t have one, place the slices under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Opt for a plant-based butter alternative.
5. What toppings go well with Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Fresh berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, maple syrup, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce pair beautifully with this dish.
6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Of course! Simply use a gluten-free brioche or sandwich bread, and ensure all ingredients, including the vanilla extract, are gluten-free.
7. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for a few minutes to maintain the crisp topping.
8. What if I don’t have a broiler or torch?
If you don’t have a kitchen torch or broiler, you can caramelize the sugar by heating a non-stick pan over medium heat, placing the sugar-covered toast in the pan, and letting it melt and caramelize.
Final Thoughts
This Crème Brûlée French Toast is the ultimate breakfast indulgence. With its rich custard, caramelized sugar topping, and fluffy bread, it’s bound to become a favorite. Try it out for your next brunch and let us know how it turns out!
Thank You for Reading!
We appreciate you stopping by and exploring this delicious recipe. If you loved it, share it with friends or leave a comment. Happy cooking! 🍽️