There's nothing quite like that first bite of Crème Brûlée French Toast to transport you to a cozy Parisian café, even if you're just in your own kitchen. The delightful contrast of a crunchy, caramelized sugar topping against a creamy custard-filled center is simply irresistible. Imagine the warm, sweet aroma of vanilla and cinnamon wafting through your home, promising a breakfast experience that's far removed from the ordinary.
I discovered this decadent twist on a classic when I was in search of a show-stopping brunch dish that would wow my friends without filling my morning with stress. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, we’re about to elevate a loaf of brioche into a delightfully indulgent dish. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend or impressing guests, this easy Crème Brûlée French Toast is bound to become your new favorite recipe. Let’s dive in!
Why You'll Love This Crème Brûlée French Toast
- This Crème Brûlée French Toast is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet breakfast with minimal effort.
- The rich, creamy flavor paired with the crunchy caramelized topping creates a delightful taste experience that will leave everyone wanting more.
- Its versatility means it can be served for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
- Visually stunning, this dish not only tastes amazing but also impresses with its beautiful presentation, ensuring it stands out at your table.
Crème Brûlée French Toast Ingredients
For the Bread
• Brioche bread – Thick slices of this rich bread create a delightful, custardy texture.
For the Custard
• Large eggs – Essential for that creamy custard base, providing richness and body.
• Heavy cream – Adds luxurious creaminess; you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Whole milk – Helps achieve the right consistency; feel free to use almond or oat milk if you prefer.
• Brown sugar – Packed brown sugar deepens the flavor and adds sweetness; consider using coconut sugar for a twist.
• Vanilla extract – This simple ingredient elevates the flavor profile, making it more indulgent.
• Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice, creating a comforting aroma.
• Salt – A pinch enhances the overall flavors, balancing the sweetness.
For the Topping
• Granulated sugar – Sprinkle generously before caramelizing, creating that iconic crispy topping.
• Unsalted butter – Brushing the baking dish with melted butter ensures the toast doesn’t stick and adds richness.
This delightful Crème Brûlée French Toast comes together quickly with these simple ingredients, making it an ideal choice for both leisurely mornings and special gatherings. Enjoy crafting this sweet restaurant-worthy treat right at home!
How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast
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Butter the dish: Grease a baking dish generously with unsalted butter, ensuring every corner is covered. Arrange the thick slices of brioche bread in a single layer, creating a cozy base for your dish.
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Whisk the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth. This creamy mixture will envelop the bread in delicious flavors.
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Soak the bread: Pour the custard evenly over the arranged bread, gently pressing each slice to soak up the rich mixture. Let it absorb for about 5 minutes, ensuring every piece gets its share of custardy goodness.
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Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This soaking time will deepen the flavors and enhance the texture, creating a perfectly custardy French toast.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the French toast for 45 minutes, or until it’s set, puffed, and lightly golden on top. The aroma will fill your kitchen with irresistible warmth.
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Caramelize the topping: Once baked, sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top. Using a kitchen torch or the broiler, caramelize the sugar until it’s bubbly and golden brown, creating that signature crunchy crust.
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Serve: Allow your decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast to rest for a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy while still warm for the ultimate experience.
Optional: Dust with additional cinnamon before serving for an extra touch of warmth.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Crème Brûlée French Toast?
There's nothing quite like a sweet, sophisticated meal to enchant your breakfast or brunch guests.
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Fresh Berries: These vibrant, juicy fruits add a refreshing balance to the richness of the French toast. Drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
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Maple Syrup: A classic pairing, the deep, earthy notes of real maple syrup perfectly complement the sweet, creamy custard of the toast.
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Greek Yogurt: A dollop of tangy Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture that offsets the silky sweetness, bringing a healthy twist to your indulgent dish.
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Crispy Bacon: The saltiness and crunch of crispy bacon contrast beautifully with the soft, decadent layers of French toast, creating a delicious savory-sweet harmony.
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Coffee or Espresso: Elevate your brunch with a rich cup of coffee or espresso, providing a delightful bitterness that enhances the overall flavor experience.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream drizzled on top or served alongside adds a luxurious element and enhances the indulgent feel of this dish.
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Cinnamon Sugar Toast: For those who want to keep the flavors consistent, serve cinnamon sugar toast as a delightful side treat that echoes the toast’s sweet notes.
Creating a delightful meal around your Crème Brûlée French Toast is all about balancing flavors and textures for a memorable experience. Enjoy!
Crème Brûlée French Toast Variations
Feel free to explore these imaginative twists that will make your Crème Brûlée French Toast experience even more delicious!
