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Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 13 reviews

Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent breakfast dish that combines the rich custard-soaked brioche or challah bread with a crisp caramelized sugar topping, reminiscent of classic crème brûlée dessert. This luxurious recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and warm flavors, making it an indulgent start to your morning or a delightful brunch treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Essential Ingredients

  • 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (12–14 slices)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Cut the brioche or challah into thick slices about 1-inch thick. Arrange them in a greased baking dish, overlapping slightly to ensure even soaking.
  2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
  3. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard over the bread slices, pressing down gently to make sure the bread absorbs the custard fully. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or preferably overnight for enhanced flavor.
  4. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for even cooking and to achieve a golden crust.
  5. Bake the French Toast: Remove the dish from the refrigerator, uncover it, and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and custard is set. Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispier surface, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  6. Brûlée the Top: Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar evenly over the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust. If no torch is available, place under broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping close watch.
  7. Serve: Allow the French toast to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh berries, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup to enhance flavors and presentation.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk, and coconut cream respectively.
  • If you prefer a lighter custard, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar to add a richer depth of flavor.
  • Overnight soaking results in a more custardy and flavorful French toast.
  • Always watch carefully when broiling or torching the sugar to avoid burning.
  • This recipe can be made a day ahead and reheated gently in the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crème Brûlée French Toast, French toast recipe, custard soaked bread, caramelized sugar topping, brunch dish, brioche French toast

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/creme-brulee-french-toast-recipe/