When you hear the word “brunch,” what comes to mind? Maybe it’s the classic assortment of pancakes, eggs, and fresh fruit. Now, imagine waking up to the smell of vanilla and caramelized sugar wafting through your home, signaling something truly extraordinary: Crème Brûlée French Toast. This dish marries two beloved favorites into one decadent experience that feels like a celebration in every bite. As I stood in my kitchen last weekend, I couldn’t help but marvel at how easy it was to create this show-stopping centerpiece.
With the rich, custardy texture and a blissfully crispy, crackly top, this casserole-style treat is perfect for impressing guests or pampering yourself on a cozy weekend morning. Ideal for serving a crowd, you can prepare it ahead of time and savor its sweet aroma as it bakes. Join me on this culinary adventure—let’s transform ordinary brunch into an indulgent feast everyone will rave about!
Why is Crème Brûlée French Toast a Must-Try?
Indulgence at Its Finest: This recipe combines classic French toast with the luxurious flavors of crème brûlée, ensuring a delightful treat.
Easy Preparation: With minimal effort, you can prepare this impressive dish in advance, perfect for busy mornings.
Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for brunch gatherings, it serves 6-8 guests, making it suitable for family and friends alike.
Decadent Flavors: The rich custard and sweet caramelized sugar create a unique flavor experience unlike any typical breakfast.
Versatile Options: Add spices or fresh fruit to customize this dish to your liking, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Crème Brûlée French Toast Ingredients
For the Casserole
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and helps with greasing the pan; feel free to use salted if needed, just reduce extra salt in the recipe.
- Challah Loaf – Provides a soft, pillowy texture ideal for soaking up the custard; brioche is a great substitute if you’re looking for a similar effect.
- Large Egg Yolks – Contribute a rich, custardy flavor and creamy texture; always opt for the freshest yolks for optimal results.
- Large Egg – Binds the custard for consistency; no substitutes needed unless going vegan—try flax eggs or silken tofu instead.
- Heavy Cream – Creates a decadently rich custard; replace it with whole milk for a lighter version, although the texture will be different.
- Vanilla Bean Paste/Extract – Infuses a sweet vanilla flavor; if you don’t have paste, use equal amounts of vanilla extract in its place.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors; regular salt works in a pinch if you’re out of kosher.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the custard and caramelizes on top; divided into two parts for different uses in our fantastic Crème Brûlée French Toast.
For the Topping
- Granulated Sugar (Remaining) – Sprinkled on top before caramelizing for that iconic crackly crust; ensure an even layer to achieve the perfect caramelized finish.
Prepare to fall in love with this delightful Crème Brûlée French Toast that is bound to become a cherished recipe in your home!
How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13″ x 9″ baking dish with softened unsalted butter, ensuring it’s well-coated to prevent sticking. This will give your toast a beautifully rich base.
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Layer the sliced challah in the baking dish, placing the pieces snugly together. This arrangement is essential for achieving that delightful custard soak in every bite.
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Whisk together in a mixing bowl the egg yolks, whole egg, heavy cream, vanilla, salt, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth. This creates the luscious custard that will soak into the bread.
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Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, gently pressing down to ensure that every slice is fully absorbed. This step takes your French toast to creamy perfection!
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Let sit for about 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, refrigerate the dish overnight. This waiting period allows the bread to soak up all those delightful custard flavors.
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Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden. You want it to look golden and inviting!
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Sprinkle the remaining sugar on top, then use a kitchen torch to caramelize it until it forms a crackly crust. Keep moving the torch to avoid burning; this is the crowning glory of your French toast!
Optional: Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Crème Brûlée French Toast
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Essential Soaking: Ensure that every piece of challah is thoroughly soaked in the custard mixture for the best creamy texture. Avoid under-soaking, which can lead to dry spots.
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Caramelizing Care: When using the kitchen torch, keep it moving to prevent the sugar from burning. Consistently check the color; a golden hue means it’s just right.
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Serve Warm: For an irresistible experience, serve your Crème Brûlée French Toast warm right after caramelizing the sugar. This ensures the delightful contrast between the creamy base and the crispy top.
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Overnight Preparation: If time allows, refrigerate the assembled casserole overnight. This deepens the flavors and allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, enhancing the indulgent taste.
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Topping Options: Feel free to customize by adding fresh fruits, chocolate chips, or spices to the custard mixture for added depth of flavor to your Crème Brûlée French Toast.
How to Store and Freeze Crème Brûlée French Toast
Fridge: Store any leftover Crème Brûlée French Toast in a covered dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain its delightful texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To revive your French toast, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps retain its creamy custard center.
