Description
Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent breakfast dish featuring thick slices of brioche soaked in a rich vanilla custard, baked until golden, and topped with a crisp caramelized sugar layer reminiscent of classic crème brûlée.
Ingredients
1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch slices
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar
2 tbsp corn syrup
6 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over medium heat until smooth and bubbly.
3. Pour caramel mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Arrange bread slices evenly over the caramel layer.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon.
6. Pour custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing lightly so it soaks in.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
8. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until golden and puffed.
9. Let cool slightly, then sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top.
10. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until crisp and amber.
11. Serve warm with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
Prepare the night before for an easy make-ahead brunch.
Use heavy cream for a richer custard texture.
Add a splash of orange liqueur or a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
If you don’t have a torch, broil the top for 1–2 minutes — watch closely to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 165
Keywords: crème brûlée french toast, baked french toast, caramel french toast, brunch recipe, make ahead breakfast