Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This French toast tastes like dessert but feels right at home on your breakfast table. The custard base—made with eggs, cream, and vanilla—mimics the classic crème brûlée, while the caramelized sugar layer adds that iconic crunch. It’s baked rather than fried, making it perfect for serving a crowd. You can prep it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and enjoy a breakfast that looks and tastes like it came straight from a five-star café.
Crème Brûlée French Toast: A Decadent Breakfast Classic
- Total Time: 55 minutes plus soaking time
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent breakfast or brunch dish that combines the creamy richness of classic crème brûlée with the comfort of golden, custard-soaked French toast. Caramelized sugar tops each serving for that signature crackly finish.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 5 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup additional granulated sugar (for caramelized topping)
- Fresh berries and powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Arrange bread slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring each slice is well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Dot the top of the bread with butter pieces.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top.
- Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until melted and crisp, forming a golden shell. (Alternatively, place under a broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely.)
- Serve warm with fresh berries, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Notes
- Use brioche or challah for the best rich, custardy texture.
- Letting the bread soak overnight deepens flavor and creaminess.
- A kitchen torch gives the perfect brûlée finish, but the broiler works in a pinch.
- Pairs beautifully with whipped cream, berries, or a dusting of cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Brioche or Challah Bread: Thick slices of rich, buttery bread soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
Heavy Cream: The secret to the silky, decadent texture that gives this dish its crème brûlée feel.
Whole Milk: Balances out the richness of the cream while keeping the custard light.
Eggs: Provide structure and create the creamy custard base.
Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and caramel flavor when melted at the bottom of the baking dish.
Granulated Sugar: Used for the brûléed topping that gives the dish its signature crackle.
Butter: Melts into the sugar to create a glossy caramel layer under the toast.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses the custard with classic dessert-like aroma and sweetness.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Maple Syrup or Fresh Berries (optional): For serving—these add brightness to each rich, creamy bite.
Directions
- Prepare the caramel base. In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat until smooth. Pour this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Arrange the bread. Layer thick slices of brioche or challah bread over the caramel mixture, slightly overlapping if needed.
- Make the custard. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Pour and soak. Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices, pressing lightly so the bread absorbs the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Bake. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Caramelize the top. Remove from the oven and sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top. Using a kitchen torch, gently melt and caramelize the sugar until golden and crackly. (Alternatively, broil in the oven for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.)
- Serve. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh berries.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people. Preparation takes 15 minutes, soaking time is 2 hours or overnight, and baking takes 40 minutes, for a total of about 3 hours (mostly inactive time).
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds. The caramelized top will soften slightly but still taste delicious.
Variations and Customizations
Overnight Crème Brûlée Bake
Prepare everything the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for effortless entertaining.
Citrus Twist
Add orange zest or a splash of Grand Marnier to the custard for bright, aromatic flavor.
Cinnamon Swirl Version
Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon into the custard for a cozy, spiced note.
Berry Layer Bake
Scatter fresh raspberries or blueberries between bread layers before soaking for a fruity touch.
Chocolate Crème Brûlée French Toast
Add a layer of chocolate chips or drizzle chocolate ganache on top after baking.
Nutty Delight
Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the caramel layer before adding the bread for crunch.
Mini Ramekin Servings
Portion the recipe into individual ramekins for a brunch-worthy presentation.
Coconut Cream Variation
Swap half of the heavy cream with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Salted Caramel Style
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the brûléed top for sweet-salty balance.
Stuffed Version
Spread sweetened mascarpone or cream cheese between bread layers for an ultra-decadent treat.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular sandwich bread?
Yes, but thicker, sturdier bread like brioche or challah holds up better to the custard.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It’s even better when the bread soaks overnight before baking.
3. What’s the best sugar for caramelizing the top?
Granulated sugar works best for a crisp, even brûlée.
4. Do I need a kitchen torch?
A broiler works just as well—just keep a close eye to prevent burning.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream and almond milk with dairy-free butter alternatives.
6. Why is my caramel layer sticky?
That’s normal—it melts and combines with the custard as it bakes, creating a luscious sauce.
7. Can I freeze this French toast?
Yes, freeze after baking. Reheat covered at 325°F until warmed through.
8. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, though the texture will be slightly lighter.
9. How do I prevent soggy French toast?
Use day-old bread and avoid over-soaking it in the custard.
10. What toppings go best?
Fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar all complement this dish perfectly.
Conclusion
This Crème Brûlée French Toast transforms your morning meal into an indulgent experience. With its buttery caramel base, creamy custard interior, and crisp brûléed top, it’s the definition of decadence. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, a special breakfast, or even dessert, it’s guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. Elegant, comforting, and unforgettable—this is French toast elevated to pure luxury.
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