Crème Brûlée French Toast: A Decadent Breakfast Delight You Must Try

Crème Brûlée French Toast is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite that will elevate your morning routine to a whole new level. Imagine the rich, creamy texture of traditional crème brûlée combined with the comforting familiarity of French toast. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a touch of elegance to your brunch table. Originating from the French culinary tradition, crème brûlée has long been celebrated for its luxurious custard base and caramelized sugar topping. People adore this dish for its perfect balance of flavors and textures—the crispy, caramelized top gives way to a soft, custardy interior that is simply irresistible.

What makes Crème Brûlée French Toast so special is its convenience; it can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely morning without the stress of cooking. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Join me as we dive into the world of Crème Brûlée French Toast and discover how to create this delectable dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of brioche bread (about 1 pound), sliced into 1-inch thick slices
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
• Fresh berries (for garnish, optional)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Preparing the Batter

1. **Gather Your Ingredients**: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. 2. **Whisk the Eggs**: In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 large eggs. Using a whisk, beat the eggs until they are well combined and slightly frothy. This will help create a light and airy texture in your French toast. 3. **Add the Cream and Milk**: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk into the bowl with the eggs. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. 4. **Incorporate Sugar and Flavorings**: Add 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the egg mixture. Whisk everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined. The vanilla and cinnamon will add a lovely flavor to your French toast. 5. **Prepare the Bread**: Take your brioche bread and slice it into 1-inch thick slices if you haven’t done so already. The thickness of the slices is important as it allows the bread to soak up the custard without falling apart.

Soaking the Bread

6. **Arrange the Bread in a Baking Dish**: In a large baking dish, arrange the slices of brioche bread in a single layer. You can slightly overlap them if necessary, but try to keep them in a single layer for even soaking. 7. **Pour the Custard Mixture**: Carefully pour the egg and cream mixture over the arranged bread slices. Make sure each slice is well coated. You can use a spatula to gently press down on the bread to ensure it absorbs the custard. 8. **Soak the Bread**: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This soaking time allows the bread to absorb all the delicious flavors of the custard.

Cooking Process

9. **Preheat the Oven**: When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your French toast will bake evenly. 10. **Prepare for Baking**: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator. If you soaked the bread overnight, you might want to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. 11. **Sprinkle Brown Sugar**: Evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup of brown sugar over the top of the soaked bread. This will create that signature crème brûlée crust when baked. 12. **Bake the French Toast**: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.

Finishing Touches

13. **Broil for a Caramelized Top**: For an extra crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. You want that beautiful caramelized sugar crust that makes crème brûlée so special. 14. **Let it Cool**: Once out of the oven, let the French toast cool for about 5-10 minutes. This will help the custard set a little more and make it easier to serve.

Assembling and Serving

15. **Slice and Serve**: Using a sharp knife, cut the French toast into squares or rectangles. You can serve it directly from the baking dish or transfer it to a serving platter. 16. **Garnish**: If you like, garnish with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely finishing touch. 17. **Enjoy**: Serve your crème brûlée French toast

Conclusion:

In summary, this Crème Brûlée French Toast is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast game. The combination of rich custard, caramelized sugar, and soft, fluffy bread creates a delightful experience that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion, a weekend brunch, or just because you deserve a treat, this recipe is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Crème Brûlée French Toast with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also experiment with variations by adding flavors like vanilla bean, almond extract, or even a hint of orange zest to the custard mixture for a unique twist. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media so we can celebrate your delicious creation together. Trust me, once you taste this Crème Brûlée French Toast, you’ll be hooked and eager to make it again and again! Print