If you’re ready to elevate your breakfast game, this Crème Brûlée French Toast is the perfect way to do it. Imagine thick slices of bread soaked in a rich custard, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a crisp, caramelized sugar topping. This decadent dish combines all the creamy sweetness of crème brûlée with the comforting flavors of French toast.
Whether you’re serving it for a special brunch or treating yourself to an indulgent weekend breakfast, this French toast is sure to impress. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started!
Crème Brûlée French Toast – A Luxurious Twist on a Classic Breakfast
Ingredients
For the French Toast
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread sliced into 1-inch thick slices
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
For the Crème Brûlée Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Optional Toppings
- Fresh berries strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
Substitutions
- Vegan: Use plant-based milk and a vegan egg substitute and replace the butter with coconut oil.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread.
- Low-Sodium: This recipe is naturally low-sodium.
Instructions
Prepare the Custard
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
Soak the Bread
- Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in a shallow dish or baking pan.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure each slice is fully soaked.
- Let the bread sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the custard.
Cook the French Toast
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or oil.
- Place the soaked bread slices in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked French toast to a baking sheet.
Make the Crème Brûlée Topping
- Brush each slice of French toast with melted butter, then sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top of each slice.
Caramelize the Sugar
- Preheat your oven’s broiler on high.
- Place the sugar-topped French toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the sugar is bubbly and caramelized.
- Watch closely to avoid burning!
- Alternatively, you can use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar on each slice.
Serve
- Serve the Crème Brûlée French Toast hot, topped with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 slice of French toast):
- Calories: 400-450
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Sugar: 20g
Notes/Advice:
- Additions/Subtractions:
- If you prefer a less sweet French toast, reduce the amount of sugar in the custard and use less sugar for the brûlée topping.
- You can use any type of thick bread, but brioche and challah work best for their light, buttery texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different flavors—try adding a splash of rum or bourbon to the custard for a boozy twist.
Variations:
- Spiced Crème Brûlée French Toast: Add a pinch of nutmeg and cardamom to the custard for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Crème Brûlée French Toast: Stir a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the custard mixture and drizzle melted chocolate over the finished French toast.
- Citrus Crème Brûlée French Toast: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the custard for a bright, citrusy twist.
Suggestions:
- Serving Ideas: This decadent French toast pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or espresso. It’s also perfect with a mimosa or a fresh fruit salad for brunch. For a truly indulgent breakfast, drizzle some warm maple syrup over the top.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the custard and soak the bread slices the night before. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then cook and caramelize the sugar in the morning for a quick and impressive breakfast.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or under the broiler to re-crisp the sugar topping.
Final Thoughts:
And there you have it—Crème Brûlée French Toast that’s rich, creamy, and caramelized to perfection! This luxurious twist on classic French toast is the ultimate way to indulge in a special breakfast or brunch. With its crispy sugar topping and creamy custard-soaked bread, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, treat yourself to this decadent dish, and enjoy a sweet start to your day. Bon appétit!
