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- 1 loaf of brioche bread, sliced into thick pieces - 4 large eggs - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup whole milk - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - A pinch of salt - 1/2 cup brown sugar (for the caramelized topping) - Fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for garnish) - Whipped cream (optional, for serving) Let's break down the key ingredients in this crème brûlée French toast. First, brioche bread is crucial. Its rich, buttery flavor makes the toast soft and delicious. Thick slices soak up the custard well, giving you a tender bite. Next, we have the eggs and dairy elements. The combination of heavy cream and whole milk creates a creamy custard that binds everything together. The eggs provide structure and richness. Flavoring agents like vanilla extract and ground cinnamon add depth. The vanilla gives a warm aroma, while cinnamon adds a hint of spice. Don't forget the pinch of salt! It balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors. For the caramelized topping, brown sugar is key. It melts beautifully under heat, forming a crunchy layer on top. This creates that classic crème brûlée finish, which is both fun and tasty. Finally, fresh berries and whipped cream are optional but recommended. They add color and a fruity contrast to the sweet toast. The berries brighten the dish, making it not just tasty, but also pretty to look at. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, grab a large mixing bowl. Add four large eggs to the bowl. Next, pour in one cup of heavy cream and half a cup of whole milk. Then, add half a cup of granulated sugar. This mixture needs flavor, so include one tablespoon of vanilla extract and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Don't forget a pinch of salt for balance. Whisk all these ingredients together until they blend well. You want a smooth mixture with no lumps. Now, take your loaf of brioche bread. Slice it into thick pieces. Arrange these slices in a shallow dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Make sure each slice gets soaked well. Let the bread sit for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, let it soak for about one hour. Flip the slices halfway through the soaking time. This step helps all sides absorb the custard mixture. While the bread soaks, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s ready when you are. Next, grease a baking dish or a large skillet with butter. This step prevents the French toast from sticking. After soaking, place the brioche slices in a single layer in the prepared dish. Pour any leftover custard mixture over the slices. Sprinkle half a cup of brown sugar evenly on top of the soaked bread. Make sure to cover every slice for that tasty caramelized topping. Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. The French toast should puff up and turn golden brown. The custard should also set. To achieve that classic crème brûlée look, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the brown sugar topping. Aim for a golden and crispy texture. If you don’t have a torch, place the dish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Stay close and keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Once done, your delicious Crème Brûlée French Toast is ready to serve! Whisking is key to a great custard. You want to blend the eggs, cream, and sugar well. This helps to avoid lumps. I recommend whisking for about two minutes. Soaking the bread well is also very important. I suggest letting it soak for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor and texture, try soaking it for one hour. Remember to flip the slices halfway through. This ensures every part of the bread gets coated. You can use a kitchen torch or the broiler method. A kitchen torch gives you more control. Hold it about six inches from the sugar. Move it constantly to avoid burning. If you prefer using the broiler, place your dish on the top rack. Watch it very closely. It can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it. To avoid burning, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly. A thin layer works best. If you see dark spots, move the flame or dish around. This way, you get a nice, even caramelized top without burnt bits. Pro Tips Choose the Right Bread: Using brioche is key for a rich flavor and texture, but you can also try challah or a thick-cut artisan bread for variation. Soaking Time Matters: Allowing the bread to soak for at least an hour ensures it absorbs the custard fully, resulting in a creamy interior. Watch the Caramelization: When using a broiler to caramelize the sugar topping, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning—this process only takes a minute or two. Garnish for Flair: Fresh berries and whipped cream not only add visual appeal but also enhance the flavors, making each bite a delightful experience. {{image_4}} You can change up the flavor of your Crème Brûlée French Toast. Different extracts can add a fun twist. Try almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty flavor. Rum extract can give it a warm, rich taste. For a spicier kick, add nutmeg or cardamom to the custard mix. Just a little can make a big difference. Toppings can also make your dish special. Fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add color and flavor. You can pile them on top or serve them on the side. If you want something creamy, whipped cream goes perfectly. Maple syrup or chocolate sauce can also be great choices. These toppings let you personalize your dish and impress your family. To keep your Crème Brûlée French Toast fresh, cool it completely. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you do not finish it in that time, consider freezing it. To enjoy your French toast again, you need to reheat it carefully. The best method is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for 30 seconds. Check if it’s warm; if not, heat it in short bursts. This avoids making it soggy. Enjoy your delicious treat again! Yes, you can prepare Crème Brûlée French Toast the night before. To do this, follow these steps: - Make the custard mix: Whisk the eggs, cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. - Soak the bread: Place thick brioche slices in a dish and pour the custard over them. Flip the slices to coat them well. - Cover and chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. This allows the bread to soak overnight. - Bake in the morning: When you're ready to bake, preheat the oven, add brown sugar, and follow the baking steps. If you don't have brioche, you can use other types of bread. Here are some good options: - Challah: This bread has a similar texture and sweetness. - French bread: It works well and gives a nice crust. - Sourdough: It adds a tangy flavor that can be delightful. - Texas toast: Thick and fluffy, it's perfect for soaking. To make Crème Brûlée French Toast gluten-free, choose the right bread. Here are some suggestions: - Gluten-free brioche: Many stores sell gluten-free versions. - Gluten-free French bread: Look for brands that use gluten-free flour. - Homemade gluten-free bread: You can make your own if you prefer. Be sure to check all other ingredients for gluten. This way, you can enjoy this treat without worry. To make Crème Brûlée French toast, we focused on ingredients and steps. You learned about the main ingredients, including brioche and dairy. I shared easy steps for mixing, soaking, and baking. You also found helpful tips for perfect custard and caramelized toppings. In the end, be creative with flavors and toppings. Enjoy making this dish your own. Remember to store leftovers properly. Happy cooking!

Crème Brûlée French Toast Delight

A delicious twist on French toast with a creamy custard base and a caramelized sugar topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine French
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf brioche bread, sliced into thick pieces
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • a pinch salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (for the caramelized topping)
  • to taste fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for garnish)
  • to taste whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined and smooth.
  • Arrange the thick slices of brioche in a shallow dish and pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring each slice is generously coated. Allow to soak for at least 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a baking dish or large skillet with butter to prevent sticking.
  • Once the bread has soaked, carefully place the slices into the prepared baking dish in a single layer and pour any leftover custard mixture over the top.
  • Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly across the soaked brioche slices to cover the surface.
  • Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes until puffed up and golden brown.
  • Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the brown sugar topping until golden and crispy, or place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  • Allow to cool slightly before serving, topping with fresh berries and whipped cream if desired.

Notes

Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream for an extra treat.
Keyword breakfast, dessert, French toast