Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Crème Brûlée French Toast, a delightful twist on the classic breakfast dish. This recipe combines the creamy richness of crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or a weekend brunch.
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
Prepare the Bread:
Cut the brioche or challah into thick slices and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
Make the Custard:
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Soak the Bread:
Pour the custard over the bread slices, pressing down gently to ensure they soak up the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the French Toast:
Remove the dish from the refrigerator and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a crispy top.
Brûlée the Top:
Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy crust. Alternatively, place it under the broiler for a minute or two, watching closely.
Serve:
Let the French toast cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
Recipe Tip: For an extra touch of flavor, add a splash of orange liqueur to the custard mixture. It enhances the sweetness and adds a delightful citrus note!
Notes
- Use whole grain or gluten-free bread for added fiber.
- Substitute low-fat milk and cream to reduce calories.
- Replace granulated sugar with honey or a sugar substitute.


Crème Brûlée French Toast
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the brioche or challah into thick slices and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
- Make the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard over the bread slices, pressing down gently to ensure they soak up the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the French Toast: Remove the dish from the refrigerator and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a crispy top.
- Brûlée the Top: Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy crust. Alternatively, place it under the broiler for a minute or two, watching closely.
- Serve: Let the French toast cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the custard and soak the bread the night before, then bake it in the morning.
- What can I serve with Crème Brûlée French Toast? Fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup are great accompaniments.
- Can I use a different type of bread? Absolutely! Challah, sourdough, or even whole grain bread can work well for this recipe.



