This Crème Brûlée French Toast is the ultimate brunch upgrade. Thick slices of brioche are soaked in a rich vanilla custard, baked until golden, then finished with a crisp caramelized sugar topping. It combines the creamy comfort of French toast with the crackly sugar crust of classic crème brûlée.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy custard center with a crisp caramelized top
- Perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch
- Elegant dessert-style French toast
- Simple ingredients with bakery-style results
- Ideal for holidays, weekends, and special mornings
Crème Brûlée French Toast
Ingredients
For the French Toast
For Serving (Optional)
Brioche or challah bread, sliced thickLarge eggsWhole milk (or almond/oat milk)Heavy cream (or half-and-half)Granulated sugar (or brown sugar)Vanilla extract or vanilla bean pasteGround cinnamon or nutmegPinch of saltGranulated sugar for brûlée toppingFresh berriesPowdered sugarMaple syrup
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Step 2: Make the Custard
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Step 5: Bake
Step 6: Brûlée the Top
Step 7: Serve
Slice the brioche or challah into thick pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish.In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices. Press gently so the bread absorbs the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best flavor and texture.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden. For extra color, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely.Sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar over the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize until crisp and golden. Alternatively, place under the broiler briefly until the sugar melts and hardens.Let cool slightly before serving. Top with berries, powdered sugar, and maple syrup if desired.This Crème Brûlée French Toast is best served warm while the sugar crust is crisp.
Notes
Ingredients
For the French Toast
- Brioche or challah bread, sliced thick
- Large eggs
- Whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For Serving (Optional)
- Granulated sugar for brûlée topping
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Slice the brioche or challah into thick pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices. Press gently so the bread absorbs the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best flavor and texture.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 5: Bake
Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden. For extra color, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
Step 6: Brûlée the Top
Sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar over the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize until crisp and golden. Alternatively, place under the broiler briefly until the sugar melts and hardens.
Step 7: Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Top with berries, powdered sugar, and maple syrup if desired.
This Crème Brûlée French Toast is best served warm while the sugar crust is crisp.
Tips & Tricks
- Use day-old bread for better custard absorption
- Don’t oversoak or the bread may become mushy
- A thin sugar layer brûlées best
- Vanilla bean paste adds extra depth of flavor
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes–overnight
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour (plus chilling)
- Servings: 6–8
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch
- Method: Baking + Brûlée
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Difficulty: Medium
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk and skip the cream or replace with full-fat coconut milk.
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: ~420
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 22 g
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assembling and chilling overnight gives the best results.
Do I need a kitchen torch?
No, the broiler works, but watch closely to avoid burning.
What bread works best?
Brioche or challah are ideal due to their rich, soft texture.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven. Note that the sugar crust will soften after refrigeration.
Similar Recipes
- Baked French Toast Casserole
- Vanilla Custard Bread Pudding
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Conclusion
This Crème Brûlée French Toast delivers everything you want in a show-stopping brunch dish—creamy custard, rich vanilla flavor, and that signature caramelized crunch. Elegant, comforting, and unforgettable.