Description
Indulge in a breakfast masterpiece that combines the rich, creamy texture of traditional crème brûlée with the comforting warmth of fluffy French toast. This delightful fusion is perfect for lazy weekends and special brunches with friends and family.
Ingredients
- Thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah
- Large eggs (4)
- Half-and-half (1 cup)
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon)
- Salt (a pinch)
- Cinnamon (optional, about 1 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Start by slicing your brioche or challah into thick slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup of half-and-half, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. If you’re using cinnamon, add about 1 teaspoon at this stage.
- Place the slices of bread in a shallow dish, and pour the custard mixture over them. Allow the bread to soak for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, cover and refrigerate overnight.
- When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Place the soaked bread slices in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they’re slightly overlapping for even cooking. Pour any remaining custard over the top of the bread.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set. If you want a deeper caramelization on top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the top. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30-35 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Allowing the bread to soak overnight enhances flavor and ensures a creamy texture. You can experiment with flavors like orange zest or almond extract. Consider serving with whipped cream or ice cream for a dessert-like experience.