Crème Brûlée French Toast
Crème Brûlée French Toast is the perfect marriage between traditional French toast and the luxurious classic dessert, crème brûlée.
Combining the caramelized sugary crunch that makes crème brûlée irresistible with the rich, custardy texture of perfectly soaked bread, this recipe will elevate your breakfast or brunch to new heights of indulgence.
French toast, or "pain perdu," originated as a resourceful way to revive stale bread, and its variations are beloved around the world.
When you add the luscious custard and burnt sugar crust of crème brûlée to the comfort food appeal of French toast, you create a dish that's as impressive to guests as it is satisfying to indulge in.
Whether you're looking to wow at a special brunch or treat yourself to an extravagant weekend breakfast, Crème Brûlée French Toast delivers on both flavor and elegance.
Learn about the origin and versatility of French toast over at Smithsonian Magazine (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/a-history-of-french-toast-13712260/). In this recipe, we'll unlock the secrets to achieving the delicate custard interior and crisp caramelized top—just like cracking into traditional crème brûlée—while offering practical tips and luxurious variations.
Read on to discover how you can bring this stunning recipe into your own kitchen and create a breakfast experience to remember.
Ingredients for Crème Brûlée French Toast
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for cooking)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Fresh berries for serving (optional)
Instructions for Making Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Begin by slicing the brioche or challah bread into thick 1-inch pieces and lay them on a wire rack for about an hour to slightly dry out. This helps the bread absorb the custard better.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter until well combined and smooth.
- Arrange the bread slices in a large baking dish, making sure they fit snugly. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, turning each slice once to coat both sides. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, let the bread come to room temperature for about 20 minutes.
- Transfer the soaked bread slices to a buttered baking sheet, allowing excess custard to drip off. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until the French toast is golden brown and custard is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar evenly over the top of each slice.
- Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar on each slice until it forms a crisp, glassy surface. If you do not have a torch, set the oven broiler to high and broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by fresh berries if desired.
Nutritional Information
Crème Brûlée French Toast is undeniably decadent, offering a sumptuous blend of rich dairy and eggs with sweet, caramelized sugar. A typical serving provides approximately 350-400 calories, depending on portion size and any toppings added.
The dish is a good source of protein from the eggs and milk, and it delivers calcium and vitamin D from dairy products. Each serving contains moderate saturated fats, primarily from the cream and butter, along with around 30-40 grams of carbohydrates from the bread and sugars.
While this recipe is perfect for an occasional treat, it is best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. To reduce calories and saturated fats, consider using lower-fat milk and less sugar in the custard.
For a more detailed breakdown of nutritional information, check out Healthline’s guide to French toast nutrition (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-french-toast-healthy). Remember, brunch classics like this are meant to be savored in moderation for optimal wellness.
Wine/Beverage Pairings With Crème Brûlée French Toast
Crème Brûlée French Toast pairs beautifully with beverages that complement its rich, creamy flavors. For those who enjoy wine with brunch, a glass of lightly sweet Moscato d'Asti or a medium-bodied Champagne will echo the toasty, caramel notes of the dish while providing a refreshing contrast.
If you prefer non-alcoholic pairings, a well-brewed café au lait or a vanilla chai latte resonates with the vanilla and creaminess within the French toast. For a fruitier touch, serve alongside a fresh-squeezed orange or grapefruit juice.
Herbal teas, especially chamomile or a hint of cinnamon, also enhance the elegant yet comforting flavors of this brunch indulgence.
Cooking Tips and Variations
Achieving the signature caramelized sugar crust of Crème Brûlée French Toast is crucial for authenticity. Use thick, day-old bread, such as brioche or challah, as this absorbs the custard without becoming mushy. Letting the bread soak overnight ensures a luxuriously creamy interior.
When caramelizing the sugar, a kitchen torch gives you better control for that picture-perfect brûlée finish, but a broiler will work in a pinch—just watch closely to prevent burning. For added decadence, infuse your custard with orange zest or a splash of Grand Marnier.
