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To make Crème Brûlée French Toast, gather these key ingredients: - 1 loaf of challah bread, sliced into thick slices - 4 large eggs - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup whole milk - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - A pinch of salt - 1/4 cup brown sugar (for a glorious topping) These ingredients create a rich custard that soaks into the bread. The heavy cream and milk combine for a creamy texture. The eggs help bind everything together, making it a perfect base for this dish. You can elevate your Crème Brûlée French Toast with these optional garnishes: - Fresh berries (like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) - Fresh mint leaves These additions bring color and freshness to your meal. Berries add a sweet, tart flavor, while mint offers a refreshing touch. They make your dish look beautiful, too. While challah bread is the star here, you can also try other breads: - Brioche - French bread - Texas toast These breads are soft and absorbent. They soak up the custard well, ensuring a rich flavor and perfect texture. Use what you have on hand for a tasty twist. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your ingredients. In a large bowl, crack four eggs. Add one cup of heavy cream and one cup of whole milk. Then, pour in half a cup of granulated sugar. Add one tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and combined. This custard is the heart of your Crème Brûlée French Toast. Slice your loaf of challah bread into thick slices. Take each slice and dip it into the custard mix. Let it soak for about 30 seconds on each side. This step is key. It allows the bread to soak up all the flavors. Once soaked, arrange the slices in a greased baking dish. You can overlap them if needed to fit them all in. Pour any leftover custard over the bread. Cover the dish with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes. This step helps the bread absorb even more custard. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dish has rested, remove the foil. Sprinkle a quarter cup of brown sugar evenly over the top. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. After baking, switch to the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes. Watch closely as the sugar caramelizes. You want a golden, crunchy top. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut into squares and serve warm for a delightful treat. The custard soak is key to this dish. Use fresh eggs and cream for the best flavor. Whisk the eggs and cream together until smooth. Soak each slice of challah bread for about 30 seconds on each side. This helps the bread absorb the custard well. If the bread is too dry, it won't soak up enough. If it’s too wet, it will fall apart. To get that crunchy top, sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the soaked bread. This sugar will melt and caramelize in the oven. After baking, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it. You want it golden, not burnt. The caramelized layer adds a nice contrast to the creamy custard. For a beautiful presentation, cut the French toast into squares. Arrange them on a decorative platter. Pile fresh berries next to the slices for color. Add a sprig of mint on top for a fresh look. Serve warm with coffee or tea. This makes for a lovely brunch that impresses everyone. Enjoy each bite! Pro Tips Soak Time Matters: Allow the challah bread to soak in the custard mixture for at least 30 seconds on each side. This ensures that each slice is infused with flavor and maintains a creamy texture after baking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh eggs, high-quality cream, and real vanilla extract. These ingredients will elevate the flavor profile of your French toast, making it truly decadent. Watch the Broiler: When using the broiler to caramelize the sugar, stay vigilant! It can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt in seconds, so keep a close eye on it. Garnish for Glamour: Fresh berries and mint not only add vibrant color to your dish but also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the French toast. Don't skip this step for an elegant presentation! {{image_4}} You can boost the flavor of your Crème Brûlée French Toast easily. Try adding zest from oranges or lemons to the egg mixture. This will give it a bright, fresh taste. You can also mix in spices like nutmeg for warmth. A few drops of almond extract can add a nice twist too. Each of these options enhances the dish in a unique way. If you have dietary needs, there are simple swaps. Use gluten-free bread if you want to avoid gluten. To make it dairy-free, replace heavy cream and milk with almond or coconut milk. You can also use flax eggs instead of regular eggs for a vegan option. These swaps ensure everyone can enjoy this delicious recipe. Want to get creative? Try making stuffed Crème Brûlée French Toast. Spread cream cheese or a fruit jam between two slices of bread before soaking. You can also layer the bread slices with berries for added flavor and texture. These twists make your French toast even more fun and exciting to eat. After you enjoy your Crème Brûlée French Toast, you may have some left. To store it well, let it cool completely. Then, place the slices in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is key. For best results, use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This makes the edges crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but it may make the toast a bit soggy. Freezing is a great option if you want to meal prep. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to two months. When you want to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can prepare Crème Brûlée French Toast ahead of time. First, follow the recipe until you arrange the soaked bread in the baking dish. After that, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, remove it from the fridge and let it sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature. Then, sprinkle the brown sugar on top and bake as directed. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a lighter version, use a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt. This mix keeps the custard creamy while reducing fat. However, heavy cream gives the best flavor and texture. To keep the bread from getting soggy, do not soak it for too long. Dip each slice in the custard mix for only about 30 seconds on each side. Arrange the bread neatly in the baking dish, allowing space between slices. Also, letting it rest for 15 minutes after soaking helps too. This way, the bread absorbs the custard without becoming too wet. This blog post covered how to make Crème Brûlée French Toast from start to finish. We explored essential ingredients, detailed step-by-step instructions, and helpful baking tips. I shared fun variations and how to store leftovers for later. Enjoy making this tasty dish! Remember, experimenting with flavors or toppings can make it even better. With practice, you’ll impress everyone at the table.

Crème Brûlée French Toast Delight

A decadent twist on traditional French toast, featuring a creamy custard base and a caramelized sugar topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Breakfast
Cuisine French
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf challah bread, sliced into thick slices
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • a pinch salt
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
  • to taste fresh berries (optional)
  • to taste fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
  • Take each thick slice of challah bread and gently dip it into the egg mixture. Allow the bread to soak for approximately 30 seconds on each side, ensuring it absorbs the delicious custard mixture well.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by greasing it generously with butter or a non-stick cooking spray.
  • Neatly arrange the soaked challah slices in the greased baking dish. If needed, overlap them slightly to ensure they all fit comfortably.
  • Pour any leftover egg mixture over the arranged bread slices, ensuring they are well-coated. Next, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb even more custard goodness.
  • After the resting period, carefully remove the foil and generously sprinkle the brown sugar over the surface of the bread slices, ensuring an even coating.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Once done, switch to the broiler setting for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye during this time as you'll want the sugar to caramelize and create a crunchy, golden top.
  • Once the top is beautifully caramelized, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut the delight into squares for attractive plating.
  • Serve the Crème Brûlée French Toast warm, garnished with a handful of fresh berries and a scatter of mint leaves for an added touch of elegance.

Notes

Serve with fresh berries and mint for an elegant presentation.
Keyword brunch, dessert, French toast