Turn your breakfast or brunch into something truly luxurious with this Crème Brûlée French Toast. Imagine golden, caramelized custard-soaked bread with a crisp, sugary top that cracks just like traditional crème brûlée. It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and caramelized sweetness. The first time I made this, I served it at a family brunch, and it quickly became the most requested dish on the table. Whether for holidays, weekends, or special occasions, this French toast takes breakfast indulgence to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your average French toast—it’s a dessert-worthy breakfast that feels like it came straight from a café. You’ll love the contrast between the creamy custard interior and the crispy caramelized sugar topping. The flavor is elegant but comforting, making it ideal for both entertaining and cozy mornings at home. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for stress-free mornings.
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Crème Brûlée French Toast – A Decadent Twist on a Breakfast Classic
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent breakfast or brunch dish that combines the creamy, caramelized richness of classic crème brûlée with the comfort of French toast. It’s baked in a luscious brown sugar custard that caramelizes beautifully, creating a crisp, golden crust and soft, custardy interior.
Ingredients
- For the Caramel Base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp corn syrup or maple syrup
- For the Custard:
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For the Bread:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (8 thick slices)
- For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, berries, and maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the caramel base: In a small saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir until smooth and bubbling, about 3–4 minutes. Pour the mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Arrange the bread: Lay the slices of brioche or challah in a single layer over the caramel base, slightly overlapping if needed.
- Prepare the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring each slice is soaked. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the custard.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter so the caramelized bottom becomes the top.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm with fresh berries or maple syrup.
Notes
- For an overnight version, assemble the dish the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
- Add a touch of orange zest or rum to the custard for extra flavor.
- Use thick-cut bread for best texture — stale or day-old bread works perfectly.
- To get a true brûlée top, sprinkle sugar over the baked toast and caramelize it with a kitchen torch before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Brioche or Challah Bread: These rich, eggy breads are perfect for soaking up the custard while staying soft and tender inside.
Eggs: The base of the custard—give the French toast its creamy texture and golden color.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and that signature crème brûlée creaminess.
Whole Milk: Lightens the custard slightly so it’s not too dense.
Sugar: Sweetens the custard and caramelizes beautifully when torched or baked.
Brown Sugar: For the bottom caramel layer, adding deep, toffee-like sweetness.
Butter: Melts into the brown sugar to create a caramel sauce under the bread.
Vanilla Extract: Essential for that crème brûlée aroma and flavor.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm note that complements the custard.
Powdered Sugar and Fresh Berries (for serving): Optional but beautiful garnishes that add freshness and color.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together over medium heat until smooth and bubbly. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly to coat the bottom. Arrange thick slices of brioche or challah bread in a single layer over the caramel base.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if using) until smooth. Pour the custard evenly over the bread, ensuring each slice is well soaked. Let sit for at least 15 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. For a true crème brûlée touch, sprinkle extra sugar over the top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize it until crisp and golden. Serve warm with powdered sugar, berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8 people. Preparation time: 15 minutes. Baking time: 35–40 minutes. Total time: 55 minutes (plus optional overnight soak).
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave briefly. Avoid caramelizing sugar until just before serving to maintain the crispy top.
Variations and Customizations
Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast: Let the bread soak in the custard overnight for a richer flavor.
Caramel Banana French Toast: Top with sliced bananas before baking for a Bananas Foster twist.
Nutty Version: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the caramel base before adding the bread.
Berry Delight: Add raspberries or blueberries between bread layers for bursts of fruitiness.
Chocolate Crème Brûlée Toast: Stir in a bit of melted white or dark chocolate into the custard.
Espresso Twist: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the custard for a coffee-flavored version.
Coconut Crème Brûlée Toast: Replace half the cream with coconut milk for a tropical flavor.
Bourbon Infusion: Add a splash of bourbon to the caramel mixture for an adult brunch treat.
Stuffed French Toast: Spread cream cheese or mascarpone between bread slices for extra decadence.
Mini Servings: Use ramekins for individual portions—perfect for brunch parties.
FAQs
Can I use another type of bread?
Yes, challah, French bread, or even thick Texas toast work well.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely—assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Do I need a torch for the caramelized top?
No, you can broil it in the oven for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
What can I serve it with?
Fresh fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup pair beautifully.
Why is my caramel hard?
Make sure to pour it into the dish while warm so it spreads evenly.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven before serving.
Can I add liqueur?
A splash of amaretto or Irish cream adds a lovely flavor twist.
Is it too sweet?
The sweetness is balanced, but you can reduce sugar in the custard slightly if preferred.
What’s the best way to get a crispy top?
Sprinkle sugar and torch it just before serving for that perfect brûlée crunch.
Conclusion
This Crème Brûlée French Toast is a showstopping breakfast or brunch that combines everything you love about dessert and comfort food. With its creamy, custardy texture, buttery caramel base, and crisp brûléed top, it’s indulgence at its finest. Easy to prepare and impossible to resist, this dish transforms a classic breakfast into something truly unforgettable. Serve it at your next brunch, and watch it steal the spotlight.
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