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Crème Brûlée French Toast: A Decadent Breakfast Delight Recipe

4.8 from 119 reviews

Crème Brûlée French Toast is a luxurious twist on the classic breakfast dish, combining the creamy custard-soaked brioche with a crisp, caramelized sugar topping reminiscent of the famous French dessert. This decadent treat offers a rich and flavorful breakfast experience perfect for special occasions or a delightful weekend indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 loaf of brioche bread (about 1 pound), sliced into 1-inch thick slices
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
  • Fresh berries (optional, for serving)
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter for a smooth preparation process.
  2. Beat Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 large eggs and whisk until well beaten.
  3. Mix Cream and Milk: Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk to the eggs, whisking until fully incorporated.
  4. Add Flavorings: Stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
  5. Arrange Bread: Arrange the sliced brioche bread in a large 9×13 inch baking dish.
  6. Soak Bread: Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices, ensuring each slice is well coated. Use a spatula to gently push the slices down to soak up the custard.
  7. Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
  8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Rest at Room Temperature: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes if soaked overnight.
  10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Check around the 25-minute mark and cover loosely with aluminum foil if browning too quickly.
  11. Cool Slightly: After baking, let the French toast cool for about 5 minutes.
  12. Caramelize Sugar: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of granulated sugar evenly over the top. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and turns a deep golden brown. Alternatively, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  13. Harden Sugar: Allow the caramelized sugar to harden for a minute or two.
  14. Slice: Cut the French toast into squares or rectangles for serving.
  15. Garnish: Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and add fresh berries for garnish.
  16. Serve: Serve and enjoy the creamy custard and crunchy top!

Notes

  • For a more intense flavor, soak the bread overnight in the custard mixture.
  • Use a kitchen torch for best caramelization results to avoid burning.
  • If using the broiler, watch carefully to prevent burning the sugar topping.
  • Brioche bread works best due to its soft texture and richness.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven to retain crispness.

Keywords: Crème Brûlée French Toast, brioche French toast, caramelized French toast, breakfast recipe, custard soaked toast, decadent breakfast