If you’ve ever dreamed of breakfast that feels like a decadent dessert, the Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe is here to make those dreams come true. Imagine the rich, creamy custard soaking into tender slices of brioche or challah, baked to golden perfection, then topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust just like traditional crème brûlée – this dish perfectly balances elegance with comforting nostalgia. Every bite delivers a symphony of flavors and textures that’s bound to brighten up any morning or brunch gathering, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe lies in a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that work together to create a rich custard and a beautifully caramelized finish. Each item plays a key role, from the softness of the bread to the warm hint of cinnamon that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Brioche or Challah Bread: Choosing a loaf with a soft, fluffy texture ensures the custard soaks in just right, creating that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Large Eggs: Eggs build the rich custard base that gives the French toast its creamy structure and subtle flavor.
- Whole Milk or Dairy-Free Milk: Milk adds moisture and creaminess, making the custard tender while keeping it light.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: This is the secret weapon for an extra lush custard, giving the dish a comforting richness.
- Granulated or Brown Sugar: Sugar sweetens the custard and caramelizes beautifully on top, forming that iconic crunchy glaze.
- Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste: A splash of vanilla brings aromatic warmth and sweetness to the custard.
- Ground Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds a cozy spice note that perfectly complements the creamy custard.
- Pinch of Salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.
How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by slicing your brioche or challah loaf into thick, hearty slices — around 12 to 14 will work beautifully. Arrange these slices snugly in a greased baking dish, ready to soak up all the luscious custard you’re about to make. This step sets the stage for the toast’s tenderness and flavor.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until you have a smooth and fragrant custard. This custard mixture is where all that indulgent richness comes from, so take a moment to appreciate the aroma as it comes together.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard evenly over the bread, gently pressing down so each slice absorbs as much as possible. Cover your dish and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes — though if you can plan ahead, soaking it overnight intensifies the flavors and makes the texture sublime.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is just right for cooking the custard through without drying out the bread, ensuring a creamy inside and a golden outside.
Step 5: Bake the French Toast
Take the soaked bread out of the fridge and pop the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the custard sets and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. For an extra special finish, broil the toast for 2 to 3 minutes to get the surface crisped up perfectly.
Step 6: Brûlée the Top
The pièce de résistance is the brûlée crust. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar over the top of the baked French toast. Using a kitchen torch, melt and caramelize the sugar to form that iconic crispy, glassy crust. If you don’t have a torch, a quick broil under your oven’s broiler works wonderfully as well—just keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 7: Serve
Allow the French toast to cool for a couple of minutes so the custard firms up just enough. Then, plate it up and add your favorite toppings like fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of pure maple syrup. Each bite delivers the ultimate balance of creamy custard and crisp caramelized sugar crust.
How to Serve Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Classic garnishes like fresh berries lend a bright, tart contrast that cuts through the richness beautifully. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and an elegant finish, while a drizzle of maple syrup enhances the caramel notes, tying all the flavors together perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe with crispy bacon or savory sausage to add a salty counterpoint that makes each bite even more enjoyable. Fresh fruit salad or a dollop of lightly whipped cream also complements the dish with refreshing brightness and extra luxury.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets or mason jars for a charming rustic feel. Layer with caramelized bananas or poached pears to add extra texture and flavor, or try sprinkling crushed nuts on top of the brûlée crust before torching for a delightful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture may soften slightly, but the custardy richness remains just as satisfying with a quick reheat.
Freezing
If you want to save this French toast for later, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a 325°F oven until warmed through to maintain the custard’s creamy texture. For that satisfying crisp top, you can briefly use a kitchen torch or pop it under the broiler for a minute just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah is traditional because of their soft texture and slight sweetness, you can substitute other breads like French bread or even thick-cut white sandwich bread. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to soak the custard without falling apart.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap out the whole milk and heavy cream for almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based cream alternative. The custard will still be deliciously creamy, though the flavor may vary slightly depending on your choices.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Definitely! In fact, soaking the bread overnight allows the custard to infuse the slices fully, resulting in an even richer and more flavorful Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe. Just remember to cover it well in the fridge.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch—how can I brûlée the top?
No worries! You can sprinkle sugar on top of the baked French toast and place it under the preheated broiler for a minute or two. Keep a close eye to ensure the sugar caramelizes without burning.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, this recipe scales up beautifully. Use a larger baking dish or multiple dishes and adjust cooking time slightly if needed. Just ensure the custard covers the bread evenly and soak time is adequate.
Final Thoughts
This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe is a brilliant way to turn any breakfast or brunch into a special occasion. It’s comfort food with a touch of sophistication that’s surprisingly easy to make and endlessly satisfying. I encourage you to try it out, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the smiles that come with every caramelized, creamy bite.
Print
Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes plus soaking time (minimum 30 minutes to overnight soaking recommended)
- Yield: 12-14 slices, serves 6-8 people
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Indulge in this decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast, a luxurious twist on classic French toast inspired by the creamy, caramelized dessert. Thick slices of brioche or challah bread are soaked in a rich vanilla-cinnamon custard, baked until golden and set, then topped with a crisp caramelized sugar crust. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, it’s finished with fresh berries and maple syrup for a truly elegant treat.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (12–14 slices)
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or nutmeg)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the brioche or challah into thick slices and arrange them evenly in a greased baking dish to create the base for the custard soak.
- Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the arranged bread slices, pressing down gently so each slice absorbs the custard fully. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, to allow thorough soaking.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the soaked bread.
- Bake the French Toast: Remove the soaking dish from the refrigerator and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set inside. For an extra crispy top, broil it for 2 to 3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Brûlée the Top: Evenly sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the baked French toast. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust; alternatively, you can place it under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve the perfect brûlée topping.
- Serve: Allow the French toast to cool briefly before serving. Garnish with fresh berries, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup if desired for a delightful presentation and flavor enhancement.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk and a suitable non-dairy cream alternative.
- Overnight soaking enhances flavor and ensures a creamy texture throughout the French toast.
- Using a kitchen torch for caramelizing sugar creates a perfect brûlée crust, but broiling is a good alternative if a torch is unavailable.
- Thick slices of brioche or challah are ideal for absorbing the custard without becoming too soggy.
- Feel free to use vanilla bean paste instead of extract for a more intense vanilla flavor.
- The addition of cinnamon or nutmeg can be adjusted according to personal taste preferences.
