Crème Brûlée French Toast

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This dish combines the creamy richness of classic crème brûlée with the comfort of baked French toast. It’s perfect for holidays, weekend brunch, or anytime you want to seriously impress.

 

🧺 Ingredients

For the Caramel Base

 

½ cup unsalted butter

 

1 cup brown sugar

 

2 tbsp corn syrup (or honey)

 

For the French Toast

 

1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced thick

 

5 large eggs

 

1½ cups heavy cream

 

1 cup whole milk

 

2 tsp vanilla extract

 

1 tsp cinnamon

 

¼ tsp nutmeg

 

¼ tsp salt

 

For the Brûlée Finish

 

⅓ cup granulated sugar

 

🔥 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Caramel Base

 

In a saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup over medium heat

 

Stir until smooth and bubbling

 

Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly

 

2️⃣ Arrange the Bread

 

Lay bread slices over the caramel in a single layer

 

Slightly overlap if needed

 

3️⃣ Prepare the Custard

 

Whisk eggs, cream, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt

 

Pour evenly over bread

 

Press gently to soak

 

Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).

 

4️⃣ Bake

 

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)

 

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes

 

Top should be golden and center set

 

5️⃣ Brûlée the Top

 

Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over baked French toast

 

Use a kitchen torch to caramelize until golden and crackly

OR

 

Broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely

 

✨ Pro Tips for Perfection

 

Day-old bread absorbs custard best

 

Heavy cream = richer, silkier texture

 

Let rest 10 minutes before serving for clean slices

 

Use a torch for authentic crème brûlée crackle

 

🍓 Delicious Variations

Berry Brûlée French Toast

 

Add fresh raspberries or blueberries before baking

 

Orange Vanilla

 

Add orange zest to custard

 

Serve with orange-infused maple syrup

 

Dairy-Free Option

 

Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and milk

 

🍽️ Serving Ideas

 

Fresh berries

 

Whipped cream

 

Powdered sugar

 

Warm maple syrup (optional—it’s already sweet!)

 

🧡 Final Thoughts

 

Crème Brûlée French Toast is the ultimate brunch showstopper—rich, indulgent, and unbelievably comforting. The caramelized sugar crust paired with soft custard bread makes every bite unforgettable.