Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent breakfast dish that combines the creamy richness of crème brûlée with the comforting flavors of French toast. This dish features thick slices of bread soaked in a sweet custard mixture, baked until golden, and topped with a caramelized sugar crust. It’s perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weekend brunch!

Ingredients

For the French Toast:

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, sliced into thick pieces (about 8 slices)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
• Fresh berries or sliced fruit (for serving, optional)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Timing

Making Crème Brûlée French Toast takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 45 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

1. Whisk Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Step 2: Assemble the French Toast

1. Soak Bread: Place the slices of brioche or challah in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring all slices are well coated. Press down gently to submerge the bread in the custard.
2. Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results. This allows the bread to absorb the custard.

Step 3: Bake the French Toast

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Remove the plastic wrap and bake the French toast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Step 4: Caramelize the Sugar

1. Cool Slightly: Once baked, allow the French toast to cool for about 5 minutes.
2. Add Sugar: Evenly sprinkle the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar over the top of the French toast.
3. Caramelize: Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it’s melted and bubbly, forming a crispy crust. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Serve the Crème Brûlée French Toast warm, topped with fresh berries or sliced fruit and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
2. Enjoy: Enjoy this decadent breakfast treat!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Crème Brûlée French Toast (per serving, based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	400
Protein	10g
Fat	25g
Carbohydrates	40g
Sugar	18g

Tips for Customization

• Add Flavor: Mix in a teaspoon of almond extract or orange zest for added flavor in the custard.
• Fruit Variations: Top with different fruits like bananas, peaches, or even chocolate chips for variety.
• Make it Nutty: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Crème Brûlée French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Crème Brûlée French Toast is a luxurious and indulgent breakfast that’s sure to impress family and friends. With its creamy custard and caramelized sugar topping, this dish is a delightful way to start your day!

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard and soak the bread the night before. Just bake it in the morning for a fresh breakfast.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the baked French toast. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.