If you’re craving a breakfast treat that feels like a special indulgence, you have to try making Crème Brûlée French Toast. This dreamy dish combines the silky custard richness of classic crème brûlée with the crispy, caramelized sugar topping and the cozy comfort of fluffy French toast. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weekend brunch or treating loved ones to a decadent morning, Crème Brûlée French Toast promises a crispy, creamy, and utterly delicious experience that balances sweetness and texture perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A delightful texture combo: Crispy caramelized sugar on top with a soft, custardy interior creates an irresistible bite.
A gourmet breakfast experience: It feels like a fancy dessert but is easy enough for any brunch table.
Simple ingredients, impressive result: Uses pantry staples to produce something extraordinary.
Customizable flavors: Adapt with various toppings and spices to match your taste perfectly.
Perfect for any occasion: Serves as a luxurious weekend breakfast or a festive holiday treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in crafting the perfect Crème Brûlée French Toast, from the custard’s creaminess to the caramelized sugar’s crunch. Having quality basics ensures the dish shines in every bite.

Thick bread (brioche or challah): Provides a sturdy yet soft base to absorb the custard without falling apart.
Heavy cream: Adds richness for that creamy custard texture.
Whole milk: Lightens the custard mixture balancing creaminess and moisture.
Eggs: Essential for thickening the custard and binding the ingredients.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and becomes the caramelized topping.
Vanilla extract or vanilla bean: Infuses a warm, inviting flavor classic to crème brûlée.
Salt: Enhances depth and balances sweetness.
Unsalted butter: For cooking the toast evenly and enriching flavor.

Variations for Crème Brûlée French Toast

Feel free to experiment with this recipe to suit dietary needs or flavor cravings; it’s easy to tweak without losing that luxurious feel.

Use coconut milk: Swap dairy for a dairy-free alternative that offers a slight tropical twist.
Spice it up: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the custard for a warm, cozy note.
Fruit toppings: Fresh berries, caramelized apples, or sliced peaches bring brightness and extra sweetness.
Gluten-free bread: A perfect substitute for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing taste.
Chocolate drizzle: Add melted dark or white chocolate on top for an indulgent touch.

How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the custard mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. This custard mixture is the heart of the dish, delivering that rich, creamy texture.

Step 2: Soak the bread

Slice your bread thickly and dunk each piece into the custard, making sure it is soaked evenly but not overly saturated to avoid sogginess. Let the bread absorb the custard for about 30 seconds on each side for that perfect custardy bite.

Step 3: Cook the French toast

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a generous pat of unsalted butter. Fry each soaked slice until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in the custard and creates a beautifully textured exterior.

Step 4: Caramelize the sugar topping

Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar on the cooked French toast. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust similar to traditional crème brûlée. Watch closely to prevent burning for that signature caramel crunch.

Step 5: Serve immediately

Plate your Crème Brûlée French Toast while the caramel topping is still warm and crackly. This dish is best enjoyed fresh to savor the contrast of textures and flavors.

Pro Tips for Making Crème Brûlée French Toast

Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without falling apart.
Don’t skip thick slices: Thick bread slices hold up to the custard soak and provide a richer bite.
Even soaking is key: Soak each slice carefully to avoid sogginess while still capturing creaminess.
Watch the torch: Use a kitchen torch at a moderate flame for even caramelization without burning.
Serve immediately: The crunch of the caramelized sugar will slowly soften, so enjoy it fresh for the best texture contrast.

How to Serve Crème Brûlée French Toast

Garnishes

Top your Crème Brûlée French Toast with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprig of mint to add color and a refreshing contrast to the sweet custard.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside crispy bacon, sausage links, or a simple fruit salad to balance richness with savory or fresh flavors for a complete brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking multiple layers of the French toast, separated by fresh whipped cream or fruit compote, or serve each piece in a shallow bowl with a drizzle of warm maple syrup and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Crème Brûlée French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Re-carve the caramelized sugar topping before reheating to maintain some crunch.

Freezing

Freeze individual slices in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month, perfect for quick breakfasts later on.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet on low heat or in an oven set to 325°F (160°C) to restore warmth and crisp the sides again. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the caramel and make the toast soggy.

FAQs

Can I make Crème Brûlée French Toast without a kitchen torch?

Yes, you can use your oven’s broiler to caramelize the sugar. Place the French toast under the broiler for 1-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

What kind of bread works best for Crème Brûlée French Toast?

Thickly sliced brioche or challah bread works best because they are sturdy, slightly sweet, and absorb the custard well without falling apart.

How long should I soak the bread in the custard mixture?

Soak each slice for about 30 seconds on each side to ensure the custard fully penetrates the bread without making it too soggy.

Can I prepare the custard mixture in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the custard a day ahead and refrigerate it; just give it a good whisk before soaking the bread.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk like coconut or almond milk and substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative. The texture will slightly differ but still taste delicious.

Final Thoughts

Crème Brûlée French Toast is the ultimate way to elevate your breakfast or brunch with a satisfying blend of creamy custard, sweet crunch, and fluffy bread. It’s surprisingly simple to make yet impressively delicious, sure to become a new favorite to share with family and friends. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a classic treat reimagined with a touch of French elegance.

Crème Brûlée French Toast

Print Recipe

Crème Brûlée French Toast combines the creamy richness of traditional crème brûlée custard with the crispy caramelized sugar topping and fluffy French toast base. This elegant yet easy-to-make dish is perfect for a luxurious weekend breakfast or brunch, offering a delightful texture contrast and customizable flavors using simple pantry ingredients.

Author: Kathy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 slices 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Pan-frying and caramelizing
Cuisine: French-inspired
Diet: Customizable (Gluten Free option available)

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

6 thick slices of brioche or challah bread

Custard Mixture

3 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean, scraped
Pinch of salt

For Cooking and Topping

Unsalted butter (for frying)
Granulated sugar (for caramelizing topping)

Instructions

Prepare the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract (or vanilla bean), and a pinch of salt until smooth and fully combined. This custard delivers the rich and creamy texture essential to the dish.
Soak the bread: Slice the bread thickly and dip each piece into the custard mixture, soaking evenly but avoiding over-saturation to prevent sogginess. Let each slice absorb the custard for about 30 seconds per side for optimal custard penetration.
Cook the French toast: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a generous pat of unsalted butter. Fry each soaked bread slice until golden brown and crispy on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, locking in the custard and creating a textured crust.
Caramelize the sugar topping: Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the cooked French toast slices. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar carefully until it forms a crisp, golden crust like classic crème brûlée. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Serve immediately: Plate the Crème Brûlée French Toast while the caramelized sugar is warm and crackly to enjoy the ideal contrast of textures and flavors.

Notes

Use day-old bread for better custard absorption without falling apart.
Thick slices are crucial for holding the custard and delivering a rich bite.
Soak each slice evenly to prevent sogginess while maintaining creaminess.
Use a kitchen torch on moderate flame for uniform caramelization without burning.
Serve immediately to preserve the crisp caramelized sugar topping.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: crème brûlée, french toast, brunch recipe, caramelized sugar, custard, breakfast treat, easy brunch, gourmet breakfast