Crème brûlée french toast! Yes, you read that right. Crème brûlée french toast, where the creamy, custardlike center of perfect french toast meets the crackly, caramelized top of crème brûlée. The first time I tasted this heavenly combination, it was a chilly Christmas morning, and the warmth and sweetness were pure magic. Ever since, I have been determined to recreate that experience at home, and now I’m sharing my perfected recipe with you. Get ready for a breakfast experience that will change your brunch game forever.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This crème brûlée french toast Recipe
This crème brûlée french toast is so much more than just a sweet breakfast; it’s an experience. I always get requests for this recipe to be made for our holiday breakfast and when we are planning a decadent brunch! It is perfect for a holiday breakfast or any weekend morning when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special.
What makes this recipe so special? First, is the incredible flavor that comes from soaking thick slices of bread in a rich vanilla custard. Then comes the real magic: a sprinkle of sugar over the top, caramelized to golden, brittle perfection in the oven. Every bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, a delicious balance of soft, creamy, and crunchy.
This creme brulee french toast is mostly an overnight french toast, which means you can prepare it in advance. What a plus! Let it sit in the fridge and bake the next day. It will save you a ton of time getting breakfast on the table.
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Ingredients Needed for This crème brûlée french toast Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. I’ve made it so the ingredient list is easy to follow. The result is an amazing flavor!
For the Custard Soak:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices of thick cut bread (Challah, Brioche, or Texas Toast work great)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
How to Make This crème brûlée french toast Recipe
Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps to create your own crème brûlée french toast magic. Don’t worry if you aren’t a pro in the kitchen. With this easy recipe, you will definitely impress your family and friends!
- 1. Prepare the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if using) until well combined.
- 2. Soak the Bread: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly soaked. Arrange the soaked bread slices in the prepared baking dish in single layer.
- 3. Refrigerate Overnight (Recommended): Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a richer and creamier french toast. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the results won’t be quite as decadent. This is a great overnight french toast recipe!
- 4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 5. Bake: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator. Drizzle the top of the bread slices with the melted butter. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the french toast is puffed and golden brown.
- 6. Crème Brûlée Topping: Remove the baked french toast from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the granulated sugar over the top of the french toast.
- 7. Caramelize the Sugar: Turn on the broiler. Place the baking dish under the broiler and broil for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the sugar is melted and caramelized to a golden brown color. Watch closely to prevent burning!
- 8. Serve Immediately: Let the crème brûlée french toast cool for a few minutes before serving. The caramelized sugar topping will harden as it cools, creating that classic crème brûlée crack. Enjoy this delicious creme brulee french toast! If you enjoy this, you might also like this Best Blueberry French Toast Casserole.
How to Serve This crème brûlée french toast Recipe
Serving this sensational crème brûlée french toast is all about enhancing the experience. It is ideal for a sweet breakfast or a decadent brunch!
Serve warm, fresh from the oven, for the ultimate experience. The crackly topping is best enjoyed immediately after caramelizing.
Consider topping with fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a burst of freshness and color. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add extra indulgence. Drizzle with maple syrup or a homemade fruit compote for added sweetness.
Pair with a side of crispy bacon or sausage to balance the sweetness. Serve with a refreshing glass of orange juice or a mimosa for a festive brunch. For a savory treat, give this easy French Onion Chicken Rice Bake recipe a try!
How to Store This crème brûlée french toast Recipe
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep your crème brûlée french toast fresh.
Refrigeration: Store leftover french toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing: While not ideal (the caramelized sugar can soften during freezing), you can freeze individual slices of french toast. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Let thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This is especially good to do if you want to prepare for a holiday breakfast in advance.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the topping may not be as crispy. Consider adding a fresh sprinkling of sugar and broiling for a minute or two to re-caramelize the topping when reheating.
Tips to Make This crème brûlée french toast Recipe
Here are a few tips to make your crème brûlée french toast even more amazing.
- Bread Choice Matters: Use a thick, sturdy bread like Challah, Brioche, or Texas Toast. These breads absorb the custard well and hold their shape during baking. You could even use slightly stale bread for the best results.
- Don’t Oversoak: While you want the bread to be fully soaked, avoid oversoaking it, which can result in soggy french toast. If you’re short on time, a shorter soaking time will work, but the overnight soak really makes a difference.
- Keep a Close Eye on Broiling: The broiling process can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt very quickly. Watch it carefully and remove from the oven as soon as the sugar is melted and golden brown.
Helpful Notes for This crème brûlée french toast Recipe
Here’s some extra information to ensure your crème brûlée french toast is a success.
- Vanilla Extract: Use high quality vanilla extract for the best flavor. You can also use vanilla bean paste for a richer vanilla flavor.
- Heavy Cream vs. Milk: Using a combination of heavy cream and milk creates a rich and creamy custard. You can adjust the ratio to your liking, but I find this combination to be perfect.
- Baking Dish Size: A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe, but you can use a slightly smaller dish if needed. Just make sure the bread slices fit snugly in the dish
Variation of This crème brûlée french toast Recipe
Want to put a creative twist on your crème brûlée french toast? Here are a few ideas:
- Seasonal Fruit: Add seasonal fruit like sliced peaches, apples, or pears to the baking dish before pouring in the custard.
- Chocolate Chip: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the bread slices before baking for a chocolatey twist.
- Nutella: Spread a thin layer of Nutella between two slices of bread before soaking in the custard.
- Spiced: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves to the custard for a warm, spiced flavor. For another delicious recipe try these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies!
What is crème brûlée french toast?
Crème brûlée french toast combines the flavors and textures of classic french toast with the caramelized topping of crème brûlée. It features a custard-soaked bread base topped with a layer of sugar that’s torched until crispy.
Can I make crème brûlée french toast ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the french toast custard and soak the bread ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator, then caramelize the topping just before serving for the best texture.
What kind of bread is best for crème brûlée french toast?
Thick-cut brioche or challah bread works best for crème brûlée french toast. These breads are sturdy enough to hold their shape when soaked in the custard, and they have a naturally rich flavor.
What is the best way to caramelize the sugar on crème brûlée french toast?
The best way to caramelize the sugar is with a kitchen torch. If you don’t have a torch, you can broil the french toast briefly, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
Conclusion
Now it’s your turn to create this amazing crème brûlée french toast recipe. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to indulge in a breakfast experience that’s truly unforgettable. Every bite is a reminder that the best moments are often those shared around a table, enjoying a delicious meal made with love. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Leave a comment below with your questions and experiences.
Crème Brûlée French Toast: The Ultimate Decadent Brunch Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This crème brûlée french toast recipe combines the creamy, custardlike center of perfect french toast with the crackly, caramelized top of crème brûlée for a decadent breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 8 slices of thick cut bread (Challah, Brioche, or Texas Toast work great)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if using) until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly soaked. Arrange the soaked bread slices in the prepared baking dish in single layer.
- Refrigerate Overnight (Recommended): Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator. Drizzle the top of the bread slices with the melted butter. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the french toast is puffed and golden brown.
- Crème Brûlée Topping: Remove the baked french toast from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the granulated sugar over the top of the french toast.
- Caramelize the Sugar: Turn on the broiler. Place the baking dish under the broiler and broil for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the sugar is melted and caramelized to a golden brown color. Watch closely to prevent burning!
- Serve Immediately: Let the crème brûlée french toast cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
