Crème Brûlée French Toast is a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts. It brings the caramelized sugar crust and creamy custard of crème brûlée to the comforting, eggy bread of French toast. Ideal for brunch or a special breakfast, this dish is sure to impress with its elegant flavors and textures.
The recipe begins with the selection of quality ingredients. Thick slices of brioche or challah bread are preferred for their rich, buttery texture. The custard mixture is a blend of eggs, cream, vanilla extract, and sugar, similar to traditional crème brûlée. For an added twist, a hint of orange zest or a dash of cinnamon can be included.
The bread slices are soaked in the custard mixture, allowing them to absorb the flavors fully. They are then gently cooked on a skillet until golden brown. For the crème brûlée effect, a layer of sugar is sprinkled over the cooked French toast and caramelized using a kitchen torch, creating a delightful crackling sugar crust.
Serve the Crème Brûlée French Toast warm, garnished with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. The contrasting textures of the crisp sugar topping and the soft, custardy bread make each bite a luxurious experience.
Delicious Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe | Gourmet Breakfast Ideas
Details Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipes
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Additional Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 9 hrs
Servings: 6
Yield: 1 (9x13-inch) casserole
Ingredients For Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipes
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
6 (1-inch thick) slices French bread
5 large eggs
1 ½ cups half-and-half cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon brandy-based orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier)
¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions: Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipes
Step 1: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and corn syrup; stir until sugar is dissolved. Pour into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Remove crusts from bread and arrange in the baking dish in a single layer. Whisk eggs, half and half, vanilla, brandy, and salt together in a bowl. Pour over the bread. Cover and chill at least 8 hours, or overnight.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Meanwhile, remove baking dish from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature.
Step 4: Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven until puffed and lightly browned, 35 to 40 minutes.
I found this recipe years ago and have made it for Christmas morning breakfast ever since. My family loves it. I use a baguette for smaller pieces.
This is absolutely amazing.... huge hit with the entire family!!!Great for a special occasion or just a wonderful breakfast!
This recipe is a family go to for Sunday morning. I don't remove the costs as we like the chewy/soft texture combination.
The bottom was my fav it was super rich and sweet 10 out of 10
My family loves this breakfast for a special occasion. It is very easy to make and I’ve made it enough to memorize the process. I modified the recipe with 1/2 tsp of almond extract rather than the brandy, I use maple syrup in the base rather than corn syrup, and I use a vanilla brioche bread that has a small amount of custard baked in. For process changes, I cut the bread about 1.5 inches and arrange in pan first so that it is ready to go when the base is poured into pan. Then I prepare eggs to give a minute for base to cool to avoid cooking eggs from the hot base. I’ve never had a need to broil. I have also made the recipe with less base and 2% milk to reduce the fat level and it is still rather good. (Picture is 1/2 recipe)
This is a great recipe! I made this for my wife to keep her from going to Cheesecake Factory for the crème brûlée French Toast. It was an absolute HIT! It tastes like Christmas! No syrup needed.
My family LOVE this recipe! I have not made any changes, except I have used sliced baguette loaves instead. The "boys" almost prefer it that way.
I have made this so many times and it is so good that I get depressed when it's almost gone. The only problem is that it is probably not the healthiest thing to eat if you have clogged carotid arteries.
All Nutrifacts of Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipes
✅What makes Crème Brûlée French Toast a unique breakfast dish?
Crème Brûlée French Toast stands out due to its exquisite combination of a classic breakfast staple and a luxurious dessert. The unique feature of this dish is the caramelized sugar crust, a signature element of crème brûlée, atop the rich, custard-soaked French toast. This fusion creates a delightful contrast of textures – a crisp, sweet topping against the soft, eggy bread. Perfect for special occasions or a gourmet brunch, it's a culinary twist that brings a touch of elegance to your morning meal.
✅What type of bread is best for making Crème Brûlée French Toast?
The ideal bread for Crème Brûlée French Toast is thick, sturdy, and slightly sweet. Brioche or challah are the top choices due to their rich, buttery flavor and ability to absorb the custard mixture without falling apart. These bread types contribute to the overall richness of the dish, providing a perfect canvas for the creamy custard and caramelized sugar topping.
✅How do you achieve the perfect caramelized sugar topping on Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Achieving the perfect caramelized sugar topping on Crème Brûlée French Toast involves sprinkling a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the cooked French toast and then using a kitchen torch to melt and brown the sugar. The key is to move the torch constantly to avoid burning the sugar, aiming for a golden-brown color. This process creates a delightful, crackly topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft, custardy bread underneath.
✅Can Crème Brûlée French Toast be prepared in advance?
Yes, Crème Brûlée French Toast can be prepared in advance, making it convenient for hosting brunches or large gatherings. The bread can be soaked in the custard mixture and stored in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply cook the soaked bread on a skillet. However, for the best experience, the caramelized sugar topping should be done just before serving to ensure it retains its crisp texture.
✅What are some serving suggestions for Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Crème Brûlée French Toast can be served with a variety of accompaniments to enhance its flavor. Fresh berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, add a refreshing, tart contrast to the sweet dish. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup can amplify the decadence. For a nutty flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds. Lastly, a dusting of powdered sugar or a side of fruit compote can elevate the dish, making it a visually appealing and delicious gourmet breakfast.
