Description
Indulgent Crème Brûlée French Toast brings Parisian breakfast magic to your morning table. Rich custard-soaked bread caramelizes with golden edges, promising a luxurious start that will delight your senses and transport you to a charming French café.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 slices thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
Sweeteners:
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar (for brûlée topping)
Spices and Extras:
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
- Fresh berries (optional)
- Syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F and generously coat a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Create a luxurious custard mixture by whisking eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well-integrated.
- Layer brioche slices in the prepared dish, ensuring each piece is completely saturated with the egg mixture. Allow bread to absorb liquid for 10 minutes, giving it time to soak up all the flavors.
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter to create a golden cooking surface.
- Carefully transfer soaked bread to the skillet, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until achieving a rich, caramelized exterior with a crisp golden-brown finish.
- Transfer the cooked French toast to a baking sheet and evenly dust the surface with granulated sugar, creating a delicate sweet layer.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, developing a crackling, glossy topping. For those without a torch, place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until sugar transforms into a glistening, crisp crust.
- Present immediately, garnishing with fresh seasonal berries and maple syrup for an indulgent breakfast experience.
Notes
- Bread Selection Matters: Choose thick-cut, day-old brioche for maximum flavor absorption and a luxurious texture that stands up perfectly to the custard mixture.
- Soaking Technique: Allow bread to soak in the egg mixture for at least 10 minutes, ensuring each slice becomes saturated with rich, creamy goodness.
- Caramelization Pro Tip: If you lack a kitchen torch, use your oven’s broiler, but watch closely to prevent burning and achieve that signature crispy sugar crust.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free bread to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg