It was one of those crisp autumn mornings, the kind where the scent of brewing coffee mingles with the faint, sweet smell of fallen leaves outside. My family, usually slow-moving on weekends, had an extra spring in their step. The reason?
A special brunch I’d promised, inspired by two of our absolute favorite indulgences: classic French toast and the irresistible caramelized top of a crème brûlée. I remember the excited murmurs as the aroma of vanilla and sweet custard filled the kitchen. Crafting this Crème Brûlée French Toast always feels like a little act of magic.
It’s a dish that transforms an ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary celebration. Each bite delivers that perfect crunch, followed by a creamy, custardy interior—a true dream come true for anyone with a sweet tooth. This recipe for Crème Brûlée French Toast is simpler than you might imagine, yet it delivers an impressive, restaurant-quality experience right in your own home.
Get ready to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
This Crème Brûlée French Toast is more than just breakfast; it’s an experience. You will adore this recipe for so many fantastic reasons. First, it perfectly marries two beloved classics: the comforting familiarity of French toast with the sophisticated crackle and rich custard of crème brûlée.
This combination creates an unparalleled texture and flavor profile. Each piece features a dazzlingly crisp, caramelized sugar crust that gives way to a soft, custardy interior. It truly offers the best of both worlds.
Furthermore, this particular Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe is surprisingly approachable. While it looks incredibly impressive, the steps are straightforward. You don’t need a culinary degree to achieve spectacular results.
I’ve designed it for home cooks who appreciate gourmet flavors without complicated techniques. This makes it ideal for a special occasion brunch, a holiday breakfast, or simply when you crave a decadent treat on a lazy weekend morning.
The “wow” factor is undeniable. Serving plates of golden-brown Crème Brûlée French Toast, complete with their shimmering, glass-like sugar tops, always elicits gasps of delight. It makes any meal feel instantly more luxurious and memorable.
Moreover, the aroma alone is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen, promising a delightful start to the day. The preparation is also quite flexible; you can prepare the custard and soak the bread ahead of time, minimizing fuss on the morning of your feast.
This convenience allows you to enjoy your company and the moment without being stuck in the kitchen. Make this Crème Brûlée French Toast once, and it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients ensures your Crème Brûlée French Toast turns out perfectly. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature flavor and texture.
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) brioche bread, day-old preferred, cut into 1-inch thick slices (about 8-10 slices)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar, plus extra for caramelizing
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar, for caramelizing (divided per slice)
Substitutions & Variations
Creativity in the kitchen is always encouraged, especially with a versatile dish like Crème Brûlée French Toast. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
Bread Choices: While brioche offers the ultimate rich and tender base for this Crème Brûlée French Toast, other breads work beautifully too. Challah bread is an excellent substitute, providing a similar soft crumb and slight sweetness. Texas toast or even a sturdy, day-old white bread can also work in a pinch.
Just ensure your chosen bread is thick enough (at least 1-inch) to absorb the custard without falling apart and to create a substantial bite. Avoid thin sandwich bread, as it will become soggy.
Dairy Swaps: For a slightly lighter version, you can replace the whole milk and heavy cream with half-and-half or even just all whole milk. While this will alter the richness slightly, it still yields a delicious result. If you need a non-dairy option, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk can replace the whole milk. However, for the best custard texture in your Crème Brûlée French Toast, I recommend keeping the heavy cream if possible.
Flavor Enhancements: Infuse your custard with different flavors! Add a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla for a nutty complexity. A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can beautifully complement the cinnamon.
For a citrusy twist, grate in the zest of one orange or lemon into the custard mixture. You can also add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder for a coffee-infused Crème Brûlée French Toast.
Sweetener Alternatives: Light brown sugar can replace granulated sugar in the custard for a deeper, molasses-like flavor. For the brûlée topping, superfine sugar (caster sugar) works wonderfully as it melts and caramelizes very quickly, creating a more even crust. You can also experiment with different flavored sugars for the topping, like vanilla sugar.
Optional Toppings: Beyond the glorious caramel crust, elevate your Crème Brûlée French Toast with additional garnishes. Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) add a vibrant burst of freshness and a touch of tartness.
A dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup further enhances the indulgence. Chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of toasted nuts like pecans or almonds also make wonderful additions to your finished Crème Brûlée French Toast.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Crème Brûlée French Toast is a delightful process, and following these steps ensures a perfect outcome every time. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a brunch masterpiece.
1. Prepare the Bread:
First, slice your brioche bread into generous 1-inch thick pieces. Day-old bread is ideal because it holds its structure better and absorbs the custard more effectively without becoming overly soggy. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet.
