Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent and indulgent breakfast dish that combines the rich flavors of crème brûlée with the classic comfort of French toast. This recipe features a creamy custard base, topped with a caramelized sugar crust, making it a perfect treat for special occasions or a luxurious weekend brunch.

Ingredients List

For the French Toast

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (about 12 slices)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
• Fresh berries (for garnish, optional)
• Whipped cream (for serving, optional)

Timing

Preparing Crème Brûlée French Toast takes about 30 minutes, plus at least 1 hour for soaking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. Slice Bread: Cut the brioche or challah into thick slices (about 1-inch thick).
2. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, overlapping slightly.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

1. Whisk Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2. Pour Over Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.

Step 3: Soak

1. Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results) to allow the bread to soak up the custard.

Step 4: 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 for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.

Step 5: Caramelize the Sugar

1. Sprinkle Sugar: Once baked, remove the French toast from the oven and let it cool slightly. Evenly sprinkle the granulated sugar over the top.
2. Caramelize: Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a crispy crust. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish: Serve the Crème Brûlée French Toast warm, garnished with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
2. Enjoy: Enjoy this indulgent breakfast treat!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Crème Brûlée French Toast (per serving, assuming 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	400
Protein	8g
Fat	25g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fiber	1g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Add orange or lemon zest to the custard for a citrus twist.
• Add-ins: Incorporate chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits into the bread layers for extra flavor.
• Make it Nutty: Use almond or hazelnut milk in place of regular milk for a nutty flavor.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Crème Brûlée French Toast is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Crème Brûlée French Toast is a luxurious breakfast option that combines the best of both worlds: the creamy texture of crème brûlée and the comforting familiarity of French toast. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free bread to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I prepare it in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the custard and soak the bread overnight for a quick bake in the morning.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can substitute the heavy cream and milk with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and almond milk.