Indulge in Crème Brûlée French Toast – A Decadent Treat

Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent breakfast dish that combines the creamy, rich flavors of classic crème brûlée with the comforting familiarity of French toast. Picture this: golden-brown slices of bread soaked in a velvety custard, topped with a sugary crust that crackles under your fork. hearty stuffed pepper soup It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you want to leap out of bed just to savor the first bite. For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Cheesecake Squares recipe.

I remember the first time I made Crème Brûlée French Toast. It was an impromptu Sunday brunch with friends, and honestly, I was just trying to impress them. The moment they took their first bite, their eyes rolled back in delight – and let me tell you, it was more rewarding than any Michelin star! This dish shines during lazy weekends or festive holidays when you want to treat yourself (and others) to something truly special. For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Lavender Cookies recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Crème Brûlée French Toast is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for any skill level
  • The flavor profile balances sweetness with a hint of vanilla and caramel notes
  • Its beautiful presentation makes it a showstopper on any brunch table
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough for holiday gatherings or cozy family breakfasts

When I unveiled this masterpiece at brunch, my friends’ delighted reactions made all the effort worthwhile!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Thick-cut Bread: Use brioche or challah for a buttery texture that holds up beautifully against the custard.

  • Eggs: Fresh eggs are key to achieving a rich custard base that enhances flavor and texture.

  • Heavy Cream: Opt for heavy cream for that luxurious mouthfeel reminiscent of traditional crème brûlée.

  • Granulated Sugar: You’ll need some sugar for both the custard and that glorious caramelized topping.

  • Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to your custard mixture.

  • Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon gives a subtle spice which complements the sweetness perfectly. cozy sweet potato hash.

  • Salt: Just a pinch enhances all those lovely flavors without being overpowering.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Create the Custard Mixture: Start by whisking together eggs, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.

Prepare the Bread: Slice your thick-cut bread into generous pieces; about one-inch thick works best for soaking up all that custard goodness.

Soak the Bread: Place the bread slices in a shallow dish and pour the custard mixture over them. Let it soak for at least 20 minutes; longer if you can wait!

Cook on Stovetop: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook each slice for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and slightly crispy.

Add Sugar Topping: Once cooked, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top of each slice while still warm.

Caramelize Under Broiler: Place slices under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the sugar melts and bubbles create that signature crackly crust; keep an eye on them! savory turkey melt sliders.

Now you’re ready to serve this divine Crème Brûlée French Toast! With every crackle under your fork revealing creamy perfection inside, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t made it sooner. Enjoy with fresh berries or maple syrup—your taste buds will thank you!

You Must Know

  • Crème Brûlée French Toast transforms breakfast into a gourmet experience
  • Its rich custard and caramelized sugar elevate the classic toast, making it a favorite among friends and family
  • Don’t be surprised if they ask for seconds—it’s that good!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your custard ingredients and soaking the bread until well absorbed. While it’s soaking, preheat your skillet to medium heat for perfect cooking. This method ensures an even texture and delightful flavor that will leave everyone asking for your secret.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to switch up the bread type; challah or brioche adds sweetness and richness. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a personal twist. These minor changes can infuse unique flavors, making your dish even more memorable.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Crème Brûlée French Toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. crispy oven baked sweet potatoes Avoid microwaving, as that will ruin its crispy top.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For best results, let the bread soak longer for more custard flavor
  • Use a blowtorch for caramelizing sugar; it gives better results than broiling
  • Always taste your custard mix before soaking—adjust sweetness as needed to match your preference!

Cooking this dish always reminds me of a sunny Sunday morning spent with friends, laughter ringing through the air as we indulged in this decadent treat together. Their smiles were all the feedback I needed!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I make Crème Brûlée French Toast ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

What type of bread is best for this recipe?

Challah or brioche works wonderfully due to their rich texture and flavor absorption.

How do I achieve a perfect caramelized top?

Use a kitchen torch for an even texture; broiling can lead to uneven caramelization and burnt edges.

Print
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Crème Brûlée French Toast


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  • Author: Hellen
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4 (2 slices per person) 1x

Description

Crème Brûlée French Toast is a luxurious breakfast treat that beautifully marries the creamy essence of classic crème brûlée with the comfort of French toast. Imagine thick slices of brioche soaked in a silky custard, finished with a caramelized sugar crust that crackles delightfully. Perfect for brunch gatherings or special occasions, this dish promises to impress your family and friends with its decadent flavor and stunning presentation.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (divided)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, ¼ cup sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
  2. Slice the bread into 1-inch thick pieces and place them in a shallow dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, allowing it to soak for at least 20 minutes.
  3. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook each slice for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Sprinkle remaining sugar on top of each slice while still warm. Broil for 1-2 minutes until the sugar caramelizes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Frying/Broiling
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 210mg
Chef & Blogger

Hellen Weiss

Hi, I’m Hellen Weiss—a passionate home cook, food lover, and recipe creator! My kitchen is my happy place, where I experiment with flavors, recreate family favorites, and discover new dishes to share with you.