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