Crème Brûlée French Toast is a sweet and creamy twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Imagine thick slices of bread dipped in a rich custard, cooked until golden, and topped with a crunchy, caramelized sugar crust that crackles with every bite. It’s like having dessert for breakfast, with that perfect contrast of creamy and crispy textures.
I love making this on weekend mornings when I have a little extra time to play with the sugar torch. It’s so satisfying to hear the sugar bubble and harden right on top of the toast. Plus, the custardy inside is soft and smooth, making every mouthful feel special. It always brings a little sparkle to the breakfast table, and friends and family can’t get enough of it.
My favorite way to serve Crème Brûlée French Toast is with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup on the side. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness perfectly. Also, if you want to impress a crowd or treat yourself, this dish is a lovely way to start the day on a cozy, delicious note.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick slices of brioche or challah work best because they soak up the custard without falling apart. If you don’t have these, Texas toast or a sturdy white bread can also work.
Heavy Cream and Milk: Heavy cream adds richness, but you can swap half the cream for milk to lighten it up. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and plant-based milk.
Eggs: They create the custard base that makes the toast creamy inside. Large eggs are ideal, but medium ones work if you adjust the liquid slightly.
Sugar for Caramelizing: Regular granulated sugar is used to create that crisp, classic brûlée topping. You can also try turbinado sugar for a coarser, crunchier finish.
How Do You Get the Perfect Caramelized Sugar Crust?
The key to that signature crunch is even caramelization of the sugar topping. Here’s how to do it right:
- Sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar on top of the cooked toast.
- Use a kitchen torch held about 2-3 inches away, moving in slow circles to melt the sugar evenly.
- Stop when the sugar bubbles and turns a deep amber color—avoid burning it to prevent bitterness.
- No torch? Place the toast under a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Let the sugar harden for a minute before serving to get that satisfying crack when you bite in.
Patience is important—try to achieve a thin caramel layer so the sweet crunch balances with the soft, custardy inside. It’s worth the extra care!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use a large one to whisk the custard ingredients smoothly.
- Shallow dish – perfect for dipping the bread slices without overcrowding.
- Skillet or griddle – a non-stick pan helps prevent sticking and makes flipping easy.
- Kitchen torch – I love it because it gives a quick, even caramelization of the sugar crust.
- Cooling rack – helps to drain excess moisture and keeps the toast crispy on the outside.
- Spatula – for flipping the slices gently without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different breads: cinnamon-swirl bread adds extra flavor and swirls beautifully when caramelized.
- Add liqueur: a splash of Grand Marnier or Baileys in the custard makes it more luxurious.
- Mix in spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom in the custard enhance the sweet, warm taste.
- Top with nuts: toasted almonds, pecans, or pistachios add crunch and unique flavor.
How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Custard and Toast:
- 4 thick slices brioche or challah bread (1-inch thick)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, for cooking
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing the top)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries), for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
- Whipped cream, for serving
- Maple syrup, optional, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook, plus a few minutes extra for caramelizing the sugar topping and garnishing. So, plan on about 20 minutes total before you can dive into your delicious French toast.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until it’s smooth and well combined. Pour this mixture into a shallow dish that’s wide enough for dipping the bread slices.
2. Soak the Bread Slices:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, soaking it for about 20-30 seconds on each side. Make sure the bread is soaked but still holds together.
3. Cook the French Toast:
Place the soaked bread slices on the hot skillet. Cook until they’re golden brown on one side, about 3-4 minutes, then carefully flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Add more butter if needed for cooking.
4. Caramelize the Sugar Topping:
Once cooked, transfer the French toast slices to a wire rack to cool slightly. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar evenly on top of each slice. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar in a circular motion until it forms a crispy, golden-brown crust. If you don’t have a torch, place the toast under a hot broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
5. Finish and Serve:
Dust the French toast lightly with powdered sugar. Add whipped cream, fresh berries, and a few mint leaves on top for a fresh and pretty touch. Serve immediately, with maple syrup on the side if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the bread completely before soaking it in the custard. Slightly stale or day-old bread also works great since it absorbs the custard better without falling apart.
What If I Don’t Have a Kitchen Torch?
No worries! You can caramelize the sugar under a hot broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye so the sugar doesn’t burn and remove the toast as soon as the sugar melts and browns evenly.
Can I Prepare This French Toast in Advance?
You can soak the bread in custard and store it in the fridge overnight. Just cook the French toast and caramelize the sugar right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep the custard creamy and then re-caramelize the topping if desired.