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
Scale
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.
