Crème Brûlée French Toast Delight

Crème Brûlée French Toast transforms an ordinary morning into a gourmet experience by blending the rich custardy flavors of crème brûlée with the soft, comforting texture of French toast. This luxurious dish is perfect for special breakfasts, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself to something indulgent.

I first made this on a lazy weekend, and now it’s become a family favorite for special mornings. The way the caramelized top crackles under the spoon is pure joy.

Ingredients

• One loaf of brioche or challah bread (12 to 14 slices) for ultimate softness and butteriness: fresh bread works best to absorb the custard
• Four large eggs: to create a rich and stable custard base
• One cup whole milk adds creaminess: almond or oat milk can be used if you prefer dairy-free
• Half a cup heavy cream ensures a luxurious custard texture: half-and-half is a lighter alternative
• Half a cup granulated sugar sweetens the custard: brown sugar can deepen the flavor
• One tablespoon vanilla extract brightens the custard's aroma: vanilla bean paste is an excellent upgrade for extra flavor punch
• Half teaspoon ground cinnamon adds warmth: nutmeg works well as a substitute for a slightly different spice
• Pinch of salt: balances sweetness and enhances all flavors
• Optional toppings: include fresh berries for brightness, powdered sugar for dusting, and maple syrup for classic sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Prepare the Bread:

Slice the brioche or challah into thick 1-inch pieces to hold the custard without falling apart. Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish overlapping slightly to ensure even soaking.

Step 2 Make the Custard:

In a large bowl combine eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully blended to create your custard base.

Step 3 Soak the Bread:

Pour the custard evenly over the arranged bread slices. Gently press down on the slices to help them absorb the liquid fully. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 4 Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius to ensure even baking and a nicely browned crust.

Step 5 Bake the French Toast:

Remove the custard-soaked bread from the fridge, uncover, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The custard should set and the top should turn golden brown. For extra crispness, broil for 2 to 3 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6 Brûlée the Top:

Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar evenly over the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp golden crust. If you don’t have a torch, use your oven broiler but keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 7 Serve:

Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup if you like for an extra special finish.

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Storage Tips

Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven to keep the crispness intact, avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. If freezing, wrap soaked slices individually in plastic wrap, then seal in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free bread to make the recipe suitable for gluten sensitivity. Swap whole milk and cream with plant-based milks like almond or oat for a dairy-free version. Replace granulated sugar with natural sweeteners such as honey or pure maple syrup if you want a more natural sweetness. For vegan custard, use a flaxseed "egg" mixture instead of real eggs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a warm berry compote made by gently simmering mixed berries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice to add tart contrast. Freshly whipped cream adds a cloud of indulgence. Toasted chopped almonds or pecans add a satisfying crunch and nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy custard.

Pro Tips

• Make sure to soak the bread long enough for full custard absorption, overnight soaking is ideal for deep flavor and perfect texture
• Do not skip using high-quality vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, it dramatically uplifts the custard’s flavor
• Be patient during the brûlée step, ensure an even sugar layer and caramelize carefully to create the signature crisp crust without burning

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I make this vegan?

Yes, replace each egg with a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and swap dairy with plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.

→ How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread instead of brioche or challah to suit gluten-free dietary needs without compromising the custardy texture.

→ Is it okay to soak the bread overnight?

Absolutely. Refrigerating soaked bread overnight deepens flavor and enhances the custard’s richness for a more luscious finish.

→ What’s the best way to caramelize the sugar topping?

Use a kitchen torch to evenly caramelize granulated sugar, creating a thin, crackly crust. Alternatively, broil briefly, but watch closely to avoid burning.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store cooled portions in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or conventional oven at 350°F for best texture; avoid microwaving.