Crème Brûlée French Toast

Ah, the magic of brunch! It holds a special place in our hearts, doesn’t it? Picture this: a lazy Sunday morning, sunlight streaming through the kitchen window, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. This is exactly what the Crème Brûlée French Toast embodies—rich, decadent, and irresistibly inviting. As a child, I would eagerly anticipate Sundays post-church, knowing that my mom would whip up her special version of this dish. It turned our simple morning routine into something extraordinary, a memory I still cherish today.

That’s why I feel so passionate about sharing this recipe with you. It’s not just about satisfying your taste buds—it’s about creating memories with loved ones. Don’t you love how food has that power? Let’s dive into why this French toast is a must-try, shall we?

What makes this recipe special

Why put Crème Brûlée French Toast on your brunch menu tonight? First, let’s talk about flavor. You’ve got the creamy custardy goodness of crème brûlée just waiting to envelop the bread. Each bite is like a warm hug, with flavors dancing on your palate, blending the richness of heavy cream and eggs with the subtle sweetness of sugar and vanilla. It’s a dish that transforms ordinary French toast into a culinary masterpiece!

Then there’s the texture. Imagine perfectly fluffy bread baked until it’s golden, topped with a caramelized sugar crust that adds a satisfying crunch with every bite. You won’t just eat it; you’ll savor it. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time. You can soak the bread overnight, meaning all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven. How fabulous is that? You’ll be showered with compliments, and trust me, you’ll want to hear all about it!

Gather these ingredients

Before we get to the fun part, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need:

• 1 loaf of French bread: Think of this as the canvas for your masterpiece! A baguette or a brioche would also work beautifully, providing a slightly different texture.
• 6 large eggs: These will give your dish the rich custardy essence it craves. Feel free to substitute with egg whites if you’re looking for a lighter option!
• 1 cup heavy cream: This is the secret weapon for that luxurious texture. If you want to lighten it up, half-and-half can do the trick, though it won’t be quite as indulgent.
• 1 cup whole milk: Adds a touch of creaminess; don’t skip it for a balanced flavor!
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: This will sweeten the custard and, later, create a delightful caramel crust. If you’re watching sugar intake, feel free to use a sugar substitute, but keep in mind the caramelization might change.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Dive into the warm, comforting notes—it truly elevates the dish!
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A warm hug for your taste buds—feel free to adjust this to your preference or add a pinch of nutmeg for a twist!
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing): It’s time to turn that sugar into a crunchy top layer that will send your taste buds into overdrive!
• Fresh berries or syrup (for serving, optional): Add some color and freshness! Berries can pair marvelously with the richness of the toast.

Preparing Crème Brûlée French Toast

Let’s get started! Ready to make magic? Here’s how to create this stunning dish:

1. Slice the French bread into thick slices (about 1 inch). Arrange them in a generously greased baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly together.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until it’s a beautiful, smooth mixture.
3. Pour that dreamy egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece gets soaked up—think of it like a warm bath for your bread! Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or even overnight (the longer, the better!).
4. When you’re ready, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes until golden and puffed—just like a soufflé!
5. Once you pull it from the oven, sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. Now comes the fun part: either use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it’s bubbly and golden brown, or broil it in the oven for a couple of minutes. Keep an eye on it—it can go from gorgeous to burnt in a blink!
6. Serve warm, adorning it with fresh berries or drizzling with syrup if you like. Dig in, and enjoy every last morsel!

Best way to enjoy it

So, how do you plate this beauty? A simple presentation can make all the difference! Serve each slice on a warm plate alongside a handful of fresh berries for that pop of color. Maple syrup? Yes, please! Or you can drizzle a spiced orange syrup for a unique twist. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar is always a winner! Don’t forget a little whipped cream on the side if you want to indulge even more.

Storage and reheating tips

Let’s be real; this French toast is utterly delightful fresh out of the oven, but leftovers can be stored too! If you have any, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and stick it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or for a quicker fix, microwave it for about a minute. Just keep in mind the sugar topping won’t be as crunchy after reheating, but oh, it will still taste heavenly!

Helpful cooking tips

• Let the bread sit out for a bit before slicing—it’ll make it less likely to crumble as you cut.
• If you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought French bread also works, but don’t forget to give it a little toast to dry it out, so it holds up well.
• For a different flavor profile, consider adding a splash of orange or almond extract to the egg mixture. It adds a new dimension and is simply divine!

Recipe variations

Feeling brave? Here are a few fun twists you can give this dish:

• Chocolate Chip Crème Brûlée French Toast: Sprinkle some chocolate chips between layers for an indulgent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Savory Spin: Swap the sugar for cheese and herbs for a delightful savory twist. Think of it as French toast meets savory bread pudding.
• Berry Bliss: Toss in your favorite berries into the batter for an extra fruity explosion. Raspberry or strawberries pair perfectly!

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of French bread
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
• Fresh berries or syrup (for serving, optional)

Directions to follow

1. Slice the French bread into thick slices and arrange in a greased baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, 3/4 cup sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices, ensuring they are well soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the French toast for 30-35 minutes until puffed and golden.
5. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and caramelize the sugar using a kitchen torch or broil until bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve warm with fresh berries or syrup.

Your questions answered

• Can I prepare it the night before? Yes, soaking overnight actually enhances the flavors, making the toast even better!
• What bread is best to use? A sturdy French or brioche bread works wonders due to its ability to absorb the custard without falling apart.
• Can I make it gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread, and you’re good to go.
• How long will leftovers last? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about three days. Reheat gently to enjoy!
• Is adding fruit really necessary? Nope! It’s purely optional, but a little freshness from berries complements the rich flavors beautifully.

This Crème Brûlée French Toast transforms any meal into an occasion filled with warmth and joy. It truly embodies the spirit of togetherness that Sunday brunch is all about. So why not gather your loved ones, give this recipe a try, and create memories that will linger long after the last bite? I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, adaptations, and personal touches in the comments. Let’s savor this together!

Print Recipe

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Crème Brûlée French Toast

Cooking Method: Baking Courses: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy M Make Ahead

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 35 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 55 mins

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 350

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Savor the rich and decadent flavors of Crème Brûlée French Toast, a perfect brunch delight that transforms a simple meal into a cherished memory.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread (Or brioche for a different texture.)
• 6 large eggs (Can substitute with egg whites for a lighter option.)
• 1 cup heavy cream (Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.)
• 1 cup whole milk (Adds creaminess.)
• ³⁄₄ cup granulated sugar (For custard and caramel crust.)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (Enhances flavor.)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground cinnamon (Adjust to taste.)
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt (Balances sweetness.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar (For caramelizing.)
• 1 cup fresh berries or syrup (For serving (optional).)

Directions

Preparation Steps

1. Slice and Arrange

   Slice the French bread into thick slices and arrange in a greased baking dish.
   Mark as complete

2. Mix the Custard

   In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
   Mark as complete

3. Soak the Bread

   Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices, ensuring they are well soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
   Soaking overnight enhances the flavors.
   Mark as complete

4. Bake

   Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the French toast for 30-35 minutes until puffed and golden.
   Mark as complete

5. Caramelize

   Remove from the oven, sprinkle with sugar, and caramelize using a kitchen torch or broil until bubbly and golden brown.
   Watch closely to prevent burning.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve

   Serve warm with fresh berries or syrup.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 12g60%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 186mg62%

Sodium 290mg13%

Potassium 300mg9%

Total Carbohydrate 40g14%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 20g

Protein 11g22%

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Vitamin A 750 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 150 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 0 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 1 mg

Vitamin B6 0 mg

Folate 50 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0 mg

Phosphorus 200 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 10 mg

Zinc 1 mg

Selenium 15 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0.2 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Great for meal prep as it can be soaked overnight and baked in the morning.

Keywords: French toast, crème brûlée, brunch, breakfast, dessert