Crème Brûlée French Toast
A delightful twist on classic French toast, featuring a rich custard center and crispy caramelized topping, perfect for brunch or special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 slices thick slices of day-old bread (baguette or brioche) Choose a hearty bread that can soak in the creamy goodness.
- 1 cup heavy cream Adds rich, velvety texture.
- 1 cup whole milk Balances creaminess with comforting richness.
- 6 large eggs Provides structure and fluffiness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar Sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Elevates flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds a warm, cozy spice.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted Creates a crisp exterior.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar For the crispy brûléed topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, ensuring both sides are coated evenly.
- Transfer the coated slices to the prepared baking dish, arranging them snugly in a single layer. Pour any remaining cream mixture over the bread slices.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Baking
- Drizzle the melted butter over the bread slices.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until lightly golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Optional: Use a kitchen torch to brûlée the brown sugar until it forms a crispy crust.
Notes
Serve warm with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or drizzle maple syrup over the top. Ideal for special occasions like Mother's Day or birthdays.