Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how a simple breakfast can transform into a gourmet experience? Crème Brûlée French Toast combines the rich flavors of traditional crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast. This delightful twist elevates your morning routine with creamy custard and a caramelized sugar crust.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (12-14 slices)
• 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
• Optional toppings: fresh berries, powdered sugar, maple syrup

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the brioche or challah into 1-inch thick slices and arrange them in a greased baking dish, slightly overlapping.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices. Press down gently to soak the bread. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Step 5: Remove the dish from the refrigerator and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is set. For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize until crispy and golden. Alternatively, broil for a minute or two, watching closely.
7. Step 7: Let cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use whole grain or gluten-free bread for added fiber and dietary needs.
• Substitute low-fat milk and cream or plant-based milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
• Swap granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute to reduce calories.
• For extra flavor, add nutmeg instead of cinnamon or use vanilla bean paste.
• Serve with a warm berry compote or whipped cream for an indulgent touch.

Storage

Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain texture. Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy. You can freeze custard-soaked bread slices before baking, wrapped tightly in plastic and stored in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute each egg with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk and cream alternatives to make it vegan.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply replace the brioche or challah with your favorite gluten-free bread to enjoy this recipe gluten-free.

Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

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Crème Brûlée French Toast is a luxurious and decadent breakfast dish that combines the rich, creamy custard of traditional crème brûlée with the comforting, buttery texture of French toast. Made with brioche or challah bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, baked to perfection, and topped with caramelized sugar for a crisp, sweet crust, this recipe elevates your morning with a gourmet twist.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Essential Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (12–14 slices)
• 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

Optional Toppings:

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Cut the brioche or challah into thick slices about 1 inch thick and arrange them in a greased baking dish, slightly overlapping to ensure even soaking.
2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the 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 mixture evenly over the bread slices. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it absorbs the custard mixture thoroughly. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for enhanced flavor and texture.
4. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to reach temperature for even baking.
5. Bake the French Toast: Remove the custard-soaked bread from the refrigerator and uncover. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. For a crispier top, broil for an extra 2-3 minutes while watching carefully to prevent burning.
6. Brûlée the Top: Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust. If a torch is unavailable, place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
7. Serve: Allow the Crème Brûlée French Toast to cool slightly. Serve topped with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired. Enjoy the rich and elegant breakfast treat.

Notes

• Use whole grain or gluten-free bread to increase fiber content and dietary options.
• Substitute low-fat milk and cream or plant-based alternatives to reduce calories and fat.
• Replace granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia for a healthier sweetness.
• Soaking the bread overnight produces a deeper flavor and creamier texture.
• Monitor baking time carefully to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the French toast.
• Use high-quality ingredients, especially bread and vanilla, for the best flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F to maintain texture; avoid microwaving.
• Freezing pre-soaked bread slices is possible for up to 2 months; thaw before baking.

Keywords: Crème Brûlée French Toast, French Toast, Crème Brûlée, Breakfast Recipe, Brioche French Toast, Custard French Toast, Gourmet Breakfast