creme brulee french toast recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
creme brulee french toast recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best creme brulee french toast recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite creme brulee french toast recipe. This dish is a game-changer for breakfast or brunch.

The rich, creamy custard infused into the thick slices of bread is absolute perfection. I first discovered this recipe while on vacation in France, and it quickly became a staple in our household.

My kids love it because it’s sweet and indulgent, but still feels like a special treat. As a busy mom, I appreciate that this recipe is easy to make ahead and customize for any occasion.

Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover bread and eggs.

Creme Brulee French Toast

Creme Brulee French Toast

4.9 from 1634 votes

This recipe combines the rich custard of creme brulee with the comfort of French toast. Thick slices of bread are soaked in a vanilla custard and pan fried until golden, then topped with a caramelized sugar crust.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Custard

4 large egg yolks
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the French Toast

8 slices brioche or challah bread, 1 inch thick
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for the pan

For the Caramelized Topping

1/4 cup granulated sugar, for sprinkling

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, heavy cream, whole milk, 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
2Pour this custard into a shallow dish wide enough to fit a slice of bread.
3Place a slice of brioche in the custard and let it soak for 30 seconds on each side, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid without becoming soggy.
4Repeat with the remaining slices, working in batches if needed.
5Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
6When the butter is foamy, add 2 to 3 soaked bread slices in a single layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the bottom is deep golden brown and the edges are set.
7Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining butter and bread.
8Once all the French toast is cooked, sprinkle a thin, even layer of the remaining 1/4 cup sugar over the top of each slice.
9Use a kitchen torch held 2 to 3 inches away to caramelize the sugar until it melts and turns amber, moving the flame continuously to avoid burning.
Serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Whisk
Shallow dish
Large nonstick skillet
Spatula
Kitchen torch

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 16g❤️Cholesterol: 245mg🧂Sodium: 380mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 22g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

For best results, use day old bread that is slightly stale to prevent it from falling apart during soaking. If you do not have a kitchen torch, you can place the sugared French toast under a preheated broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Watch Video Of How Creme Brulee French Toast Works

This creme brulee french toast recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just want to treat yourself to something special on a Tuesday morning. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make ahead and customize with your favorite toppings or fillings. My family loves it when I serve it with fresh berries or sliced bananas, but feel free to get creative and add your own favorite ingredients.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creme Brulee French Toast

Q: What is the difference between creme brulee french toast and regular french toast?

Creme brulee french toast is made by infusing thick slices of bread with a rich, creamy custard mixture before cooking them in a pan. This gives the dish its signature sweet and indulgent flavor. Regular french toast, on the other hand, is typically made with just eggs and milk.

Q: Can I make creme brulee french toast ahead of time?

Yes, you can make creme brulee french toast ahead of time by preparing the custard mixture and assembling the sandwiches the night before. Simply store them in the refrigerator overnight and cook them in the morning.

Q: What type of bread works best for creme brulee french toast?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use a thick, hearty bread that can hold up to the custard mixture. Challah or brioche work beautifully, but you can also use any other type of bread that’s dense and moist.

Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream in this recipe with a lower-fat alternative?

No, I would not recommend substituting the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative. The richness of the heavy cream is an essential part of what makes this recipe so delicious. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using almond milk or another low-fat milk instead.

Q: How do I store leftover creme brulee french toast?

You can store leftover creme brulee french toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it gently in a pan or toaster oven until crispy and golden brown.

Similar Posts