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To make Crème Brûlée French Toast, gather these ingredients: - 1 loaf of brioche bread, sliced thick (about 8 slices) - 4 large eggs - 1 cup whole milk - ½ cup heavy cream - ½ cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Pinch of salt - ¼ cup brown sugar (for topping) - Fresh berries (for garnish) - Whipped cream (optional, for serving) Each ingredient plays a special role in this recipe. - Brioche Bread: This soft bread adds sweetness and richness. Its thick slices soak up the egg mixture well. - Eggs: They bind the mixture and give the toast a custardy texture. Always use large eggs for best results. - Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: These create a creamy base. Whole milk adds richness, while heavy cream boosts flavor. - Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the egg mixture. It helps to create a balanced flavor. - Vanilla Extract: This adds a warm, sweet aroma. It enhances the overall taste. - Ground Cinnamon: It gives a hint of spice. Cinnamon makes the dish cozy and inviting. - Brown Sugar: This forms a crunchy topping. It caramelizes beautifully, adding a nice contrast to the soft bread. If you can't find some ingredients, here are some substitutes: - Brioche Bread: You can use challah or any thick-sliced bread. They work well too. - Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half for a lighter option. It still adds creaminess. - Whole Milk: Almond milk or oat milk can work if you prefer dairy-free. - Granulated Sugar: You can swap it with coconut sugar or honey for a different sweetness. - Brown Sugar: If you don’t have brown sugar, use granulated sugar with a touch of molasses. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need 4 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, ½ cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. 1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until it is smooth and creamy. This mixture is the heart of your French toast. 2. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes. This gives the flavors time to blend well together. Now, it’s time to assemble your French toast. 1. Take a loaf of brioche bread and slice it thickly, about 8 slices. Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish. You can slightly overlap them if needed. 2. Pour your egg mixture over the brioche slices. Make sure each slice is well soaked. This step is key for that rich, custardy texture. 3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let it sit for at least 2 hours or overnight. The longer it sits, the better it tastes. After the soaking time, you’re ready to bake. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking. 2. Remove the plastic wrap and sprinkle ¼ cup of brown sugar evenly over the soaked bread. This will create that lovely caramel top. 3. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden top and a set center. 4. For a special touch, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the brown sugar. Aim for a bubbly, golden finish for that perfect crème brûlée effect. 5. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the toast hold its shape. Enjoy your delicious Crème Brûlée French Toast warm, topped with fresh berries and whipped cream if you like! To get the best texture, use thick slices of brioche bread. This bread soaks up the egg mixture well. I recommend letting it sit in the fridge for at least two hours. Overnight soaking yields even better results. This allows the bread to absorb all the flavors. One common mistake is not soaking the bread long enough. If you skip this step, the toast may turn out dry. Also, avoid using too much heat while baking. Baking at 350°F ensures even cooking without burning the top. Remember, caramelizing the sugar with too much heat can lead to burnt sugar. Serve your Crème Brûlée French Toast warm. Top it with fresh berries for a burst of flavor. A dollop of whipped cream adds a nice touch, too. You can sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top for added warmth. Consider pairing it with maple syrup for sweetness or a drizzle of honey for a unique twist. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Brioche: For the best texture, use day-old brioche bread. It will absorb the custard mixture better without becoming too soggy. Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond or orange for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Check for Doneness: To ensure your French toast is perfectly set, gently shake the baking dish. If the center jiggles too much, it needs more time in the oven. Serving Suggestions: Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. {{image_2}} You can add fun flavors to your Crème Brûlée French Toast. Chocolate is a great choice. You can use chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Fresh fruit is another tasty addition. Strawberries, blueberries, and bananas work well. You can also mix fruit into the egg mix. It adds a fresh taste and color. Want to try something different? Add a splash of orange or almond extract for a unique twist. You can make this dish fit your needs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread. Many brands offer great gluten-free choices. If you want a dairy-free version, substitute almond milk or oat milk for whole milk. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps the creaminess while making it dairy-free. Just adjust the sugar if you use sweetened milk. Serving your Crème Brûlée French Toast can be fun! You can stack the slices high for a tall, impressive look. Add whipped cream on top for a treat. Fresh berries add color and flavor. For a fancy touch, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top. You could also serve it with maple syrup or a fruit compote on the side. This makes breakfast feel special. After you enjoy your Crème Brûlée French Toast, you might have some left. To store leftovers, let them cool completely first. Place the slices in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, they stay fresh and tasty. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just warm it for 30-60 seconds, but the oven gives better results. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well too. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. After that, reheat as mentioned earlier. Crème Brûlée French Toast is a sweet breakfast dish. It combines the creamy texture of crème brûlée with the classic French toast. You soak thick slices of brioche bread in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, and heavy cream. After soaking, you bake it until it is golden. Then, you top it with brown sugar and caramelize it for a crunchy finish. This dish is both decadent and comforting, perfect for special mornings. You can easily prepare this dish ahead of time. After you mix the egg mixture, pour it over the brioche slices. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it soak for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results. This way, it’s ready to bake when you are. Just preheat your oven and bake it in the morning. You’ll enjoy a warm, tasty breakfast without stress. Yes, you can use different types of bread for this recipe. While brioche gives a rich flavor, you can try challah or French bread. These types also soak up the egg mixture well. Just make sure the bread is thickly sliced. Thin slices may not hold up during baking. Experiment with what you have on hand for a fun twist on this dish! We explored the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for Crème Brûlée French Toast. I shared tips for perfect texture and common mistakes to avoid. You learned about different variations and storage options to keep your dish fresh. In conclusion, with a few simple steps and tweaks, you can make this dish shine. Experiment with flavors and enjoy every bite. Happy cooking!

Crème Brûlée French Toast

A delicious twist on classic French toast, featuring a creamy custard base and a caramelized sugar topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine French
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf brioche bread, sliced thick (about 8 slices)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 2 heavy cream
  • 1 2 granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 4 brown sugar (for topping)
  • Fresh berries (for garnish)
  • Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
  • Arrange the brioche slices in a greased baking dish, slightly overlapping them if necessary.
  • Pour the egg mixture over the brioche, ensuring that all slices are well soaked. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Remove the plastic wrap from the dish. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the soaked bread.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
  • For an extra special touch, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the brown sugar topping until bubbly and golden.
  • Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Serve warm with fresh berries on top and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Notes

For best results, refrigerate overnight.
Keyword brunch, dessert, French toast