Crème Brûlée French Toast

Spice up your breakfast with these mouthwatering Crème Brûlée French Toast! Imagine soft, golden-brown slices of French toast drenched in a rich custard, then topped with a perfect, caramelized sugar crust that gives you that signature crème brûlée experience. This decadent twist on the classic French toast will elevate your mornings and make every bite feel like a luxurious treat. Perfect for brunch, weekend mornings, or a special occasion, Crème Brûlée French Toast is sure to impress everyone at your table!

Why You’ll Love Crème Brûlée French Toast

  • Indulgent Flavors: With a combination of creamy custard, warm vanilla, and caramelized sugar, this dish brings the best of both worlds—classic French toast and the sweet allure of crème brûlée.
  • Golden Crust: The sugar topping gets a perfect crispy finish with just the right amount of crunch, offering a delightful contrast to the soft, custardy inside.
  • Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday, a special brunch, or just a treat for yourself, Crème Brûlée French Toast adds a gourmet touch to any breakfast or brunch spread.
Close-up of Creme Brulee French Toast with syrup

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Custard:

IngredientMeasurement
Large Eggs4
Milk1 cup
Heavy Cream½ cup
Vanilla Extract1 teaspoon
Ground Cinnamon½ teaspoon
Salt¼ teaspoon
Granulated Sugar¼ cup

For the French Toast:

IngredientMeasurement
Bread (thick slices)8 slices
Butter (for frying)2 tablespoons

For the Topping:

IngredientMeasurement
Brown Sugar2 tablespoons
Granulated Sugar2 tablespoons

How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast

Step 1: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and granulated sugar. Make sure everything is well-combined and smooth.

Step 2: Soak the Bread

Place the bread slices in the custard mixture, letting them soak for about 1–2 minutes on each side, ensuring they’re completely soaked but not soggy.

Step 3: Prepare for Cooking

In a large skillet or griddle, melt butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the soaked bread slices to the pan. Cook the French toast for about 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Once your French toast is done, place the slices on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the sugar mixture generously on top of each slice.

Step 5: Caramelize the Sugar

Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes or until the sugar has melted and formed a crispy, golden-brown layer on top. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Crème Brûlée French Toast warm, drizzled with maple syrup and topped with fresh berries or whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.

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Expert Tips for the Best French Toast

  • Use Thick, Day-Old Bread: Thick bread like brioche or challah works best for soaking up the custard without becoming too soggy. Day-old bread is ideal as it’s slightly drier and holds up better.
  • Don’t Rush the Soaking Process: Make sure the bread slices are completely soaked in the custard, but don’t let them sit too long, or they’ll become soggy.
  • Cook Over Medium Heat: Keep the heat at medium to ensure the French toast cooks evenly without burning. This allows the custard to cook through and the sugar topping to crisp perfectly.
  • Broil for Perfection: Broiling the sugar topping gives you that crispy, caramelized finish that makes Crème Brûlée French Toast a showstopper.

FAQs

What kind of bread is best for Crème Brûlée French Toast?

Use thick, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or French bread. Day-old bread works best as it holds its shape while soaking up the custard.

Can I make Crème Brûlée French Toast ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the custard and soak the bread the night before. In the morning, cook the French toast, add the sugar topping, and broil for a crispy finish.

Can I use a different type of sugar for the topping?

You can experiment with different sugars, like Demerara sugar or even a flavored sugar, but brown and granulated sugar are the classic choice for that perfect crispy crust.

How do I prevent my French toast from getting soggy?

Make sure to use day-old bread, soak it just enough to absorb the custard, and cook on medium heat to allow the custard to set without making the bread soggy.

Can I make this Crème Brûlée French Toast without heavy cream?

Yes! You can replace the heavy cream with more milk for a lighter version, though the texture might be slightly different. Full-fat milk is a good alternative.

Can I add toppings like fruit or whipped cream?

Absolutely! Fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar make a great addition for extra flavor and texture.

Can I freeze Crème Brûlée French Toast?

It’s best to freeze the French toast before broiling the sugar topping. Once cooked, allow it to cool, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven and broil the sugar just before serving.

How do I reheat Crème Brûlée French Toast?

To reheat, place the French toast in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Once heated through, sprinkle on the sugar topping and broil for a crispy finish.

Stack of Creme Brulee French Toast

Crème Brûlée French Toast

Chef Bella
This decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast features golden-brown, custardy French toast topped with a crispy, caramelized sugar crust. It’s a luxurious twist on the classic breakfast dish, perfect for brunch or special occasions.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Custard:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the French Toast:

  • 8 slices thick bread like brioche or challah
  • 2 tbsp butter for frying

For the Topping:

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions
 

  • Whisk eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
  • Soak bread slices in the custard mixture for 1–2 minutes on each side.
  • Cook bread slices in butter over medium heat until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.
  • Place French toast on a baking sheet, sprinkle with brown and granulated sugar, and broil for 2–3 minutes until caramelized.
  • Serve warm, optionally topping with maple syrup, berries, or whipped cream.

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