2. Whisk the Custard:
In a large, shallow dish (a pie plate or a shallow baking dish works well), whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the sugar has dissolved. The mixture should be smooth and homogenous.
3. Soak the Bread:
Carefully place the brioche slices into the custard mixture, turning them to ensure both sides are thoroughly coated. Let the bread soak for about 2-3 minutes per side.
You want the bread to absorb a good amount of the custard, becoming heavy but not disintegrating. Don’t rush this step, but also avoid over-soaking, which can lead to soggy French toast. If preparing ahead, you can soak the bread, cover the dish, and refrigerate for up to 30 minutes, or even overnight for a deeper infusion.
4. Cook the French Toast:
Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large non-stick skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Once the butter melts and sizzles, carefully transfer 2-3 soaked bread slices to the hot pan, ensuring you don’t overcrowd it.
Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach about 160°F (71°C). Remove the cooked slices and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to keep them warm while you cook the remaining slices, adding more butter as needed.
5. Prepare for Brûlée:
Once all the French toast slices are cooked, arrange them on a clean baking sheet. Sprinkle about 1-2 teaspoons of granulated sugar evenly over the top surface of each warm slice. The residual heat from the French toast will help the sugar adhere.
6. Caramelize the Sugar:
Now for the magic! Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar on top of each slice.
Hold the torch a few inches away from the sugar and move it in a circular motion until the sugar melts, bubbles, and turns a rich amber color. Be patient and watch closely; the sugar can burn quickly.
Alternatively, you can place the sugared French toast under a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a very close eye on it, until the sugar caramelizes. The torch method offers more control for that perfect Crème Brûlée French Toast crust.
7. Serve Immediately:
Serve your glorious Crème Brûlée French Toast immediately while the caramel crust is still warm and crisp. The contrast of the warm, soft interior with the crunchy, sweet top is simply divine. Enjoy every single bite of this amazing Crème Brûlée French Toast!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving the perfect Crème Brûlée French Toast involves a few simple tricks. These pro tips ensure your efforts yield truly spectacular results every single time.
Choose the Right Bread: The foundation of great French toast is excellent bread. Brioche is highly recommended for this Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe. Its rich, buttery flavor and sturdy yet tender texture absorb the custard beautifully without becoming mushy.
Day-old brioche or challah is even better, as it’s slightly drier and soaks up the liquid more effectively. Fresh bread can be too soft.
Don’t Over-soak or Under-soak: This balance is crucial. Over-soaking leads to a soggy, falling-apart mess. Under-soaking results in dry, uninteresting French toast with a raw egg taste in the center.
Aim for 2-3 minutes per side. The bread should feel heavy and completely saturated but still hold its shape. If you soak overnight, ensure your bread is very thick, at least 1.5 inches, to prevent total saturation.
Achieve Even Cooking: Cook your Crème Brûlée French Toast over medium heat. This allows the interior to cook through and become custardy while the exterior develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. High heat will burn the outside before the inside cooks. Use enough butter to prevent sticking and encourage browning, but don’t drown the pan.
The Kitchen Torch Advantage: A kitchen torch is truly your best friend for Crème Brûlée French Toast. It gives you precise control over the caramelization process, allowing you to achieve that perfect, even, shatteringly crisp crust. If you don’t have one, a broiler can work, but watch it *very* closely. Broilers can go from perfect to burnt in mere seconds.
Warm French Toast for Brûlée: Always apply the sugar and torch the Crème Brûlée French Toast while it’s still warm. The residual heat helps the sugar melt more quickly and adhere to the surface, creating a superior crust. If the French toast has cooled, you might find the sugar takes longer to caramelize and doesn’t stick as well.
Serve Immediately: The beauty of Crème Brûlée French Toast lies in the contrast between the hot, custardy interior and the crisp, newly caramelized top. The caramel softens over time, so serve these delightful slices right off the brûlée line for the ultimate experience.
Flavor the Custard Well: Don’t skimp on the vanilla and cinnamon. These aromatics deeply flavor the custard, enhancing the overall taste of your Crème Brûlée French Toast. Consider adding a touch of orange zest for brightness.
Storage & Reheating Tips
While Crème Brûlée French Toast is best enjoyed fresh, you can store and reheat leftovers effectively with a few considerations. The crisp caramel crust, however, will unfortunately soften upon storage.
Storing Cooked Crème Brûlée French Toast:
Allow any leftover French toast to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, place the slices in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating Crème Brûlée French Toast:
Reheating in a way that revives some crispness and heats evenly is key.
* Oven Method (Recommended): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Heat for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps to re-crisp the edges, though the original brûlée crust won’t return.
