Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

Introduction

Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent twist on the classic breakfast favorite. With its rich custard soak and caramelized sugar topping, this dish combines the creaminess of crème brûlée with the comforting texture of challah bread. It’s perfect for special mornings or brunch gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
• 1 (1-lb.) challah loaf, cut into 8 to 10 slices (1″ to 1/2″ thick)
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 large egg
• 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste or extract
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/3 cup (66 g) granulated sugar, plus 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, divided

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F and grease a 13″ x 9″ baking pan with the softened butter. Arrange the challah slices cut side down in the dish without overlapping; it’s fine if they fit snugly.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, whole egg, heavy cream, vanilla bean paste, kosher salt, and 1/3 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is pale yellow and smooth. Pour this custard over the bread slices, then gently press the bread down with your fingers to ensure it soaks evenly. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Step 3: Cover the baking dish with foil and place it on the center rack of the oven. Bake until the custard is just set and pale yellow, about 40 to 45 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the custard reaches 170°F to ensure the eggs are fully cooked.
4. Step 4: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar evenly over the top. Using a kitchen blow torch, caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Alternatively, place the dish under the broiler, watching closely and broiling for 8 to 10 minutes until caramelized.
5. Step 5: Let the French toast rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the sugar topping to harden before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
• Challah bread is ideal for its soft texture and slight sweetness, but brioche can be a good substitute.
• If you don’t have a blow torch, broiling works well—just keep a close eye to prevent burning.
• Serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup for added contrast.

Storage

Store leftover Crème Brûlée French Toast covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in a toaster oven or under the broiler briefly to restore the crisp caramelized top. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the sugar crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this French toast the night before?

Yes, you can soak the bread in the custard mixture overnight in the refrigerator. When ready, bake as directed the next morning for a quick and easy breakfast.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of melted butter, but the texture will be less rich and creamy compared to using heavy cream.