Ever taken a bite of something so delicious that it made your taste buds sing?

Imagine waking up to Crème Brûlée French Toast bubbling in the oven, with sweet aromas wafting through your kitchen. This dish marries the elegance of a classic dessert with the heartiness of breakfast. It’s creamy, decadent, and lets you indulge without all the fuss! Plus, who doesn’t love a breakfast that feels straight out of a fancy café? 🍽️

Why make this recipe

There are plenty of reasons to whip up this easy-to-follow recipe. First off, the cleanup is a breeze; everything practically cooks in one pan! Plus, it’s a great way to impress guests or spoil your family without spending your whole Sunday in the kitchen. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to dunk their fork into crispy, caramelized sugar first thing in the morning?

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

1 loaf of Brioche or French bread, cut into thick slices
4 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Sugar for caramelizing on top
Butter for greasing the baking dish

Directions

Ready to dive in? Let’s go!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
Arrange the bread slices in the baking dish, overlapping them slightly.
Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring all slices are soaked.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top.
Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust.
Allow to cool slightly, then serve warm.

How to make Crème Brûlée French Toast (Overview)

Making this delightful dish is super straightforward. You start with a nice loaf of bread and mix up a rich custard with eggs, cream, and that dreamy vanilla flavor. After soaking the bread and letting it sit for a bit (overnight if you’re patient!), you bake it until it’s golden. And that crisp caramel top? Yeah, that’s the cherry on the sundae! Pro tip: Don’t skip the soaking step. Letting that custard soak in is key to achieving that creamy texture we all dream about.

How to serve Crème Brûlée French Toast

Picture this: fluffy, golden-brown slices glistening with their crispy caramel crust. You can serve it simply as is, or jazz it up with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of fresh berries. 😍 Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side, and your breakfast becomes a feast for both the eyes and the palate!

How to store Crème Brûlée French Toast

Got leftovers? No problem! This French toast keeps well in the fridge for about 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container. Reheat it in the oven for a few minutes until warm. If you want to enjoy this deliciousness later, you can freeze it too! Just wrap the pieces tightly in cling film, and it’ll be good for up to 2 months.

Tips to make Crème Brûlée French Toast

Timing is key: Soaking overnight yields the creamiest toast.
If you’re feeling fancy, try adding a splash of orange zest to your custard for an extra zing!
Don’t skimp on the sugar when caramelizing; it’s what gives you that lovely crunchy crust!
Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half if you’re looking to lighten things up a bit.

Variation

Want to mix things up? Consider adding fruits like sliced bananas or berries into the layers before baking. You could also experiment with spices; a pinch of nutmeg could add a lovely twist to the classic cinnamon flavor. And for a vegan version, use almond milk and flax eggs instead of the traditional ingredients!

FAQs

Can I make this Crème Brûlée French Toast ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just soak it overnight in the fridge, and then bake it in the morning.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
No torch? No problem! You can use your oven’s broiler to caramelize the sugar. Just keep a close eye on it — it broils faster than you think!

Can I use regular bread instead of brioche?
Of course! While brioche gives it that soft, indulgent touch, any thick bread can work. Just make sure it’s good quality!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!