Délicieux Crème Brûlée French Toast

This indulgent crme brle French toast brings together the richness of custard soaked brioche with a perfectly caramelized brown sugar crust inspiring a breakfast or brunch that feels like a special treat. Its creamy texture and warm vanilla cinnamon notes create a comforting yet elegant dish that delights the senses.

I first prepared this recipe for a leisurely Sunday morning and it quickly became a treasured family favorite often requested for weekend brunch. Each caramelized top crack creates a little moment of joy and nostalgia for me.

Ingredients

• Brioche bread: about 12 thick slices providing a soft, buttery base ideal for soaking the custard—choose fresh, high grade brioche for best results
• Large eggs: ensure a rich custard binding the cream and milk into a silky custard soaking the bread thoroughly
• Heavy cream: adds luxurious creaminess and depth of flavor—go for full fat for that classic richness
• Whole milk: balances the cream adding a lighter dimension and preventing heaviness
• Granulated sugar: sweetens the custard gently—opt for fine sugar so it dissolves completely
• Vanilla extract: brings a fragrant warmth—pure vanilla extract enhances depth over artificial
• Ground cinnamon: adds subtle spice and aromatic warmth—freshly ground is best for brightness
• A pinch of salt: enhances the sweetness and balances flavors naturally
• Brown sugar: creates the iconic caramelized crust—a moist, slightly coarse sugar works wonders for caramelizing

Instructions

Prep the Bread:

Slice the brioche into thick slices about one to one and a half inches thick. The thickness is important to hold the custard well without falling apart during baking.

Make the Custard:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together four large eggs, two cups heavy cream, half a cup whole milk, half a cup granulated sugar, one tablespoon vanilla extract, one teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This custard base is where the rich flavor and creamy texture develop.

Soak the Bread:

Place your brioche slices in a nine by thirteen inch baking dish in a single layer if possible. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread ensuring every slice is well coated. Let it soak for at least thirty minutes to absorb as much custard as possible creating a luscious, custardy interior.

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius allowing it to reach the perfect temperature for gentle baking.

Bake it Up:

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to retain moisture and bake the soaked bread for thirty minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional fifteen to twenty minutes allowing the top to set and begin developing a subtle golden color.

Caramelize the Top:

Evenly sprinkle half a cup of brown sugar on top of the baked custard soaked bread slices. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust. If you do not have a torch, place the dish under the broiler on high for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Cool and Serve:

Let the French toast sit for a few minutes to finalize its texture then slice and serve with your favorite toppings such as fresh berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream.

The brown sugar caramelized topping remains my favorite part adding a satisfying crunchy contrast to the tender custard soaked brioche just like the crme brle dessert it draws inspiration from. Making this for family on chilly mornings reminds me of cozy Sunday traditions where simple ingredients create lasting memories.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm individual slices in a skillet over low heat to maintain the caramelized crust or gently in the oven wrapped in foil.

Ingredient Substitutions

If brioche is unavailable brioche type challah bread works well though the texture differs slightly. Using half and half instead of heavy cream and whole milk lightens the dish but reduces richness. Vanilla bean paste can replace extract for a more intense aroma.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this French toast with fresh fruit like raspberries or sliced strawberries and a drizzle of honey or classic maple syrup. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finishing touch. For extra indulgence, add a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone.

Serve immediately for best texture and enjoy this indulgent take on crme brle French toast. It makes a lovely weekend treat.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Quel type de pain convient le mieux ?

La brioche épaisse est idéale pour absorber la custard tout en gardant une texture moelleuse.

→ Comment obtenir une caramélisation parfaite ?

Utilisez un chalumeau de cuisine pour griller uniformément le sucre brun jusqu’à obtenir une croûte dorée.

→ Peut-on préparer ce plat à l’avance ?

Oui, le pain peut être imbibé plusieurs heures avant cuisson et caramélisé juste avant de servir.

→ Quelles épices ajouter ?

La cannelle ajoute une touche chaleureuse qui complète la vanille et équilibre la douceur.

→ Comment servir ce toast ?

Il peut être accompagné de fruits frais, de sirop d’érable ou d’une crème fouettée pour plus de gourmandise.