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Crème Brûlée French Toast

Crème Brûlée French Toast

Crème Brûlée French Toast is a luxurious breakfast dish that fuses the creamy custard of classic crème brûlée with the comforting warmth of French toast. Featuring thick slices of brioche or challah soaked in a rich custard made with eggs, heavy cream, vanilla, and brown sugar, then cooked to golden perfection and topped with a crisp caramelized sugar crust, this recipe creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ideal for special weekend brunches or cozy mornings, it’s easy to prepare yet impressively elegant.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

  • Thick slices of brioche or challah (4-6 slices)

Custard Mixture

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons butter

Topping

  • Granulated sugar (for caramelizing, about 1 tablespoon per slice)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until smooth and fully combined, creating a rich and creamy custard base.
  2. Soak the Bread: Dip each thick bread slice into the custard, allowing it to absorb the mixture without becoming overly soggy. Let the excess drip off to maintain proper texture.
  3. Cook the French Toast: Heat butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook the soaked bread slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly firm, ensuring the custard is set inside.
  4. Caramelize the Sugar Topping: Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on the cooked slices. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until a crisp, golden crust forms. Alternatively, you can broil briefly while watching carefully to avoid burning.
  5. Serve Immediately: Serve the French toast hot to enjoy the contrast between the crunchy caramelized sugar topping and the soft, custardy bread beneath.

Notes

  • Use day-old or slightly stale brioche or challah for better custard absorption without falling apart.
  • Allow sufficient soaking time for the bread to fully absorb the custard for maximum creaminess.
  • Caramelize sugar carefully using a kitchen torch or broiler to prevent burning.
  • Cook over medium heat slowly to ensure custard sets inside without burning the outside.
  • Serve right away to enjoy the crisp crust and creamy interior at their best.

Nutrition

Keywords: crème brûlée french toast, custard french toast, brunch recipe, decadent breakfast, caramelized sugar topping