🍮 Crème Brûlée French Toast – Decadent, Dreamy, and Perfect for Brunch! 🥖✨
This Crème Brûlée French Toast combines the rich, caramelized magic of crème brûlée with the cozy comfort of baked French toast. It’s buttery, custardy, and slightly crisp on top – basically brunch royalty. 👑
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
(Serves 6)
For the caramel layer:
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1/2 cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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2 tablespoons corn syrup or maple syrup
For the custard:
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5 large eggs
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1 1/2 cups whole milk
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the bread:
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1 loaf of French bread or brioche, sliced into thick 1-inch slices (about 10–12 slices)
Instructions
1. Make the caramel base:
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In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup, stirring until smooth and bubbling (about 3–4 minutes).
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Pour this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
2. Arrange the bread:
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Layer the bread slices over the caramel in a single layer. You can squeeze them in snugly or overlap slightly if needed.
3. Whisk the custard:
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In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon (if using) until well blended.
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Pour the custard evenly over the bread, pressing the slices down gently so they absorb the liquid.
4. Chill:
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight to let everything soak beautifully.
5. Bake:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temp for 20–30 minutes.
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Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until golden and puffed and the custard is set.
Notes
✔️ Use day-old brioche or challah for extra richness and better absorption.
✔️ For a brûléed top, sprinkle sugar on the baked toast and torch it for that signature crackle!
✔️ Add a splash of orange liqueur or rum to the custard for a grown-up version.