Crème Brûlée French Toast: Caramelized & Custardy (Print Version)
Crème Brûlée French Toast combines rich, custardy brioche with a crisp caramelized sugar topping. A decadent breakfast or brunch treat for any occasion.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ The Custard Infusion
01 -
4 large eggs
02 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
03 -
1/4 cup whole milk
04 -
1/4 cup granulated sugar
05 -
1 tsp vanilla extract
06 -
1/2 tsp orange zest
07 -
Pinch of salt
→ Golden Brioche Foundation
08 -
8 slices brioche or challah bread, 1-inch thick
→ Caramelized Brûlée Finish
09 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
10 -
1/4 cup granulated sugar
→ Elegant Embellishments
11 -
2 tbsp powdered sugar, for dusting
12 -
1 cup fresh mixed berries, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Combine 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp orange zest, and a pinch of salt in a shallow dish. Whisk until well combined and smooth. This is the heart of your Crème Brûlée French Toast: Caramelized & Custardy.
02 -
Place 8 slices brioche or challah bread, 1-inch thick, into the custard mixture. Allow them to soak for at least 5 minutes per side, ensuring they are fully saturated but not falling apart. This deep soak creates the custardy interior for your Crème Brûlée French Toast.
03 -
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, allowing it to melt and coat the pan evenly. Ensure the pan is hot enough to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust on your Crème Brûlée French Toast.
04 -
Carefully transfer the soaked brioche slices to the hot skillet, cooking 2-3 slices at a time to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should be warm and custardy.
05 -
Arrange the cooked French toast on a baking sheet. Sprinkle 1/4 cup granulated sugar evenly over the top of each slice. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, amber crust. Alternatively, broil briefly, watching carefully.
06 -
Dust the caramelized Crème Brûlée French Toast: Caramelized & Custardy with 2 tbsp powdered sugar. Garnish generously with 1 cup fresh mixed berries. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra rich custard, let the brioche soak overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the bread to fully absorb the liquid, resulting in an incredibly custardy interior.
02 -
If you don't have a kitchen torch, you can caramelize the sugar under a broiler. Place the French toast on a baking sheet and broil on high for 1-2 minutes, watching constantly to prevent burning.
03 -
Serve immediately after caramelizing the sugar for the best "crème brûlée" crack. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup also makes a delightful addition.
04 -
Leftover French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or skillet, though the caramelized crust may soften.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large shallow dish
02 -
Whisk
03 -
Measuring cups and spoons
04 -
Large non-stick skillet or griddle
05 -
Spatula
06 -
Kitchen torch
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 715 kcal
Total Fat: 38 g
Total Carbohydrate: 76 g
Protein: 18 g