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To make Crème Brûlée French Toast, gather these key ingredients: - 1 loaf of challah bread, sliced thick - 4 large eggs - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup whole milk - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Pinch of salt - 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping) Optional garnishes and toppings include fresh berries and mint leaves. These add color and freshness to your dish. You can mix and match toppings based on your taste. The berries will give a sweet burst, while mint adds a nice touch of green. Enjoy these to make your breakfast even more delightful! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, let’s combine the custard mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together: - 4 large eggs - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup whole milk - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - A pinch of salt Mix until everything is well blended. This custard will give your French toast its rich flavor. Next, soak the challah bread slices. Dip each slice in the egg mixture. Let it soak for about 30 seconds on each side. This step helps the bread absorb all the tasty flavors. Now, let’s prep the baking dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This keeps the French toast from sticking. Now, arrange the soaked bread in the dish. Place the slices slightly overlapping if needed. This helps them cook evenly. Pour any leftover egg mixture over the bread. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This allows the bread to soak up more custard. After that, remove the foil and sprinkle 1/4 cup brown sugar evenly over the top. This creates that delicious, crunchy crust. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it. After baking, turn on the broiler. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully as the sugar caramelizes. It should turn a lovely golden brown. Finally, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut it into squares for a nice presentation. Enjoy your Crème Brûlée French Toast warm! Soaking the bread well is key for great flavor. Dip each slice in the egg mixture for about 30 seconds on each side. This helps the challah soak up the custard. After dipping, let the slices sit for 15 minutes in the dish. This extra time allows the bread to absorb even more flavor. To ensure even absorption, make sure every slice is covered with the custard. If you have thick slices, you may need a little more time. Check how well the bread absorbs by pressing gently. If it feels soft, you're on the right path. To create that delightful sugar crust, sprinkle brown sugar evenly on top of the bread before broiling. This step is crucial for that crunchy finish. Use a good amount, but not too much, or it may burn. When broiling, watch carefully! The sugar can turn from golden to burnt very quickly. Stay close to the oven, and check every minute. A perfect crust is golden and crisp. After broiling, let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the crust set before you serve. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use day-old challah bread. It will absorb the custard mixture better without becoming soggy. Customize Your Spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist that complements the cinnamon. Watch the Broiling: When broiling, keep a close eye on the bread to prevent the sugar from burning. It should caramelize to a golden brown. Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the Crème Brûlée French Toast warm right out of the oven, topped with fresh berries. {{image_2}} For a fun twist, you can swap the challah bread with other types of bread. Use brioche for a richer flavor, or even sourdough for a tangy bite. If you want a healthier option, try whole grain or gluten-free bread. Dairy-free adaptations are also easy. Substitute heavy cream and whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk. These alternatives will still create a creamy texture. Just make sure to choose unsweetened versions for the best taste. You can add spices or liqueurs to make this dish even more special. A dash of nutmeg or a splash of orange liqueur brings a new level of flavor. Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a unique twist. Seasonal fruit toppings make this dish shine. In spring and summer, fresh berries are perfect. In fall, consider caramelized apples or pears with cinnamon. These toppings not only taste great but also add color and fun to your plate. To keep your Crème Brûlée French Toast fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the leftover slices in an airtight container. This helps prevent dryness and keeps flavors intact. Make sure to eat the leftovers within three days for the best taste. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a good option. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This helps keep them fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, you have two options: microwave or oven. If you use the microwave, heat each slice on low power for about 30 seconds. Check if it’s warm enough, then heat a bit longer if needed. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. The oven method keeps the texture better. To maintain that wonderful crispy top, avoid microwaving for too long. You want the inside warm, but the top should stay crunchy. With these tips, your Crème Brûlée French Toast will taste almost as good as when it was fresh! How can I make it in advance? You can prepare this dish the night before. Make the custard and soak the bread. Cover the dish and place it in the fridge. In the morning, just bake and broil it. This saves time and makes breakfast easy. Can I use stale bread for this recipe? Yes, stale bread works great! It absorbs the custard better and gives a nice texture. Just make sure it is not too hard. Soaking it longer can help if it is very dry. What if I don’t have brown sugar? You can use granulated sugar instead. For a deeper flavor, mix in a bit of molasses. This will mimic the taste of brown sugar quite well. Best accompaniments and drinks Fresh berries add a pop of color and flavor. Serve with whipped cream for extra indulgence. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a sweet mimosa. These drinks and toppings enhance the meal. Ideas for a complete brunch menu You could serve this dish with crispy bacon or sausage. A fruit salad on the side would add freshness. Consider offering pastries or muffins for variety. This combo creates a delightful brunch experience. This blog post shared a clear guide to making Crème Brûlée French Toast. We covered the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for the best results, and variations. You learned how to soak bread, achieve a perfect sugar crust, and store leftovers. As you create this dish, remember to have fun and experiment with flavors. Your culinary journey can lead to amazing brunch experiences. Enjoy every bite, and share your delicious results with friends!

Crème Brûlée French Toast

A delicious twist on traditional French toast, featuring a creamy custard base and a caramelized sugar topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Breakfast
Cuisine French
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf challah bread, sliced thick
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 2 granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 4 brown sugar (for topping)
  • 1 serving Fresh berries (for garnish, optional)
  • 1 serving Mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

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 blended.
  • Dip each slice of challah bread in the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 30 seconds on each side to absorb the flavors.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  • Arrange the soaked bread slices in the baking dish, overlapping them slightly if necessary.
  • Pour any remaining egg mixture over the bread and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Let it sit for about 15 minutes for the bread to absorb more of the custard.
  • Remove the foil and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the bread.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and broil on high (watch carefully!) for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sugar caramelizes and creates a crispy top.
  • Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving; cut into squares for presentation.
  • Serve warm, topped with fresh berries and mint leaves for garnish, if desired.

Notes

For best results, use day-old challah bread.
Keyword breakfast, dessert, French toast