If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a special occasion every single time, this Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine luscious, custardy slices of brioche soaked in a sweet vanilla cinnamon custard, baked to perfection, and then topped with a crackling, caramelized sugar crust just like the classic French dessert. This recipe effortlessly combines the creamy richness of crème brûlée with the comforting heartiness of French toast, making it a truly decadent breakfast delight you must try. It’s the kind of dish that turns an everyday morning into a celebration filled with warmth, sweetness, and a touch of elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden color that makes this Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe so irresistible. From the richness of brioche to the aromatic spices and creamy custard base, every component brings something special to the table.
- Brioche bread (1 loaf, about 1 pound): Its soft, buttery texture soaks up the custard wonderfully without falling apart.
- Large eggs (4): Provide structure and richness to the custard soaking mixture.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds luxurious creaminess, mimicking the texture of traditional crème brûlée.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Balances the creaminess and lightens the custard just enough.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the custard perfectly and helps develop the golden crust.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses the custard with warm, aromatic flavor that’s essential to the dish.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle spice that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors to keep the custard balanced and not overly sweet.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup, for caramelizing): Used for creating that signature crunchy brûlée topping.
- Fresh berries (optional): For a fresh, colorful touch and bright flavor contrast when serving.
- Powdered sugar (optional): Perfect for a light dusting that adds extra sweetness and charm.
How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Custard Mixture
Start by cracking your eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk until they’re evenly beaten. Then pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This custard base is where the magic begins, as it will soak into the brioche slices, infusing them with incredible richness and flavor.
Step 2: Add Sugar, Vanilla, Cinnamon, and Salt
Mix in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Each of these ingredients layers subtle nuances into your custard: vanilla brings warmth, cinnamon gives a gentle spice kick, and salt balances sweetness perfectly. Keep whisking until the sugar dissolves completely into a silky custard.
Step 3: Soak the Brioche
Arrange your thick slices of brioche in a 9×13-inch baking dish in a single layer. Pour the custard mixture gently over the bread, making sure each slice is well coated. Use a spatula to press the bread down lightly so it soaks up as much custard as possible. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the flavors—overnight soaking will intensify the custardy goodness.
Step 4: Bake the French Toast
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When your custard-soaked bread is ready, let it come to room temperature if refrigerated overnight, then place it in the oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the custard is fully set. Keep an eye out near the end to prevent over-browning, and tent with foil if necessary to keep that perfect color.
Step 5: Create the Signature Caramelized Crust
Once the French toast has cooled slightly, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it bubbles and turns a deep, luscious amber color, giving you that iconic brûlée crust that cracks delightfully with each bite. If you don’t have a torch, placing the dish briefly under the broiler works too — just watch it carefully!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Cut the French toast into squares or stripes for easy serving. Add a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries if you’d like an extra pop of color and freshness. Grab your fork and savor the contrast between that creamy custard bread and the crackling caramelized sugar topping — pure breakfast bliss.
How to Serve Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries provide the perfect bright, tart counterpoint to the richness of the Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a snow-kissed finish that looks as good as it tastes. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup complements the textures beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish stands out as a star all on its own but pairs wonderfully with light sides. Think crispy bacon or sausage for savory contrast, or a refreshing fruit salad to keep things bright and balanced. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a latte perfectly rounds out this decadent breakfast experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this French toast on a rustic wooden board or a beautiful ceramic platter with fresh sprigs of mint for a fresh aroma. Use small ramekins for individual portions if you’re hosting brunch, and caramelize each portion separately to keep that satisfying brûlée crust intact. You can also layer the custard-soaked bread slices with fresh berries in a glass dish to create a stunning French toast trifle twist, elevating your presentation and wow-factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the caramelized sugar crust intact if possible, and simply cover it lightly with parchment paper to avoid moisture buildup.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen French toast can last for up to one month, making it easy to enjoy this decadent dish any time you crave an elevated breakfast treat.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the portions and place them on a baking sheet. Warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the crust regains some crispness. If the caramelized sugar top softens, you can carefully re-torch or broil briefly to bring back that signature crackly finish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread besides brioche?
Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its buttery richness and soft texture, challah, white sandwich bread, or even French bread can work. Just make sure the slices are thick and sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
No worries! You can achieve the classic caramelized sugar topping by placing the French toast under your oven’s broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning, as it can go from perfect to burnt very quickly.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Definitely! In fact, soaking the bread overnight in the custard mixture intensifies the flavors and creates a custardy texture that’s unbelievably delicious. Just be sure to keep it covered and refrigerated.
Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?
This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe contains dairy and eggs, so it’s not suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets. However, you can experiment with plant-based milks and egg substitutes, but the texture and richness will be different.
How do I store leftovers without losing the crunch of the sugar topping?
The caramelized sugar crust is best enjoyed fresh since it softens over time. Store leftovers in the fridge uncovered or lightly covered to minimize moisture buildup. Recrisp the topping with a quick torch or broiler blast when reheating for the best experience.
Final Thoughts
This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe is truly a breakfast game-changer. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with that iconic caramelized crackle on top that feels so indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to make. You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy this treat—any morning can be elevated with a batch of this luscious French toast. Grab your ingredients, invite a few friends or family, and make your mornings unforgettable with every bite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making this decadent breakfast delight again and again!
Print
Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (excluding overnight soaking)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Crème Brûlée French Toast is a luxurious twist on traditional French toast, featuring thick slices of brioche soaked in a rich custard made from eggs, heavy cream, and aromatic vanilla and cinnamon. Baked to perfection and topped with a caramelized sugar crust, this decadent breakfast dish delivers a creamy interior with a satisfyingly crunchy caramel topping. Perfect for special mornings or brunch gatherings, it combines the indulgence of crème brûlée with the comfort of French toast.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf of brioche bread (about 1 pound), sliced into 1-inch thick slices
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
- Fresh berries (optional, for serving)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter for a smooth preparation process.
- Beat Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 large eggs and whisk until well beaten.
- Combine Cream and Milk: Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk to the eggs, whisking until fully incorporated.
- Add Flavorings and Sugar: Stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Arrange Bread: Arrange the sliced brioche bread in a large baking dish (9×13 inch recommended).
- Soak Bread: Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices, ensuring each slice is well coated. Use a spatula to gently push the slices down to soak up the custard.
- Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Rest Bread: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes if soaked overnight.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Check around the 25-minute mark and cover loosely with aluminum foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool: After baking, let the French toast cool for about 5 minutes.
- Add Sugar Topping: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of granulated sugar evenly over the top of the French toast.
- Caramelize Sugar: Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and turns a deep golden brown. Alternatively, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Harden Sugar: Allow the caramelized sugar to harden for a minute or two.
- Cut and Serve: Cut the French toast into squares or rectangles for serving.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and add fresh berries for garnish. Serve and enjoy the creamy custard and crunchy top!
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, soak the brioche overnight in the custard.
- Use a kitchen torch for an even caramelized sugar crust; if unavailable, the broiler method works as well.
- Choose fresh berries according to season for a complementary tartness.
- This French toast is best served warm but can be kept refrigerated and gently reheated.
- To reduce sweetness, adjust the sugar in the custard or topping as preferred.
