Crème Brûlée French Toast

If breakfast and dessert had a love child, this Crème Brûlée French Toast would be it. Soft, custardy brioche soaked in vanilla-scented cream, baked until golden, then finished with a crackly caramelized sugar top—this is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into a special occasion. It’s perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or when you want to surprise your family with something cozy, elegant, and unforgettable. Each bite delivers creamy warmth on the inside and that irresistible brûléed crunch on top, making this homemade crème brûlée French toast a true showstopper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, creamy custard center with a crisp caramelized topping
• Easy to prep ahead for stress-free mornings
• Perfect for brunch, holidays, and family gatherings
• Simple ingredients with bakery-style results
• Customizable with dairy-free and lighter options

Ingredients

• Brioche or challah bread – Soft, slightly sweet bread that soaks up custard beautifully
• Large eggs – Create the creamy, custard-like texture
• Whole milk (or almond/oat milk) – Adds moisture and richness
• Heavy cream (or half-and-half) – Gives the French toast its luxurious feel
• Granulated or brown sugar – Sweetens the custard and balances flavors
• Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste – Provides warm, aromatic flavor
• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg – Adds subtle spice and depth
• Pinch of salt – Enhances sweetness and overall flavor

How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast

Prepare the Bread

Cut the brioche or challah into thick slices and arrange them snugly in a greased baking dish. Slightly overlapping is fine and helps create soft layers.

Make the Custard

In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and fully combined.

Soak the Bread

Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices, pressing gently so every piece absorbs the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor and extra creaminess.

Bake the French Toast

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set. For a crispier surface, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely.

Brûlée the Top

Sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar over the top. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize until golden and crackly. If you don’t have a torch, place the dish under the broiler for a minute or two, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Serve

Let the French toast cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Tips for Success

• Use day-old bread for better soaking and structure
• Refrigerating overnight gives the creamiest texture
• Keep the sugar layer thin for the best brûlée crack
• Rotate the dish while torching for even caramelization
• Always watch closely when broiling to avoid burning

Equipment Needed

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen torch or oven broiler
• Spatula

Recipe Variations

• Berry Crème Brûlée French Toast: Add sliced strawberries or raspberries between the bread layers
• Chocolate Lover’s Version: Sprinkle halal dark chocolate chips over the custard before baking
• Coconut Vanilla French Toast: Use coconut milk and coconut cream with a touch of coconut sugar
• Spiced Brunch Toast: Add a pinch of cardamom or pumpkin spice for warmth

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream
• Pair with scrambled eggs or turkey bacon for a brunch spread
• Garnish with mint and powdered sugar for a bakery-style look
• Enjoy with coffee, chai, or hot chocolate

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.

How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Can I freeze crème brûlée French toast?
Freeze without the sugar topping. Thaw overnight, reheat, then brûlée before serving.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
Use the oven broiler, but stay close and rotate the dish for even browning.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use almond or oat milk and a plant-based cream alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Crème Brûlée French Toast brings together the comfort of a classic breakfast and the elegance of a French dessert. Creamy, aromatic, and finished with that unforgettable caramelized crunch, it’s a recipe that creates smiles the moment it hits the table. Whether you’re hosting brunch or treating your family to something special, this easy crème brûlée French toast is guaranteed to impress. If you try it, I’d love to hear how you served it and who you shared it with.

Print