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping before caramelizing for an extra layer of texture and flavor that will absolutely delight your taste buds. The combination of nutty richness paired with the creamy custard is divine.
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Fruit Infusion: Top with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or bananas before soaking the bread to infuse a burst of fruitiness. Juicy fruits bring a refreshing contrast to the rich caramelized topping.
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Spiced Flavor: Substitute cinnamon with a mix of nutmeg and allspice for a warm, aromatic twist that will transport your breakfast to holiday festivities. These spices will add an unexpected yet comforting depth.
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Maple Magic: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup in the custard for a mellow, toasty sweetness that’s simply irresistible. The maple flavor mingles beautifully with the vanilla, enhancing every bite.
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Chocolate Dream: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the custard for a decadent chocolatey treat. The melty goodness adds richness that pairs wonderfully with the crispy topping.
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Coconut Twist: Use coconut milk instead of whole milk and sprinkle shredded coconut on top before caramelizing for a tropical flair that brings sunshine to any breakfast table. The subtle coconut flavor complements the richness of the custard beautifully.
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Savory Option: For a unique brunch adventure, mix in crumbled bacon or sharp cheese into the custard for a perfect balance of sweet and savory that will have everyone asking for seconds. Imagine the combination of flavors dancing in your mouth!
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Gluten-Free: Swap brioche for a gluten-free bread variety to enjoy this delicious indulgence worry-free! Just ensure it's sturdy enough to soak up all that custard without falling apart.
These variations celebrate the essence of creativity in cooking. Enjoy experimenting, and let your taste buds lead the way!
How to Store and Freeze Crème Brûlée French Toast
Room Temperature: Leave leftover Crème Brûlée French Toast out for no more than 2 hours to prevent it from spoiling, as the custard can spoil quickly.
Fridge: Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a fresh-tasting breakfast.
Freezer: If you want to freeze the French toast, place it in a safe, airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To revive the texture, warm the Crème Brûlée French Toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, then re-caramelize the topping for that delightful crunch.
Make Ahead Options
These Crème Brûlée French Toast slices are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the custard and soak the bread up to 24 hours in advance for easy morning cooking. Simply follow the recipe to whisk together the ingredients and pour the custard over the brioche. After pressing the bread to ensure it absorbs the mixture, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This not only deepens the flavors but also guarantees that your French toast will be just as delicious when baked. When ready to serve, simply preheat the oven and follow the baking instructions, then caramelize the sugar topping, for a delightful brunch that feels effortless!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the perfect Crème Brûlée French Toast, use day-old brioche as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- Be sure to whisk the custard mixture thoroughly to avoid any egg clumps, which can lead to an uneven texture.
- When soaking the bread, gently press each slice down to ensure even absorption without breaking the bread apart.
- Finally, monitor the caramelization closely, as it can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds under the broiler.
Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe FAQs
What type of bread works best for Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Absolutely, for the best results, use day-old brioche bread. Its rich and buttery texture allows it to absorb the custard without becoming overly soggy. If brioche isn't available, challah or thick-sliced white bread can serve as great alternatives.
How should I store leftover Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 10-15 minutes until it's warmed through. This method helps retain its delightful texture!
Can Crème Brûlée French Toast be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze it! Place the cooled French toast in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, let it sit in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven. For that crispy topping, re-caramelize the sugar after reheating.
What should I do if my custard doesn't set?
If your custard didn't set after baking, it’s likely undercooked. Ensure you’re baking at the right temperature (350°F/175°C) for about 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end; the center should be slightly jiggly but not runny. If it’s browning too much on top, loosely cover it with foil until cooked through.
Is it safe for pets or people with allergies?
It’s best to keep Crème Brûlée French Toast away from pets, especially because of ingredients like milk and eggs that can upset their stomachs. For those with dietary restrictions, substituting dairy milk with almond or oat milk and ensuring no nut allergies can help accommodate veggie diets. Always double-check ingredients to ensure safety!
Crème Brûlée French Toast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Butter the dish: Grease a baking dish generously with unsalted butter, ensuring every corner is covered. Arrange the thick slices of brioche bread in a single layer.
- Whisk the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard evenly over the arranged bread, pressing each slice to soak up the mixture. Let it absorb for about 5 minutes.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45 minutes, until it's set and lightly golden.
- Caramelize the topping: Sprinkle granulated sugar over the top and caramelize using a kitchen torch or broiler.
- Serve: Allow the French toast to rest before cutting into squares and enjoying warm.
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