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The first time I had crème brûlée, I was completely mesmerized. The satisfying crack of the caramelized sugar, the smooth, creamy custard underneath – it was pure magic. I wanted to capture that feeling in a breakfast dish, and that’s how my obsession with perfecting crème brûlée french toast began.
It took a few tries, let me tell you! Soggy bread, burnt sugar, custard that wouldn’t set – I’ve seen it all. But finally, I landed on a recipe that truly delivers that crème brûlée experience in every bite. And after that I created the Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff Recipe, a delicious dinner recipe that I often serve after this French toast for breakfast.
Now, this isn’t your average French toast. It’s decadent, indulgent, and guaranteed to impress. Get ready for crispy, caramelized edges and a creamy, custard-soaked interior that will have everyone begging for more.
Why you’ll love this Crème Brûlée French Toast
- It tastes just like crème brûlée, but in French toast form! That caramelized sugar crust is everything.
- The creamy custard filling makes each bite melt in your mouth. This recipe is truly decadent.
- It’s surprisingly easy to make, especially if you use the broiler method for the brûlée topping.
- This crème brûlée french toast is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or just a weekend treat.
- You can customize it with your favorite toppings, like fresh berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream.
- The recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Everyone will rave about this unique and delicious breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, sliced 1-inch thick
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for brûlée topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, for greasing baking dish
- Fresh berries, for serving (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
Step 2
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Step 3
Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly soaked. Allow excess custard to drip off.
Step 4
Arrange the soaked bread slices in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. If needed, cut some slices to fit snugly.
Step 5
Pour any remaining custard mixture over the bread slices in the dish.
Step 6
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown and the custard is set.
Step 7
Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle the top of the baked French toast evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
Step 8
Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar topping until golden brown and bubbly. Alternatively, place under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 9
Let the caramelized sugar cool and harden slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh berries and maple syrup, if desired.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
For a richer flavor, try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the custard. The molasses notes add a lovely depth.
Spice things up with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg in the custard mixture. A little citrus zest (orange or lemon) can also brighten the flavor of this crème brûlée french toast.
Add a layer of sliced fruit, like bananas, peaches, or apples, between the bread slices before baking. This will add moisture and a burst of fresh flavor.
Pairings
A simple fruit salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the richness of the crème brûlée french toast. The acidity cuts through the sweetness.
Consider serving this decadent breakfast with a side of turkey turkey turkey bacon or chicken sausage. The savory element balances the sweetness beautifully.
For a brunch gathering, pair this French toast with a mimosa or a sparkling cider. The bubbles add a festive touch.
Serving ideas
Dust the crème brûlée french toast with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. A sprinkle of cocoa powder adds a touch of sophistication.
Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Fresh berries are always a welcome addition.
If you are looking for a similar recipe, you can check out this delicious recipe for banana bread brownie bars on Fork Haven.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftover crème brûlée french toast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
To reheat, gently warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, but be careful not to overcook it.
Freezing is not recommended, as the custard can become watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
Make-ahead
You can prepare the custard mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time in the morning.
Soaking the bread in the custard mixture can also be done ahead of time. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking.
However, it’s best to brûlée the sugar topping right before serving to ensure it’s perfectly crisp. This crème brûlée french toast is best when enjoyed fresh!
Common mistakes when making Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Using bread that is too fresh. Day-old bread is ideal because it soaks up the custard better without becoming soggy.
- Not soaking the bread long enough. Make sure each slice is thoroughly saturated with the custard mixture for a creamy interior.
- Burning the sugar topping. Watch it closely under the broiler or with a kitchen torch to prevent it from turning black.
- Overbaking the French toast. The custard should be set, but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Skipping the salt. A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Final notes
This crème brûlée french toast is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s an experience. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible.
Don’t be intimidated by the brûlée topping. It’s easier than you think! And the result is well worth the effort. The crème brûlée french toast is a recipe you will want to make again and again.
So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this decadent delight. You deserve it!
Loved this Crème Brûlée French Toast? Try these next
- Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff Recipe
- Thai Peanut Chicken Wrap Recipe
- Air Fryer Apple Fries
- Banana Bread Brownie Bars Recipe
- 54th Street Gringo Dip Copycat Recipe
Crème Brûlée French Toast
Indulge in a decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast – crispy, caramelized edges with a creamy, custard-soaked interior. A breakfast masterpiece!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, sliced 1-inch thick
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for brûlée topping
- 2 tablespoons butter, for greasing baking dish
- Fresh berries, for serving (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly soaked. Allow excess custard to drip off.
- Arrange the soaked bread slices in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. If needed, cut some slices to fit snugly.
- Pour any remaining custard mixture over the bread slices in the dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle the top of the baked French toast evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
- Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar topping until golden brown and bubbly. Alternatively, place under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Let the caramelized sugar cool and harden slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh berries and maple syrup, if desired.
Notes
For best results, use day-old bread. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, the broiler method works well, but watch it very closely! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. For extra flavor, add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 180mg