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Once upon a Sunday morning in my cozy little kitchen, I stumbled upon the heavenly creation known as Crème Brûlée French Toast. The first bite was a revelation: rich, creamy, and just a bit crunchy on the top, the flavors danced on my tongue like a warm hug. The sweet aroma of vanilla and sugar filled the air, wrapping me in a comforting embrace as the sun peeked through my window. I knew I had to share this treasure with all my friends—and now, with you! There’s something so nostalgic about this dish, like a delicious nod to the classic dessert, yet perfectly acceptable to enjoy for breakfast. Once you try it, I swear you’ll love it just as much as I do!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Friends and family will be swooning over how fancy and delicious you’ve become!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the night before, so you can relax and enjoy your morning.
- Flavorful & Indulgent: Every bite is a creamy, dreamy delight that feels like a special treat.
- Versatile: Serve it as breakfast or dessert—who says you can’t mix the two?
Ingredients
- 8 slices of brioche bread: This heavenly bread is sweet and soft, making it perfect for soaking up all that custardy goodness.
- 4 large eggs: These are the magic binding agents, adding richness and structure to your French toast.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This gives the custard a lovely richness that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary!
- 1 cup whole milk: For the right balance of creaminess without being too heavy.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key! This will help create that beautiful caramelized crust.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: A dash of this will make your kitchen smell like pure bliss.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness while rounding out the flavors.
- 1/2 cup sugar (for caramelizing): This is your special ingredient for that delightful crunchy topping!
- Fresh berries (for serving, optional): Add a pop of color and freshness for the perfect finishing touch!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Step 1: Whisk Together Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, 3/4 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until beautifully combined. The mixture should be silky and fragrant—go ahead, take a moment to enjoy that divine aroma!
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Arrange the brioche slices in a shallow dish and pour that creamy egg mixture over them. Ensure every slice is well-soaked and covered. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or even better, overnight. This will ensure an indulgent, creamy center—oh la la!
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). That warm air will soon wrap around your home like a cozy hug.
Step 4: Let It Rest
Remove the bread from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This allows for even baking—trust the process!
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Place the soaked bread slices on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until they’re golden and puffed up. Oh, the smell! It’s like a little slice of heaven.
Step 6: Sprinkle with Sugar
Once baked, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup sugar evenly over the top of the bread slices.
Step 7: Caramelize the Sugar
Using a kitchen torch (or your broiler if you don’t have one), caramelize the sugar until it’s golden and crisp. Just imagine that sweet crackling sound as you’re making magic happen!
Step 8: Serve Up Deliciousness!
Serve warm with fresh berries on the side, if you’re feeling fancy. You’ve just made breakfast royalty!
Pro Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Brioche: It makes all the difference—look for a loaf that’s soft and freshly baked!
- Maximize Soaking Time: The longer you let the bread soak, the more deliciously custardy it will be.
- Don’t Rush the Caramelization: Take your time with that kitchen torch for the best texture.
- Experiment with Sugar: Use brown sugar for a deeper flavor if you’re feeling adventurous!
Flavor Variations
- Seasonal Fruits: Add sliced bananas or diced apples to the egg mixture for a fruity twist.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of warmth.
- Nutty Goodness: Toss in some chopped pecans or almonds for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This Crème Brûlée French Toast pairs beautifully with a side of crispy bacon or a light dusting of powdered sugar. For drinks, consider serving with freshly brewed coffee or a warm cup of chai—ah, perfection on a plate!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can certainly prepare this dish the night before! Just soak the bread and store it in the fridge. It lasts up to 2 days refrigerated. Make sure to cover it tightly to preserve freshness.
Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), slice them up and use them in a breakfast sandwich or even blended into a smoothie for a tasty treat!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze leftover slices! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally to warm through. You can also pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated. Avoid the microwave if you can for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche is delightful, challah or even a good quality white bread works well too.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can try substituting eggs with flax eggs and using plant-based cream and milk. Just note that the taste and texture will vary a bit!
How can I make this dish healthier?
Consider using whole grain bread, reducing the sugar, or using a sugar substitute of your choice.
Is this recipe suitable for serving a crowd?
Yes! This recipe can easily be doubled for family gatherings or brunch parties. Just use multiple baking sheets as needed!
Final Thoughts
There you have it, friends! Crème Brûlée French Toast is more than just a dish—it’s an experience, a way to bring warmth into your home and smiles to your loved ones. So pour a cup of coffee, wrap yourself in your favorite kitchen apron, and dive into the delightful world of cooking. This recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition in your household, just like it did in mine. Happy cooking, and remember to enjoy every bite!
Bon appétit!
Crème Brûlée French Toast
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, 3/4 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until beautifully combined.
- Arrange the brioche slices in a shallow dish and pour the creamy egg mixture over them. Ensure every slice is well-soaked and covered. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the bread from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Place the soaked bread slices on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until they’re golden and puffed up.
- Once baked, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup sugar evenly over the top of the bread slices.
- Caramelize the sugar using a kitchen torch or under the broiler until it’s golden and crisp.
- Serve warm with fresh berries on the side.