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. Historically, French toast has roots that date back to ancient times, but the crème brûlée variation adds a luxurious flair that has made it a beloved choice for special occasions and leisurely weekends alike.
People adore Crème Brûlée French Toast for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispy caramelized sugar topping contrasts beautifully with the soft, custardy bread, creating a delightful experience in every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to prepare, allowing you to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Join me as we dive into the delicious 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 (optional, for serving)
- Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
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. 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, ensuring that each slice is well coated. You can use a spatula to gently press down on the bread to help it soak up the custard.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, resulting in a creamier texture.
Cooking Process
Once the bread has soaked up all that custard goodness, it’s time to cook our crème brûlée French toast!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking the French toast evenly.
- While the oven is preheating, take the baking dish out of the refrigerator. If you notice any excess custard at the bottom, you can gently stir it to redistribute it.
- 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.
- For an extra crispy top, you can broil the French toast for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
Assembling and Serving
Now that our crème brûlée French toast is baked to perfection, it’s time to serve it up!
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to cut and serve.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the French toast into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- Serve the French toast warm, topped with fresh berries if desired. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a lovely pop of color and freshness.
- For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle some maple syrup over the top. The combination of the caramelized sugar, creamy custard, and syrup is
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 a hint of vanilla or almond extract to the custard, or even incorporating chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor. 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: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
Experience the luxurious blend of crème brûlée and French toast with this indulgent Crème Brûlée French Toast. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy brunch, this dish features rich custard-soaked brioche topped with a caramelized brown sugar crust, delivering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Serve warm with fresh berries and maple syrup for an unforgettable 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 (optional, for serving)
- Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 large eggs and whisk until well beaten and slightly frothy.
- Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk to the eggs, 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 the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Arrange the sliced brioche bread in a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches).
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each slice is well coated. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread to help it soak up the custard.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and stir any excess custard at the bottom.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of brown sugar evenly over the top of the soaked bread.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- For an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Let the baked French toast cool for a few minutes before cutting.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve warm.
- Top with fresh berries and drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- For best results, soak the bread overnight to achieve a creamier texture.
- Feel free to customize toppings with your favorite fruits or nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