If you prefer a dairy-free or lighter version, substitute coconut milk or almond milk for cream, and use a vegan butter alternative. For a playful twist, layer the French toast with sliced bananas or sprinkle in a touch of cinnamon before baking.
You can also prepare this recipe casserole-style by layering the bread in a baking dish for easy serving. Always serve immediately after brûléeing to maintain that signature crunchy top. Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings: think fresh berries, a dollop of mascarpone, or toasted nuts for texture and flavor variation.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Crème Brûlée French Toast, presentation is just as important as taste. Arrange the caramelized slices attractively on a large platter or individual plates, ensuring the brûléed sugar crust is poised on top for visual appeal.
Add a dusting of powdered sugar and a scattering of fresh berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries, to add a pop of color and sweet-tart contrast.
For a brunch spread, pair the French toast with savory options—like crisp bacon, breakfast sausage, or a fresh arugula salad—to cut the richness and offer variety. If you're serving a crowd, consider doubling the recipe and assembling it the night before for easy, stress-free morning baking.
Small pitchers of warm maple syrup, honey, or fruit compote can be served on the side for guests to customize their plates. For a touch of sophistication, garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers. Offering crème fraîche or whipped cream in ramekins further elevates the experience.
Serve Crème Brûlée French Toast immediately after caramelizing the sugar to ensure guests enjoy the unmistakable crack as they slice into the golden crust, preserving its luxurious texture and flavor.
Crème Brûlée French Toast Health Benefits
Although Crème Brûlée French Toast is inherently a rich and indulgent breakfast treat, it provides a few nutritional benefits when enjoyed in moderation. The eggs and dairy contribute a significant dose of high-quality protein, supporting muscle repair and keeping you satisfied longer.
Both eggs and milk offer vitamins such as B12 and D, as well as minerals like calcium and phosphorus for bone health. Using whole grain brioche or whole wheat challah can increase fiber content, promoting better digestion.
To make this dish more health-conscious, opt for lower-fat milk in the custard or reduce the amount of added sugar. Incorporating fresh berries as a topping not only adds vibrant flavor and color but also boosts the antioxidant content and vitamin C of the meal.
Remember to keep serving sizes moderate to balance enjoyment with mindful nutrition. For inspiration on balancing classic recipes with healthier swaps, visit the American Heart Association’s healthy food tips (https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics).
FAQs About Crème Brûlée French Toast
Can I make Crème Brûlée French Toast ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, allowing the bread to soak in the custard overnight enhances the flavor and texture. Simply caramelize the sugar crust just before serving for best results.
What is the best bread to use for Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Brioche or challah are ideal for their tender crumb and absorbency. Day-old bread holds up to the custard without falling apart, creating a creamy yet structured French toast.
Do I need a torch to make the brûlée topping?
A kitchen torch provides the most controlled and authentic brûlée effect. However, a broiler set on high can be used to caramelize the sugar—just watch closely to prevent burning.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, substitute coconut or almond milk for cream and milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?
Use thick slices of slightly stale bread and avoid oversoaking. Drain excess custard before baking, and bake until the center is set for a perfect custardy (not soggy) result.
Crème Brûlée French Toast transforms simple breakfast fare into a dazzling brunch centerpiece. By merging the creamy, custardy credentials of classic crème brûlée with the beloved heartiness of French toast, you create a dish that is both approachable and opulent. Whether served for a special holiday, impressive brunch gathering, or sheer self-indulgence, this recipe is sure to deliver a memorable, satisfying experience. Experiment with flavors, enjoy mindful indulgence, and delight in every caramelized bite. With its show-stopping presentation and unbeatable flavor, Crème Brûlée French Toast will claim its place as a star in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced thick
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 1/4 cup for topping
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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1Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange thick slices of brioche or challah bread in a single layer in the dish.
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2In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
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3Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
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4Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature while the oven preheats.
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5Bake the French toast for about 40 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
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6Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar evenly over the top. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust. Serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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