Crème Brûlée French Toast is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite that will elevate your morning routine to a whole new level. Imagine the rich, creamy texture of traditional crème brûlée combined with the comforting familiarity of French toast. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a touch of elegance to your brunch table. Originating from the French culinary tradition, crème brûlée has long been celebrated for its luxurious custard base and caramelized sugar topping. By transforming this beloved dessert into a breakfast dish, we create a unique experience that is both indulgent and satisfying.
People adore Crème Brûlée French Toast for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispy, caramelized top gives way to a soft, custardy interior, making each bite a heavenly experience. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to prepare, allowing you to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a weekend brunch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Join me as we dive into the delightful world of Crème Brûlée French Toast!
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of brioche bread (about 1 pound), sliced into 1-inch thick slices
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- Fresh berries (for serving, optional)
- Maple syrup (for serving, optional)
Preparing the Batter
Let’s start by preparing the custard batter that will give our French toast that rich, creamy texture reminiscent of crème brûlée.
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 large eggs. Make sure to use fresh eggs for the best flavor and texture.
- Whisk the eggs until they are well beaten and slightly frothy. This will help incorporate air into the mixture, making the French toast light and fluffy.
- Next, add in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk. The combination of these two will create a rich custard base. Whisk until everything is well combined.
- Now, it’s time to sweeten things up! Add in 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. The cinnamon adds a warm flavor, while the vanilla enhances the sweetness. Whisk again until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Soaking the Bread
Now that we have our custard ready, it’s time to soak the brioche bread slices. This step is crucial as it allows the bread to absorb all that delicious custard flavor.
- Take your sliced brioche bread and arrange it in a large baking dish. You can fit about 8 slices in a standard 9×13 inch dish.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices. Make sure each slice is well coated. You can use a spatula to gently press down on the bread to ensure it absorbs the custard.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all the flavors and ensures a creamy texture when cooked.
Cooking Process
Once the bread has soaked, it’s time to cook our crème brûlée French toast. This is where the magic happens!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the French toast evenly without burning it.
- While the oven is preheating, take the baking dish out of the refrigerator. If you notice any excess custard at the bottom, gently pour it over the bread slices.
- Now, sprinkle 1/2 cup of brown sugar evenly over the top of the soaked bread. This will create that signature caramelized crust that we all love in crème brûlée.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This will help the custard set a little more and make it easier to slice.
Assembling and Serving
Now that our crème brûlée French toast is baked to perfection, it’s time to serve it up!
- Using a sharp knife, cut the French toast into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- For an extra touch, you can use a kitchen torch to caramelize the top layer of brown sugar. Simply sprinkle a little more brown sugar on top of each piece and use the torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy crust. Be careful not to burn it!
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the French toast under
Conclusion:
In summary, this Crème Brûlée French Toast is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast game. The combination of rich custard, caramelized sugar, and soft, fluffy bread creates a delightful experience that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion, a weekend brunch, or just because you deserve a treat, this recipe is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Crème Brûlée French Toast with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also experiment with variations by adding flavors like vanilla bean, orange zest, or even a hint of cinnamon to the custard mixture for a unique twist. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media so we can celebrate your delicious creation together. Trust me, once you taste this Crème Brûlée French Toast, you’ll be hooked and eager to make it again and again! Print
Crème Brûlée French Toast: A Decadent Breakfast Delight You Must Try
- Total Time: 110 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast, featuring rich brioche soaked in a creamy custard and topped with a caramelized sugar crust. Perfect for brunch or a special breakfast treat!
Ingredients
Scale- 1 loaf of brioche bread (about 1 pound), sliced into 1-inch thick slices
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- Fresh berries (for serving, optional)
- Maple syrup (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 large eggs and whisk until well beaten and slightly frothy.
- Add in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk, whisking until well combined.
- Stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Arrange the sliced brioche bread in a large baking dish.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each slice is well coated. Press down gently with a spatula.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and pour any excess custard over the bread.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of brown sugar evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and set. Check for doneness with a knife.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Cut the French toast into squares or rectangles.
- Optionally, caramelize the top layer of brown sugar with a kitchen torch or under the broiler.
- Serve warm with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- This recipe can be made ahead of time by soaking the bread overnight.
- You can also customize the toppings with your favorite fruits or nuts.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of orange or almond extract to the custard mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
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