Crème Brûlée French Toast

Highlighted under: Sweet Treat Creations

Indulge in the delightful fusion of classic French toast and the rich, creamy flavors of crème brûlée. This decadent breakfast dish will elevate your mornings and impress your guests.

Olivia

Created by

Olivia

Last updated on 2025-12-08T22:22:28.489Z

This Crème Brûlée French Toast combines the best of two worlds: the custardy richness of crème brûlée and the comforting familiarity of French toast. Perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasions, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Decadent caramelized sugar topping for a delightful crunch
  • Rich and creamy custard flavor in every bite
  • Easy to make ahead for stress-free entertaining

The Perfect Breakfast Treat

Crème Brûlée French Toast is not just any breakfast; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that makes every morning feel special. The combination of rich custard and crispy caramelized sugar creates a delightful contrast that tantalizes your taste buds. This dish is perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your family and friends.

Using brioche or challah bread elevates this dish, as these breads have a soft, fluffy texture that soaks up the custard beautifully. The result is a French toast that is both indulgent and satisfying. Pair it with fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor that complements the creamy sweetness of the dish.

Make-Ahead Convenience

One of the best aspects of Crème Brûlée French Toast is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare the custard mixture the night before and soak the bread slices in it, allowing them to absorb all the delicious flavors. This not only saves you time in the morning but also ensures that your French toast is incredibly moist and flavorful.

Simply store the soaked bread in the refrigerator overnight, and when you're ready to cook, all you need to do is fry them up and caramelize the sugar. This makes it an ideal dish for busy mornings or entertaining guests, allowing you to enjoy quality time with your loved ones without being stuck in the kitchen.

Tips for Perfecting Your French Toast

To achieve the best results, make sure to use day-old bread for your Crème Brûlée French Toast. Stale bread holds onto the custard better and prevents the slices from becoming too soggy. If you only have fresh bread, lightly toasting it can help achieve the right texture.

When caramelizing the sugar, a kitchen torch is the ideal tool, as it allows for precise control over the caramelization process. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the baking sheet under the broiler for a few minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. The goal is a beautiful golden crust that adds both texture and flavor.

Ingredients

For the French Toast

  • 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, sliced
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Butter for cooking

For the Topping

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • Fresh berries for garnish (optional)

Make sure to use day-old bread for the best texture.

Instructions

Prepare the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

Soak the Bread

Submerge each slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for a few minutes on each side.

Cook the French Toast

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook the soaked bread slices until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Caramelize the Sugar

Arrange the cooked French toast on a baking sheet. Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top of each slice and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crispy.

Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh berries if desired. Enjoy!

For best results, serve the French toast right after caramelizing the sugar.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete breakfast experience, consider serving Crème Brûlée French Toast with a side of crispy bacon or sausage. The savory flavors will balance out the sweetness of the French toast and create a well-rounded meal. Additionally, a drizzle of maple syrup can add an extra layer of sweetness if desired.

If you want to elevate your presentation, dust the finished French toast with powdered sugar and add a sprig of mint on top. This simple touch will make your dish look as stunning as it tastes, impressing your guests even further.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Crème Brûlée French Toast, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place it in a toaster oven or regular oven at a low temperature until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

For best results, consider reheating the French toast in a skillet with a bit of butter to restore some of the original crispiness. Recaramelizing the sugar on top can also be done to regain that delightful crunch that makes this dish so special.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture and soak the bread slices the night before. Just cook and caramelize the sugar in the morning.

→ What type of bread is best for French toast?

Brioche or challah bread works best due to their rich flavor and ability to absorb the custard.

→ Can I use non-dairy milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute non-dairy milk, but it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Crème Brûlée French Toast

Indulge in the delightful fusion of classic French toast and the rich, creamy flavors of crème brûlée. This decadent breakfast dish will elevate your mornings and impress your guests.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Olivia

Recipe Type: Sweet Treat Creations

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the French Toast

  1. 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, sliced
  2. 4 large eggs
  3. 1 cup heavy cream
  4. 1 cup whole milk
  5. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  6. 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  7. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  8. Butter for cooking

For the Topping

  1. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  2. Fresh berries for garnish (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

Step 02

Submerge each slice of bread into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for a few minutes on each side.

Step 03

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook the soaked bread slices until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 04

Arrange the cooked French toast on a baking sheet. Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top of each slice and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crispy.

Step 05

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh berries if desired. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 500 kcal
  • Total Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 220mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 25g
  • Protein: 10g