Description
Experience the luxurious blend of flavors in Crème Brûlée French Toast, where rich custard meets caramelized sugar atop soft brioche. Ideal for special occasions or leisurely brunches, this dish promises a delightful start to your day with its creamy center and crispy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf of brioche bread (about 1 pound), sliced into 1-inch thick slices
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- Fresh berries (optional, for serving)
- Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 large eggs and whisk until well combined.
- Add in 1 cup of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Arrange the sliced brioche bread in a large baking dish (a standard 9×13 inch dish fits about 8 slices).
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each slice is well coated. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread to help it soak up the liquid.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator. If you have leftover custard mixture, pour it over the top of the bread slices.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of brown sugar evenly over the top of the soaked bread.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- Let the French toast cool for about 5 minutes.
- For a classic crème brûlée finish, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the brown sugar on top, or place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Allow the sugar to cool for a minute or two until it hardens.
- Slice the French toast into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with fresh berries and maple syrup.
Notes
- For best results, soak the bread overnight to enhance the flavor and texture.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, broiling is a great alternative, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- This dish can be served with a variety of toppings, including whipped cream, powdered sugar, or your favorite fruits.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes