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- 1 loaf of brioche bread, sliced thick - 4 large eggs - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup whole milk - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Pinch of salt - 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping) - Fresh berries (for garnish) - Whipped cream (optional for serving) You can swap brioche with challah or Texas toast. These breads soak well too. If you need a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Almond milk works great if you want to skip dairy. You can also use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor. Brioche provides a soft texture and sweet taste. Eggs help bind everything together and add protein. Heavy cream adds richness, while milk keeps the custard smooth. Vanilla extract brings a warm aroma. Cinnamon adds a sweet spice that makes each bite exciting. Fresh berries add color and a burst of flavor, making the dish look great. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. In it, whisk together 4 large eggs and 1 cup of heavy cream. Next, add 1/2 cup of whole milk and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. This mix is key for a rich flavor. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until it is smooth and well combined. This custard will soak the bread and give it that creamy taste. Now, you need to soak the brioche bread. Slice the loaf into thick pieces. Place these slices in a shallow dish. Pour the custard mixture over the slices. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, an hour is even better. Flip the bread halfway through to soak both sides. This step makes every bite soft and full of flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the bread soaks. Grease a baking dish with butter to help prevent sticking. Arrange the soaked brioche slices in a single layer in the dish. Pour any leftover custard over the top. Evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup of brown sugar on top for that sweet crunch. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for the French toast to be puffed and golden brown. Finally, to get the crispy top, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the brown sugar, or place it under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. To make the custard smooth, whisk the eggs well. Mix them with cream and milk until blended. Stir in the sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. This mix should be liquid but not too thin. Let the bread soak long enough to soak up the custard. Aim for about one hour. This gives you a rich taste in every bite. Brioche bread works best for this recipe. It is soft and has a sweet flavor. Challah is another great choice. It is fluffy and holds the custard well. You can also use sourdough for a tangy twist. Just pick bread that is thick and sturdy to avoid sogginess. To get that perfect crispy top, sprinkle brown sugar evenly. Use a kitchen torch to melt the sugar. Move the torch slowly to avoid burning. If you don’t have a torch, put it under the broiler for a few minutes. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. The goal is a beautiful, golden crust that gives a satisfying crunch. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use brioche that is a day or two old. It absorbs the custard mixture better without becoming too soggy. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavors by adding orange zest or almond extract to the custard mixture for a unique twist. Let it Rest: Allow the soaked bread to rest for a full hour before baking. This helps the custard fully penetrate the bread for a creamier texture. Serve Immediately: Crème brûlée French toast is best served right out of the oven while the topping is still crispy. Enjoy it hot! {{image_2}} You can add your favorite flavors to this dish. Try adding orange zest for a bright taste. Almond extract offers a nice twist. You can also mix in cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor. If you love spices, consider adding nutmeg or cardamom. These small changes can make a big difference. Each version will have its own charm. You can create your own signature dish with these ideas. This dish pairs well with many toppings. Fresh berries add a pop of color and flavor. You can use strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. A drizzle of maple syrup adds sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream makes it more indulgent. Serve it with crispy bacon for a nice salty contrast. A hot cup of coffee or tea complements the meal perfectly. You can make it a special brunch treat for family or friends. You can make this dish gluten-free easily. Use gluten-free brioche or bread. There are many great options available now. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream and milk with almond or coconut milk. Silken tofu can replace eggs if you need to avoid them. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty treat. You can still achieve that creamy texture and sweet taste with these swaps. To keep your crème brûlée French toast fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between the slices to prevent sticking. Refrigerate it for up to three days. This keeps it moist and tasty for later. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat in the oven or toaster oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until warm. This method helps keep the texture nice. You can also freeze this dish for longer storage. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Label and date the bag. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. The best bread for this dish is brioche. Brioche is soft and rich. It soaks up the custard well. You can also use challah. Challah has a nice texture too. Avoid regular sandwich bread, as it won’t give the same taste. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. After soaking the bread, cover it and place it in the fridge. You can soak it overnight for best results. When ready to bake, just take it out and add the brown sugar topping. Then, bake as directed. To get that perfect caramelized top, sprinkle brown sugar evenly. Use a kitchen torch for the best results. Hold the torch about 2 inches above the sugar. Move in small circles until the sugar melts and turns golden. If you don’t have a torch, broil it for a few minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning. Yes, you can make a vegan version! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat. Replace eggs with a mixture of ground flaxseed and water. For the cream, use coconut cream or any plant-based cream. This way, you can enjoy the same creamy texture without the animal products. This blog covered all you need to know for making Creme Brulee French Toast. We explored key ingredients and their benefits, then detailed each step of the recipe. I shared tips for perfecting your custard and achieving a great caramelized top. Plus, I offered creative variations and storage ideas. In summary, this dish is a tasty treat for any occasion. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and share this delightful recipe with friends!

Crème Brûlée French Toast

A delicious twist on classic French toast, featuring a rich custard base and a caramelized sugar topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine French
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf brioche bread, sliced thick
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 2 cup whole milk
  • 1 2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
  • 1 serving fresh berries (for garnish)
  • 1 serving whipped cream (optional for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined and smooth.
  • Place the brioche slices into a shallow dish and pour the custard mixture over them. Ensure every slice is well-coated. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, ideally about 1 hour. Flip them halfway through to soak thoroughly.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a baking dish or large skillet with butter to prevent sticking.
  • Place the soaked brioche slices into the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Pour any remaining custard mixture evenly over the top.
  • Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the soaked bread, ensuring to cover the entire surface.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed and golden brown, and the custard is set.
  • For a crème brûlée effect, use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the brown sugar topping until it’s golden and crispy. If you don’t have a torch, place under the broiler for a couple of minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Notes

For a crème brûlée effect, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar topping.
Keyword breakfast, dessert, french toast