introduction
This Crème Brûlée French Toast is a rich, creamy baked French toast with a caramelized sugar top. It tastes like dessert for breakfast. It uses brioche or challah soaked in a custard, then baked and finished with a crisp brown sugar crust.
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- It is simple but feels fancy.
- You can make it ahead and bake it later.
- The caramelized top adds a nice crunch to soft custard bread.
- It uses common ingredients and is great for guests.
how to make Crème Brûlée French Toast
Follow these clear steps to make the dish:
- Cut the bread into thick slices and layer in a baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread slices, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and melt the butter in a baking dish.
- Bake the custard-soaked bread for 25-30 minutes until golden and set.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm, optionally with fresh fruit on top.
Ingredients :
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh fruit (optional, for serving)
Directions :
- Cut the bread into thick slices and layer in a baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread slices, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and melt the butter in a baking dish.
- Bake the custard-soaked bread for 25-30 minutes until golden and set.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm, optionally with fresh fruit on top.
how to serve Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Serve warm right after caramelizing the sugar.
- Add fresh fruit like berries or sliced peaches on top.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar if you like.
- Serve with a small pot of maple syrup or whipped cream on the side.
how to store Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Cool to room temperature first.
- Cover and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) until warm to keep the texture.
- The caramelized top will soften in the fridge. To freshen, sprinkle a little brown sugar on top and torch again before serving.
tips to make Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Use thick, day-old brioche or challah for best texture.
- Let the bread soak at least 2 hours or overnight for a creamy center.
- If you don’t have a torch, place under a hot broiler for a short time and watch closely.
- Use room-temperature eggs and cream so the custard mixes evenly.
- Don’t overbake; the center should be set but still soft.
variation (if any)
- Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or orange zest to the custard for extra flavor.
- Swap brown sugar topping for a mix of brown and white sugar for a different caramel color.
- Make individual portions in ramekins for single servings.
- Use flavored cream like vanilla bean or a splash of rum for a deeper taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use another bread instead of brioche or challah?
A: Yes. Use thick, soft bread like challah, brioche, or Texas toast. Day-old bread works best.
Q: How long can I soak the bread?
A: Soak for at least 2 hours or overnight. Do not soak much longer than overnight to avoid soggy texture.
Q: Can I make this without a kitchen torch?
A: Yes. Use the broiler for a short time or caramelize the sugar on a hot skillet in small portions. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: You can freeze baked slices in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat slowly in the oven.
Q: Is this recipe very sweet?
A: It is moderately sweet. You can reduce the granulated sugar in the custard slightly if you prefer less sweet.
Conclusion
For a full recipe source and extra tips, see the original Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe on Allrecipes: Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe.
Print
Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, creamy baked French toast with a caramelized sugar top, perfect for breakfast that feels like dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh fruit (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cut the bread into thick slices and layer in a baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread slices, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and melt the butter in a baking dish.
- Bake the custard-soaked bread for 25-30 minutes until golden and set.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm, optionally with fresh fruit on top.
Notes
For best results, use thick, day-old bread and let it soak overnight for a creamy center. If you don’t have a torch, you can use the broiler method to caramelize the sugar.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