Serving Again: Enjoy the flavorful crust by sprinkling a touch of sugar again before caramelizing with a kitchen torch for that fresh-from-the-oven appeal!
Crème Brûlée French Toast Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and add your personal touch!
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Spiced Delight: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for a warm, inviting flavor that dances on your palate.
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Berry Bliss: Layer in fresh strawberries or blueberries between the slices of bread. Their tartness will balance the rich custard beautifully.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the custard mixture for a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy texture.
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Choco-Indulgence: Mix in chocolate chips for a decadent twist that melts beautifully, offering sweet pockets of chocolate throughout each bite.
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Coconut Cream: Substitute some heavy cream with coconut milk for a tropical take on this classic. It adds a subtle sweetness that’s simply irresistible.
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Savory Twist: For a unique brunch option, mix in crumbled bacon or savory herbs like thyme into the custard for an unexpected flavor experience.
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Almond Infusion: Replace some of the vanilla with almond extract, adding nutty layers to the sweet custard that will leave guests raving.
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Maple Taste: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup into the custard for added sweetness and a delightful, rich flavor that perfectly complements the dish.
What to Serve with Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Imagine a luxurious brunch spread, where every dish complements the sweet, custardy delight of your French toast, creating an unforgettable experience.
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Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a bright, tangy contrast, enhancing the sweetness of the dish.
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Whipped Cream: A light, airy dollop provides a creamy balance, making each bite decadently smooth and indulgent. It brings a touch of elegance to your presentation.
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Maple Syrup: A drizzle of rich maple syrup amplifies the sweetness, adding depth to the dish. The warm notes of maple perfectly complement the caramelized sugar crust.
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Sautéed Cinnamon Apples: The warm spices and caramelized edges of sautéed apples introduce a comforting warmth and seasonal flair, making for a cozy flavor journey.
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Crispy Bacon or Sausage: The savory saltiness of bacon or sausage creates a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the French toast, rounding out your meal with satisfying texture and flavor.
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Mimosas: This refreshing cocktail sparkles with citrus, making it a festive drink that elevates your brunch experience and pairs wonderfully with the creamy, rich flavors of your French toast.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For a touch of extravagance, consider a light chocolate drizzle. This sweet addition transforms your dish into a luxurious dessert fit for any occasion!
Each pairing not only enhances the deliciousness of the Crème Brûlée French Toast but also creates a feast for the senses that guests will adore.
Make Ahead Options
These Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole pieces are perfect for meal prep and can save you precious time on busy mornings! You can prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps and simply covering it with plastic wrap before refrigerating. Allow the bread to soak in the custard overnight for richer flavor. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the wrap and pop it in the preheated oven. For optimal texture, aim to serve it fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently to maintain that delightful creamy texture!
Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best bread for Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using a challah loaf or brioche, as both provide a soft, pillowy texture that absorbs the custard beautifully. Look for bread that is slightly day-old; this will better soak up the custard without becoming too mushy. Avoid fresh, squishy bread that may not hold up during baking.
How should I store leftover Crème Brûlée French Toast?
You can store any leftovers in a covered dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to maintain that velvety texture. A little drizzle of maple syrup before reheating adds an enticing aroma!
Can I freeze Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Your French toast can be stored this way for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes for delightful results.
Why is my Crème Brûlée French Toast not setting properly?
If you encounter this, it’s often due to under-soaking the bread. Make sure to pour the custard mixture evenly and press down firmly on the bread to ensure each slice is fully submerged. Additionally, check your oven temperature with a thermometer; sometimes ovens can be slightly inaccurate. Adjusting the baking time may also help, particularly if the top appears golden before the custard is set.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Very! You can swap out the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) to help bind the mixture together. For a creamy custard, substitute heavy cream with a thick plant-based milk, like coconut or almond milk, along with silken tofu blended smoothly to achieve that classic richness.
Can I add spices or flavor to my custard mixture?
Definitely! For added nuance, you can infuse your custard mixture with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Just a pinch can elevate the flavor beautifully. Alternatively, infusing the cream with orange zest or a splash of almond extract will give your Crème Brûlée French Toast a delightful twist. Get creative and make it your own!
Irresistible Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13" x 9" baking dish with softened unsalted butter.
- Layer the sliced challah in the baking dish, placing the pieces snugly together.
- Whisk together the egg yolks, whole egg, heavy cream, vanilla, salt, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, gently pressing down.
- Let sit for about 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
- Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until set and lightly golden.
- Sprinkle the remaining sugar on top and caramelize with a kitchen torch.