The Ultimate Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

Indulge in the delightful combination of Crème Brûlée and French Toast with our exquisite recipe. This luxurious breakfast or brunch treat will elevate your dining experience, blending the creamy, caramelized richness of crème brûlée with the comforting, custardy goodness of French toast. Follow our detailed guide to create a dish that will impress both family and friends.

Ingredients

To prepare this heavenly Crème Brûlée French Toast, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Crème Brûlée Mixture:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the French Toast:

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, sliced thickly
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For Caramelized Topping:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crème Brûlée Mixture

1. Heat the Cream: In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream and vanilla bean (or vanilla extract) over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
3. Combine Cream and Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Strain the Mixture: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps or bits of cooked egg. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the French Toast Mixture

1. Slice the Bread: Cut the brioche or challah bread into thick slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Set aside.
2. Mix Eggs, Milk, and Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the French Toast

1. Soak the Bread: Place the bread slices in a large baking dish. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, ensuring each slice is well soaked. Allow the bread to soak for at least 30 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through to ensure even soaking.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
3. Layer the Bread: Arrange the soaked bread slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice to fit.
4. Add the Crème Brûlée Mixture: Pour the crème brûlée mixture over the bread slices, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake the French Toast

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed, golden brown, and set in the center.
2. Cool: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Step 5: Caramelize the Topping

1. Sprinkle Sugar: Once the French toast has cooled slightly, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top.
2. Caramelize: Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden-brown crust. Alternatively, you can place the dish under a broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

This Crème Brûlée French Toast is best enjoyed warm, with the caramelized sugar topping adding a delightful crunch to each bite. Serve it with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness. Pair it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice for a perfect breakfast or brunch experience.

Tips for Perfect Crème Brûlée French Toast

• Choose the Right Bread: Opt for brioche or challah bread as they are rich and absorb the custard mixture well without becoming too soggy.
• Soak the Bread Thoroughly: Allowing the bread to soak for at least 30 minutes ensures it fully absorbs the custard mixture, resulting in a creamy interior.
• Use a Kitchen Torch for Best Results: While a broiler works, a kitchen torch gives you better control over caramelizing the sugar evenly.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the French toast the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Crème Brûlée French Toast: Add a layer of chocolate chips between the slices of bread before pouring the crème brûlée mixture for a decadent chocolate twist.
• Citrus Infused: Add a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the custard mixture for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans on top of the French toast before caramelizing the sugar for a crunchy texture.

Conclusion

Indulging in our Crème Brûlée French Toast is a surefire way to start your day with a touch of elegance and extraordinary flavor. This recipe brings together the best of two beloved dishes, creating a breakfast experience that is both indulgent and memorable. Follow our detailed guide, and you’ll be able to create a dish that not only looks stunning but also tastes divine. Enjoy this luxurious treat and impress your loved ones with your culinary skills.