* Toaster Oven Method: For one or two slices, a toaster oven works wonderfully.
Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
* Skillet Method: You can gently warm the French toast in a lightly buttered skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes per side, until heated through. This can also help develop a new, light crust on the bottom.
Re-Brûléeing (Optional):
If you want to try to recreate that iconic crackle, you can re-apply a fresh sprinkle of sugar to the reheated (and ideally still warm) Crème Brûlée French Toast and use your kitchen torch. Be aware that the texture won’t be exactly the same as when freshly made, but it’s a good effort to bring back some of that magic.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This elegant Crème Brûlée French Toast is already a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with complementary dishes can create an even more memorable brunch or breakfast spread.
Fresh Fruit: A colorful medley of fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), sliced bananas, or tropical fruits like mango and kiwi provides a light, refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the Crème Brûlée French Toast. The slight tartness of berries especially cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
Protein Sides: To balance the meal, offer savory protein options. Crispy bacon, turkey bacon, or sausage links are classic breakfast pairings that add a satisfying salty element. A scramble or frittata with vegetables would also be a fantastic addition, creating a fuller, more balanced plate alongside your Crème Brûlée French Toast.
Syrup & Sauces: While the caramelized sugar is a primary topping, a drizzle of warm maple syrup is always welcome. Consider a fruit compote (like a berry or apple compote) for extra fruitiness and moisture. A light dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche adds another layer of creamy texture.
Beverages: Coffee, tea, or a refreshing glass of orange juice or sparkling cider would perfectly complement your Crème Brûlée French Toast. For a festive touch, mimosas or bellinis are always a popular choice for brunch gatherings.
FAQs
Can I make Crème Brûlée French Toast ahead of time?
Yes, you can certainly prepare parts of your Crème Brûlée French Toast in advance! You can whisk the custard mixture and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the bread, you can soak it in the custard, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
This allows for deeper flavor absorption. However, for the best crisp crust, cook the French toast and brûlée the sugar just before serving. The caramel crust will soften if made too far in advance.
What’s the best bread for Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Brioche is undeniably the top choice for this Crème Brûlée French Toast. Its rich, eggy, and buttery flavor, coupled with a dense yet tender crumb, allows it to absorb the custard beautifully without becoming soggy. Challah bread is another excellent alternative. Always choose a day-old loaf, as it’s slightly drier and better equipped to soak up the custard.
How do I get a perfect caramel crust on my Crème Brûlée French Toast?
The key to that signature, shatteringly crisp crust on your Crème Brûlée French Toast is a kitchen torch. Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the warm French toast slices. Hold the torch a few inches away and move it in a circular motion until the sugar melts, bubbles, and turns a deep amber color.
Be patient and consistent with your movement to prevent burning. If you don’t have a torch, a broiler can work, but watch it *very* closely as sugar burns quickly.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
No kitchen torch? No problem! You can achieve a caramelized crust for your Crème Brûlée French Toast using your oven’s broiler.
Preheat your broiler to high. Place the sugared French toast slices on a baking sheet. Broil for 1-2 minutes, watching *constantly*.
The sugar will melt and caramelize very quickly. Remove immediately once desired color is achieved. This method requires your undivided attention.
Can I make Crème Brûlée French Toast dairy-free?
While the traditional Crème Brûlée French Toast relies on dairy for its richness, you can adapt it. Replace the whole milk with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. For the heavy cream, a dairy-free creamer or full-fat canned coconut milk can work, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Ensure your chosen dairy-free alternatives are plain and unsweetened.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
(Estimated values per serving, based on 8 servings from the recipe)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 210mg |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 28g |
| Protein | 12g |
Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crème Brûlée French Toast marries the indulgence of classic French toast with the sophisticated crackle of crème brûlée, delivering an impressive, restaurant-quality dish at home.
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) brioche bread, day-old preferred, cut into 1-inch thick slices (about 8–10 slices)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar, plus extra for caramelizing
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar, for caramelizing (divided per slice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Slice brioche bread into 1-inch thick pieces and arrange on a baking sheet
- Whisk the Custard: In a large dish, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth
- Soak the Bread: Place brioche slices in the custard mixture, letting them soak for 2-3 minutes per side
- Cook the French Toast: Heat butter in a skillet and cook soaked bread slices for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brow
- Prepare for Brûlée: Once cooked, arrange French toast on a baking sheet and sprinkle sugar on top
- Caramelize the Sugar: Use a kitchen torch to caramelize sugar on each slice until golden and tip of sugar bubbles
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the Crème Brûlée French Toast while warm, allowing the contrast of textures
Notes
For best results, serve immediately after caramelization to maintain the crispness of the sugar top.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 210mg