Unlock Breakfast Luxury: The Ultimate Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
This Crème Brûlée French Toast brings together two breakfast favorites: the silky richness of crème brûlée and the cozy comfort of baked French toast. It’s great for weekend brunch, holidays, or whenever you want something a little extra special — and it’s surprisingly simple to make!
Ingredients
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1 loaf brioche or challah (12–14 thick slices)
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4 large eggs
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1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
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1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or nutmeg)
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread
Slice the brioche or challah thickly and arrange the pieces in a greased baking dish in a single layer.
2. Make the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
3. Soak the Bread
Pour the custard evenly over the bread. Press gently so each slice absorbs the mixture.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for a deeper flavor and softer texture.
4. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Bake
Remove the dish from the fridge and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
(Optional) Broil for 2–3 minutes to crisp the top.
6. Brûlée the Top
Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the surface.
Use a kitchen torch to caramelize it into a crackly crust.
No torch? Place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
7. Serve
Let it cool slightly, then top with:
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Fresh berries
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Powdered sugar
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Maple syrup
Notes
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Use day-old bread — it absorbs the custard better.
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Want it extra creamy? Increase the cream to 3/4 cup.
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You can prep this the night before and bake in the morning.
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For a lighter version, use low-fat milk or swap brioche for whole-grain bread.