Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent breakfast that tastes like a special occasion. This recipe transforms ordinary French toast into something truly extraordinary, reminiscent of the rich and creamy dessert we all adore. I remember the first time I made this for James' birthday breakfast; his eyes lit up, and it's been a family favorite ever since. The crispy, caramelized sugar top combined with the soft, custard soaked bread is simply irresistible. It’s a little slice of joy on a plate, perfect for weekend brunches or when you just need a little extra sweetness in your day. Two words is all I need to say: Crème brûlée. Now imagine that in French toast form.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
This CremeBruleeFrenchToast recipe is truly special because it offers the comforting flavors of French toast elevated with the luxurious touch of crème brûlée. It brings a touch of fancy to any brunch table, yet it's surprisingly simple to make. The contrast between the crunchy, sweet crust and the soft, custardy interior is simply divine. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser that offers ease and exceptional flavors.
Our family loves this recipe because even on busy mornings, CremeBruleeFrenchToast feels like a celebration. It’s less about perfection and more about creating a moment of delicious connection. I've tweaked and perfected it over the years to ensure it's quick enough for a weekday treat but impressive enough for special occasions. Plus, the aroma of the caramelized sugar alone is enough to make anyone's day better! For other quick ideas, check out the quick recipes on Tastivate.
Ingredients Needed for This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Here's everything you’ll need to whip up this irresistible Crème Brûlée French Toast:
- For the Custard:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- For the French Toast:
- 8 slices of brioche or challah bread (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
- For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for caramelizing
- Optional toppings: fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup
How to Make This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Let's get down to the fun part: creating this gorgeous Crème Brûlée French Toast. Follow these simple steps to achieve a breakfast that will impress!
- Prepare the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly soaked. Allow the bread to soak for about 1 minute per side. This allows the bread to absorb maximum flavor and moisture.
- Cook the French Toast: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place 2-3 slices of soaked bread in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining butter and bread.
- Sprinkle with Sugar: Once cooked, place the French toast slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly over each slice.
- Caramelize the Sugar: Using a kitchen torch, carefully melt the sugar on top of each slice until it caramelizes and turns golden brown. If you don't have a kitchen torch, you can broil the slices in the oven for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Crème Brûlée French Toast immediately while the caramelized sugar is still warm and crispy.
How to Serve This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Serving this Crème Brûlée French Toast is all about presentation and enhancing the flavors. I always try to make it look as good as it tastes!
For a simple yet elegant touch, arrange the slices on a plate and dust them with powdered sugar. Fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries add a burst of color and freshness. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup complements the sweetness perfectly. For an extra touch, consider serving it with a side of crispy bacon or a warm cup of coffee. The balance of flavors will elevate your brunch experience.
How to Store This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
While Crème Brûlée French Toast is best enjoyed immediately, leftovers can be stored properly for later enjoyment. If you have any leftover slices, let them cool completely before storing. Place the slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The caramelized sugar will soften in the refrigerator, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Freezing is not recommended as it alters the texture and quality of the French toast.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 30-60 seconds, but the texture may be slightly softer. This recipe is so simple, you might want to check out Charlie's blog for other ideas.
Tips to Make This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks to ensure your Crème Brûlée French Toast turns out perfect every time:
- Bread Choice: Brioche or challah bread works best because they are rich and absorbent. However, you can also use Texas toast or any other thick-sliced bread you prefer.
- Custard Consistency: Ensure the custard is well combined and the sugar is fully dissolved to prevent a grainy texture.
- Soaking Time: Don't over soak the bread, as it can become soggy. About 1 minute per side is perfect.
- Even Cooking: Cook the French toast over medium heat to ensure it cooks evenly without burning.
- Caramelizing: Be careful when using a kitchen torch or broiling the slices to prevent burning the sugar. Keep a close eye on them and use caution.
Helpful Notes for This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
A few extra notes to help you succeed with this CremeBruleeFrenchToast Recipe:
- Vanilla Extract: Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Sugar Type: Granulated sugar is essential for achieving the caramelized crust. Avoid using powdered sugar or brown sugar.
- Kitchen Torch Alternative: If you don't have a kitchen torch, you can use the broiler in your oven. Place the French toast slices on a baking sheet and broil them for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Bread Thickness: Thicker slices of bread will hold up better to the custard and caramelization process.
Variation of This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Want to put a unique spin on this Crème Brûlée French Toast? Here are a few ideas:
- Seasonal Twists: Add seasonal fruits like sliced peaches in the summer or spiced apples in the fall to complement the flavors.
- Chocolate Crème Brûlée French Toast: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the custard for a chocolate version.
- Liqueur Infusion: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or rum to the custard for an extra layer of flavor and warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Crème Brûlée French Toast is a variation of classic French toast where the bread is soaked in a custard base and then caramelized with sugar, mimicking the flavors and textures of a crème brûlée dessert. This results in a crispy, sweet topping and a soft, custardy interior.
How do you caramelize the top of Crème Brûlée French Toast?
The top is caramelized by sprinkling sugar evenly over the French toast after it’s cooked and then either using a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar or placing it under a broiler briefly until the sugar melts and turns golden brown.
What kind of bread is best for Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Thick-cut bread such as brioche, challah, or French bread works best as they soak up the custard well without becoming soggy. Stale bread is also ideal as it absorbs the custard better.
Can Crème Brûlée French Toast be made ahead of time?
The custard-soaked bread can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for a few hours before cooking. However, the caramelizing step is best done right before serving for optimal crispness.
What can I serve with Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Crème Brûlée French Toast is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Conclusion
This Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe is more than just a breakfast; it's a little moment of pure indulgence. With its caramelized crust and creamy interior, every bite is a delight. This CremeBruleeFrenchToast is truly one for the books! I hope you'll try it and bring a little joy to your next brunch. Feel free to leave a comment or question below. I'd love to know what you think!
Crème Brûlée French Toast: The ULTIMATE Easy Recipe
Indulgent Crème Brûlée French Toast: Crispy, caramelized sugar tops custard-soaked brioche for a truly special breakfast treat.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: French
Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition:
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 22g
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 8 slices of brioche bread (1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
- Optional: fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup
Instructions
- 1. Whisk eggs, cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt until combined.
- 2. Soak each bread slice in the custard for 1 minute per side.
- 3. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook bread 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
- 4. Place cooked French toast on a baking sheet, sprinkle with sugar.
- 5. Caramelize sugar with a kitchen torch or broil for 1-2 minutes.
- 6. Serve immediately with desired toppings.
Notes
- For best results, use brioche bread. Watch sugar closely while caramelizing to prevent burning. Serve immediately for optimal crispness.