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