Crispy, Creamy, and Perfect for Special Breakfasts
Hola! Growing up, breakfast in our home was never just about eating – it was about creating little moments of joy. My mama taught me that even simple ingredients can feel elegant when made with love.
This Crème Brûlée French Toast captures that magic perfectly. It’s soft, custardy, and crowned with a caramelized sugar crust that shatters under your fork. Think of it as the love child between classic French toast and your favorite crème brûlée dessert.
Whether it’s for a cozy weekend brunch, a romantic breakfast, or a holiday morning, this golden treat feels indulgent yet easy enough to make anytime.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time: | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 50 minutes |
| Servings: | 6–8 |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Cuisine: | French / Brunch |
| Course: | Breakfast, Dessert |
Why You’ll Love This French Toast
- Restaurant-Level Flavor: Rich custard, caramelized sugar, and buttery bread come together beautifully.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a baking method that frees up your stovetop.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Soak overnight and bake in the morning for stress-free entertaining.
- Versatile: Perfect for holidays, brunches, or romantic breakfasts in bed.
- A Showstopper: The brûlée topping adds that irresistible golden crunch.
Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crème Brûlée French Toast combines the creamy richness of crème brûlée with the cozy sweetness of baked French toast. Made with brioche, eggs, cream, and vanilla, it’s perfect for brunch or a special breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (12–14 slices)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or nutmeg)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Cut brioche or challah into thick slices and arrange in a greased baking dish.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
3. Pour custard evenly over the bread slices, pressing gently so they absorb the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and custard is set. For extra crispness, broil for 2–3 minutes.
6. Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the top and caramelize with a kitchen torch until golden and crisp. Alternatively, broil for 1–2 minutes while watching closely.
7. Let cool slightly, then serve with fresh berries, powdered sugar, and maple syrup.
Notes
Use day-old brioche or challah for better texture.
For dairy-free, use almond or oat milk with coconut cream.
Letting it soak overnight enhances flavor and creaminess.
To make ahead, prepare and refrigerate the night before baking.
Avoid microwaving leftovers to preserve the caramelized top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baked, Broiled
- Cuisine: French, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 9
Ingredients List
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (12–14 slices)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or nutmeg)
- Pinch of salt
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Brioche or challah | Choose day-old bread for better texture; it soaks up the custard beautifully. |
| Eggs | Use large, room-temperature eggs for smooth mixing. |
| Milk | Whole milk adds richness; almond or oat milk keeps it light and dairy-free. |
| Heavy cream | Provides that luxurious custard feel; half-and-half works too. |
| Sugar | Use granulated for classic flavor or brown sugar for a deeper caramel note. |
| Vanilla | Vanilla bean paste gives a lovely speckled appearance and rich aroma. |
| Cinnamon | Adds warmth; try nutmeg for a subtle twist. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the brioche or challah into thick slices and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- Make the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices, pressing gently to ensure every piece absorbs the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for extra depth of flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the French Toast: Remove the dish from the refrigerator and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set. For a crispier surface, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye.
- Brûlée the Top: Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize it until it forms a glossy, crispy crust. Alternatively, broil it for 1–2 minutes while watching carefully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let cool slightly. Serve warm with fresh berries, powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
Chef’s Tips for the Best Results
- Use Sturdy Bread: Brioche or challah hold their shape and give that perfect custardy bite.
- Overnight Soak for Luxury: The longer soak enhances the flavor and makes the texture silky.
- Even Caramelization: Move your kitchen torch in circular motions to avoid burnt spots.
- Add a Touch of Citrus: A sprinkle of orange zest can brighten the richness beautifully.
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top.
- Berry Bliss: Layer sliced strawberries or blueberries between bread slices before soaking.
- Maple Vanilla: Replace sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
- Nutty Delight: Add crushed pecans or almonds before baking for extra crunch.
Serving Ideas
Serve your Crème Brûlée French Toast with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Pair it with espresso, cappuccino, or even mimosa for a special brunch experience. It’s also perfect as a dessert-style breakfast on Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve, or any cozy weekend morning.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
You can assemble the French toast the night before and bake it in the morning. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warm. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crisp brûlée topping.
Kitchen Wisdom
- Go Slow with the Torch: Patience creates an even, golden caramel layer.
- Test for Doneness: The custard should be firm yet soft when pressed gently.
- Use a Metal Pan: Helps conduct heat evenly for a golden crust.
- Presentation Counts: Dust lightly with powdered sugar right before serving.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven until warm. Avoid the microwave to maintain texture and crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use almond or oat milk and replace the cream with coconut cream for a rich texture.
Can I skip the overnight soak?
You can, but letting it rest overnight enhances both flavor and texture.
Do I need a kitchen torch?
No, broiling for 1–2 minutes achieves a similar brûlée effect.
What type of bread works best?
Brioche or challah are ideal because of their soft, rich crumb.
Can I make this less sweet?
Yes, reduce the sugar slightly or serve without syrup for a lighter flavor.
Can I prepare individual portions?
Absolutely. Divide into ramekins for elegant single servings.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size: | 1 slice |
| Calories: | 350 kcal |
| Protein: | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates: | 38 g |
| Fat: | 18 g |
| Fiber: | 1 g |
| Sugar: | 20 g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Author’s Note
This Crème Brûlée French Toast is what weekend dreams are made of. It’s golden, soft, and perfectly sweet, with a crisp caramelized top that feels straight out of a French café. I love making this for special mornings when I want something indulgent yet simple. It’s one of those recipes that feels like love served on a plate.
From My Kitchen to Yours
This recipe combines comfort and elegance in every bite. Perfect for brunch parties or cozy mornings, it’s sure to impress your guests. For another beautiful breakfast recipe, check out my Sausage Egg Breakfast Roll-Ups – a savory pairing to balance the sweetness of this dish.
