Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crème Brûlée French Toast takes everything beloved about the classic breakfast staple and elevates it with the elegance of a custardy crème brûlée. Thick slices of bread soak in a rich cream-and-egg mixture, then bake into a soft, velvety interior with a caramelized golden top reminiscent of the dessert itself. I once tried making this with brioche instead of challah, and the buttery flavor paired beautifully with the caramel layer. This recipe is ideal for special occasions, quiet weekend mornings, or when you want to prepare something impressive with minimal effort. The best part is that most of the work can be done ahead of time, making it a reliable choice for brunch gatherings. Serve it warm with fresh berries or a drizzle of warm cream, and you’ll experience a dish that captures the indulgence of crème brûlée without the fuss of a torch.
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Crème Brûlée French Toast: A Luxurious Breakfast Worth Waking Up For
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A decadent baked French toast infused with a silky crème brûlée-style caramel base, resulting in a tender custard interior and caramelized topping.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and maple syrup until smooth and bubbly.
- Pour caramel mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange bread slices over the caramel in a single layer.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour custard mixture over the bread, ensuring it soaks in.
- Let stand 10–15 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden and set.
- Invert slices onto plates to reveal the caramelized bottom and serve warm.
Notes
- Challah or brioche can be used for a richer texture.
- Allow casserole to rest a few minutes before serving to help it set.
- Top with berries, whipped cream, or extra maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Thick-sliced brioche or challah
These breads absorb the custard beautifully while maintaining structure. Their natural sweetness complements the crème brûlée flavor profile.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream creates the rich, silky custard base. It makes the French toast incredibly soft inside while delivering that dessert-like texture.
Milk
Combining milk with cream keeps the custard from becoming overly dense. I’ve made this recipe with almond milk as well, and it still baked up beautifully.
Eggs
Eggs thicken the custard and help it set while baking. They are essential for achieving the signature crème brûlée consistency.
Sugar
Sugar sweetens the custard and caramelizes on top during baking to create the brûlée-inspired finish.
Brown sugar
Used for the caramel layer, brown sugar melts into a glossy, buttery base that infuses the bread with deep sweetness.
Butter
Butter helps melt the brown sugar and creates that luscious caramel-coated bottom layer.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the custard with warm, aromatic sweetness. It balances the richness of the cream perfectly.
Salt
A small amount of salt intensifies the other flavors and keeps the dish from tasting overly sweet.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a baking dish. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Pour this caramel mixture into the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Arrange thick slices of brioche or challah over the caramel layer. In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring each slice is well coated. Gently press the bread down so it absorbs the custard.
Let the mixture sit for at least 15–20 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor and easier preparation. Bake the French toast uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the tops of the slices are lightly golden.
Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes. When ready to serve, invert individual servings to reveal the caramelized underside. Serve warm with fresh berries, extra cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe typically serves 6–8 people. Preparation takes 15 minutes, plus optional overnight soaking time. Baking requires 30–40 minutes. Total active time is approximately 45–55 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes for the best texture. Microwaving works but will soften the caramel layer. Freezing is possible, though the custard texture is best enjoyed fresh.
Variations and Customizations
Orange Crème Brûlée French Toast
Add orange zest and a splash of orange juice to the custard for a citrus lift.
Caramel-Bourbon Version
Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the caramel mixture for a deeper flavor.
Cinnamon Brûlée French Toast
Mix a small amount of cinnamon into the custard for warm spice notes.
Coconut Cream Variation
Replace part of the cream with coconut milk for a subtle tropical undertone.
Lemon-Vanilla Twist
Add lemon zest to the custard and finish with a lemon glaze.
Berry-Stuffed Version
Layer fresh berries between the bread slices before pouring in the custard.
Almond Custard
Add almond extract in place of vanilla for a fragrant, nutty profile.
Chocolate Brûlée French Toast
Scatter mini chocolate chips between layers for a dessert-like experience.
Salted Caramel Finish
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before baking.
Maple Crème Brûlée
Replace some of the sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, woodsy sweetness.
FAQs
Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes, overnight soaking enhances the flavor and makes morning preparation easier.
Can I use regular sandwich bread?
Thicker, richer bread like brioche or challah works best for texture and absorption.
Do I need to torch the top like classic crème brûlée?
No, the caramel layer delivers the brûlée effect without a torch.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut milk and a dairy-free butter alternative; the texture will be slightly lighter.
How do I prevent soggy French toast?
Ensure proper baking time and do not oversaturate the bread.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but the caramel layer depends on sugar for structure.
Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
Yes, though the custard will be slightly less rich.
Can I add fruit directly to the dish?
Yes, berries or sliced peaches bake well into the custard.
Can I freeze the dish unbaked?
Freezing unbaked custard can cause separation; freezing after baking works better.
How do I keep the caramel from hardening?
Serve the dish warm; the caramel stays soft when heated.
Conclusion
Crème Brûlée French Toast combines the rich, custardy pleasure of the iconic dessert with the comfort of a classic breakfast favorite. Its caramel base, tender interior, and warm vanilla aroma create a dish that feels both luxurious and approachable. Whether prepared for a holiday brunch or a quiet morning indulgence, this recipe offers simplicity, elegance, and unforgettable flavor. Serve it warm and allow the caramel to shine, transforming a familiar breakfast into something truly special.
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