Crème Brûlée French Toast

User Reviews

5

12 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    15 mins

  • Servings

    8 slices

  • Calories

    240 kcal

  • Course

    Breakfast

  • Cuisine

    American

Crème Brûlée French Toast

Crème Brûlée French Toast uses thick slices of challah soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard of eggs, milk, and cream, then pan-fried until golden. The finished slices are topped with granulated sugar and caramelized to create a crisp, brûléed surface that contrasts with the tender, custardy interior. This preparation combines the richness of crème brûlée with the familiar texture of French toast for a distinctive breakfast or brunch treat. The custard soak infused with cinnamon and vanilla complements the caramelized sugar topping, providing a balance of sweet and warm flavors.

Description

Crème Brûlée French Toast is an elevated version of traditional French toast, prepared with thick slices of challah bread soaked in a custard made from milk, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. The recipe details a careful soaking process that ensures the bread absorbs the custard evenly without falling apart. The slices are then cooked on a buttered griddle to develop a golden crust while maintaining a soft and creamy inside. After cooking, granulated sugar is evenly sprinkled on top of each slice and caramelized using a kitchen torch or broiler, forming the classic brûléed crispy sugar crust.

The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar in the custard mix provides warm aromatic notes that complement the rich vanilla and creamy textures. The brûléed sugar topping adds a satisfying crunch and a slightly caramelized flavor contrast, elevating the dish beyond standard French toast. The recipe suggests serving the French toast with light accompaniments like fresh berries or whipped cream that do not overpower the caramelized topping.

Ideal for a special occasion or weekend brunch, this recipe balances richness and texture by using thick challah slices and finishing with the signature brûlée crust. The notes recommend simple toppings that respect the dish's flavor balance and may enhance presentation without masking the crisp sugar layer.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 cup milk whole, 2%, or 1%
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 large egg
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar light or dark
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 8 (1-inch thick) slices challah brioche or Texas toast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar to brûlée

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup milk, 1 cup heavy cream, and 4 large eggs until combined.
  2. Add 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Heat a lightly buttered griddle or 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Working in batches, soak 8 (1-inch thick) slices challah in the egg mixture until thoroughly saturated but not falling apart, about 30 to 60 seconds. Lift each slice and allow the excess egg mixture to drip off, gently running the edge of the bread along the bowl or use your fingers to remove extra liquid.
  5. Cook the soaked bread slices on the hot griddle for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
  6. Sprinkle a thin layer of the sugar over the top of each cooked slice (about 1 1/2 teaspoons per slice).

To Brûlée

  1. Torch method: Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden brown, keeping the flame 1 to 2 inches away from the sugar.Broil method: Place the sugared toast slices under the oven broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, about 6 inches away from the heating element, watching closely to prevent burning.Pan method: Sprinkle the sugar directly onto the griddle or frying pan. Place the cooked toast onto the sugar and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until caramelized. Repeat on the other side, if desired.
  2. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Top the French toast with fresh berries or whipped cream to complement the brûléed sugar without overpowering the flavor.
  • A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add appeal without masking the caramelized crispness.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1slice Calories 240kcal (12%) Carbohydrates 34g (11%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 123mg (41%) Sodium 327mg (14%) Potassium 154mg (3%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 310IU (6%) Calcium 113mg (11%) Iron 2.3mg (13%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8slices

Amount Per Serving

Calories 240 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1slice
Calories 240kcal 12%
Carbohydrates 34g 11%
Protein 10g 20%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 123mg 41%
Sodium 327mg 14%
Potassium 154mg 3%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 310IU 6%
Calcium 113mg 11%
Iron 2.3mg 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5

12 reviews
Excellent

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