Crème Brûlée French Toast is a delightful twist on classic breakfast French toast, featuring a creamy custard-style filling with a caramelized sugar topping that crackles perfectly with every bite. It’s rich, sweet, and just a little fancy without being complicated to make.
I love making this for special weekend mornings because it feels like a treat but still works as a cozy breakfast. The best part is cracking through that crisp, caramelized sugar top to get to the warm, soft bread underneath. I usually sprinkle a bit of cinnamon in the custard mix for an extra touch of flavor that everyone seems to enjoy.
My favorite way to serve Crème Brûlée French Toast is with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries on the side. It’s also great with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent. This is definitely one of those dishes that makes breakfast feel a little more special and fun to share with family or friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brioche or Challah Bread: These breads are perfect because they’re rich and thick, soaking up the custard without falling apart. If you can’t find these, a thick-cut white bread or Texas toast works well too.
Heavy Cream & Milk: Heavy cream adds richness, making the custard creamy. You can swap heavy cream for all milk if you want a lighter version, but expect less creaminess.
Vanilla and Almond Extracts: Vanilla is a must for that warm flavor. Almond adds a subtle nutty note but can be skipped if you don’t have it or want to avoid nuts.
Granulated Sugar: Used both in the custard and for caramelizing the top. For caramelizing, always use granulated sugar—brown sugar won’t give you the classic crisp topping.
Mixed Berries & Whipped Cream: Fresh berries add a bright contrast to the rich toast. Choose whatever berries you like or have on hand. Whipped cream tops it off with a light, airy texture.
How Do You Get the Perfect Caramelized Sugar Topping Without Burning It?
Caramelizing sugar on top can be tricky. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the cooked toast. Too much sugar makes it hard to caramelize evenly.
- Use a kitchen torch if you have one. Move the flame slowly and evenly across the sugar. Watch for a golden brown color—once you see it, stop to avoid burning.
- If you’re using a broiler, place the toast close to the heat source and keep a close eye. It should only take 1-2 minutes. Don’t walk away!
- Let the caramelized sugar harden for a minute before adding toppings or cutting. It’s a delicate crust and will crack with a satisfying crunch.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I like it because it’s easy to whisk all the custard ingredients together.
- Whisk – helps you blend everything smoothly without lumps.
- Baking sheet or dish – where you’ll soak the bread slices and refrigerate them to absorb the custard.
- Skillet or griddle – essential for cooking the French toast to golden perfection.
- Kitchen torch or broiler – for caramelizing the sugar topping and giving it that crackly finish.
- Spatula – for flipping the bread slices and removing them from the pan.
- Serving plates – to display this beautiful treat with toppings.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use flavored liqueurs like Grand Marnier or Chambord in the custard for a boozy twist.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the custard for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Top with caramelized banana slices or apple compote for extra fruitiness.
- Mix chopped nuts, like pistachios or pecans, into the sprinkled sugar before caramelizing for crunch.
Crème Brûlée French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 loaf brioche bread or challah, cut into 1.5-inch thick slices (about 8 slices)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, for cooking
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing on top)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 8-10 minutes to cook the French toast. Remember to soak the bread in the custard for at least 1 hour (or overnight if you have time) to get that rich, creamy texture. Caramelizing the sugar and adding toppings will take just a few more minutes before you’re ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), salt, and cinnamon until everything is well blended and smooth.
2. Soak the Bread:
Place the brioche or challah slices in a single layer on a baking sheet or dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure each slice gets fully soaked. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour – overnight is even better for rich flavor.
3. Cook the French Toast:
Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Remove the soaked bread slices from the custard and gently shake off any extra liquid. Cook each slice in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the outside is golden and caramelized.
4. Caramelize the Sugar Topping:
Place the cooked French toast on an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar on top of each slice. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar by moving the flame evenly until it melts and forms a crisp, golden crust. If you don’t have a torch, put the dish under a broiler for 1-2 minutes—watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
Dust the caramelized toast lightly with powdered sugar. Top with fresh mixed berries and a generous scoop of whipped cream. Drizzle warm maple syrup over everything just before serving.
Enjoy your tasty Crème Brûlée French Toast — a perfect mix of creamy custard, crunchy caramel topping, fresh fruit, and sweet syrup!
Can I Use Stale Bread for Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Yes! Slightly stale or day-old bread works best because it soaks up the custard without falling apart. If your bread is fresh, just let the slices sit out for a couple of hours to dry a bit before soaking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or toaster oven to keep the crispiness of the caramelized sugar.
Can I Skip Using a Kitchen Torch?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can caramelize the sugar under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Just watch it closely to prevent burning.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute dairy milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk, and replace eggs with a vegan egg substitute such as flaxseed meal mixed with water. Keep in mind this will alter the richness and texture slightly.
