Name: Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-491239H19M21S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (12-14 slices); 4 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free); 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste); 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or nutmeg); Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Crème Brûlée French Toast combines the rich, creamy custard of classic crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast. It’s a delightful twist that offers a crispy caramelized sugar topping and a soft, custardy center—perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.

A close-up view of a stack of four grilled cheese sandwiches on a white plate, each sandwich showing golden-brown, crispy toasted bread with a crunchy, slightly charred texture. Between each layer is melted white cheese oozing slightly out from the sides. Golden syrup is dripping down over the stacked sandwiches, adding a shiny, sticky glaze. On top, there is a small garnish of fresh green herb sprigs. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (12-14 slices)
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or nutmeg)
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the brioche or challah into thick slices and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Pour the custard over the bread slices, pressing down gently to help the bread soak up the liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor and texture.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 5: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard has set. For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes while watching closely.
Step 6: Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar evenly over the top. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until crispy, or place under the broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 7: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use slightly stale brioche or challah for better custard absorption without becoming mushy.
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use plant-based milk.
Add a splash of orange liqueur or grated zest for a subtle citrus twist.
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, carefully broiling the sugar works well—just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Storage

Store leftover French toast tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) to maintain the texture, or use a toaster oven for a crispy finish. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the custard rubbery.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a stack of three grilled cheese sandwiches placed on a white plate, each sandwich made with two golden-brown toasted bread slices with a slightly crispy texture on the outside. Between each layer of bread is a thick, gooey, white melted cheese that oozes slightly at the edges. Golden honey is drizzled generously over the top, flowing down the sides of the stack, adding a glossy shine. A small sprig of fresh green herbs rests delicately on the top sandwich. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe the night before?

Yes, soaking the bread overnight allows the custard to fully absorb, enhancing flavor and texture. Just bake it fresh before serving.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

You can caramelize the sugar under a broiler for a minute or two. Watch carefully to prevent burning and achieve a crispy top similar to a torch finish.