Crème Brûlée French Toast

If breakfast and dessert had a love child, it would be crème brûlée French toast. Rich, custardy, and crowned with a crackly caramelized sugar topping, this dish takes classic French toast and elevates it into something truly unforgettable. Each bite delivers creamy vanilla custard soaked into buttery bread, finished with a brûléed sugar crust that shatters just like the iconic dessert.

This recipe is indulgent yet surprisingly simple, making it perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or anytime you want to impress without stress. Unlike regular French toast, this version is baked and then caramelized, giving you a hands-off method with restaurant-level results.

If you love make-ahead breakfasts and dramatic presentation, crème brûlée French toast belongs at the top of your list.

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What Makes Crème Brûlée French Toast Special

This isn’t just French toast with sugar on top. What sets it apart is:

• A rich custard base made with cream and vanilla
• Thick slices of bread that soak up flavor without falling apart
• A baked method for even cooking and soft centers
• A crackly caramelized topping that mimics classic crème brûlée

The contrast between creamy interior and crisp sugar topping is what makes this dish unforgettable.

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Choosing the Best Bread

The best crème brûlée French toast starts with the right bread:

• Brioche for richness
• Challah for structure and sweetness
• French bread for a firmer bite

Day-old bread works best, as it absorbs custard without becoming soggy.

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Ingredients

• 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced thick
• 5 large eggs
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh berries
• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar over medium heat until smooth. Pour mixture into the baking dish, spreading evenly.
3. Arrange bread slices over the sugar mixture in a single layer.
4. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, cream, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Pour custard evenly over the bread. Press gently to soak.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until puffed and golden.
9. Remove from oven and sprinkle evenly with granulated sugar.
10. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize sugar until golden and crackly (or broil briefly, watching closely).
11. Cool slightly before serving.

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Tips for Perfect Crème Brûlée French Toast

• Use thick bread slices for best texture
• Chill overnight for deeper custard flavor
• Torch carefully to avoid burning
• Let it rest 5 minutes before serving
• Caramelize just before serving for crunch

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Delicious Variations

Orange Vanilla:
Add orange zest to the custard.

Berry Brûlée:
Layer berries under the bread.

Cinnamon Roll Style:
Add extra cinnamon and nutmeg.

Dairy-Free:
Use coconut cream and almond milk.

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Serving Suggestions

Crème brûlée French toast pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh berries
• Crispy bacon or sausage
• Hot coffee or espresso
• Brunch cocktails

Serve it as a show-stopping brunch centerpiece.

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Make-Ahead & Storage

• Prep ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 3 days
• Reheat: Warm in oven; re-caramelize sugar if needed

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Custardy, rich texture
• Crackly caramelized topping
• Perfect for holidays and brunch
• Easy make-ahead option
• Restaurant-quality results

Crème brûlée French toast transforms a classic breakfast into an unforgettable experience — indulgent, elegant, and absolutely worth it.