Sunday mornings at my grandmother’s house meant the smell of caramel bubbling in the oven and eggs whisking in a big yellow bowl. This Crème Brûlée French Toast brings all that warmth backthick bread soaked in sweet vanilla custard with that crackly top you can lightly torch or broil. It’s showing up everywhere right now, and no surprise. Cozy, elegant, and easier than it looks.
You’ll love this takefresh eggs, real vanilla, and a brown sugar-butter mix that caramelizes right in the baking dish. Zero standing over a skillet. Just prep it the night before, tuck it in the fridge, and bake in the morning. It’s like a twist on your favorite bread pudding, but with a golden toffee crust. A make ahead Crème Brûlée toast casserole that even my picky nephew called “fancy and fluffy.”
I started making this in 2018 after a road trip through Vermontsaw it on a diner menu and couldn’t stop thinking about it. The first time I baked it for my cousin’s baby shower, folks swore I’d ordered it from a bakery. Here’s the trick: poke tiny holes in the bread after soaking so the custard really seeps in. Tested this version five times over during recipe development, and yepit’s a keeper.
Yesica Andrews
Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe: Irresistibly Delicious
Enjoy this luscious Crème Brûlée French Toast, perfect as a cozy breakfast or brunch. This recipe features the rich flavors of a Vanilla Crème Brûlée Breakfast Casserole with a caramelized sugar topping, making it a delightful Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake. Try this easy Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe for a sweet start to your day.
1 cup whole milk or almond or oat milk for dairy-free
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1/2 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg
Pinch of salt
Method
Slice the brioche or challah bread thickly and set them in a baking dish greased lightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt; whisk thoroughly until smooth.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down lightly so the slices absorb the custard. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, ideally overnight.
Warm your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the bread soaks.
Take the baking dish out of the refrigerator and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top turns golden and the custard is fully set. For a crunchier surface, broil for 2 to 3 minutes more.
Sprinkle an even layer of sugar atop the baked French toast and caramelize it with a kitchen torch until crisp and browned. Alternatively, place under the broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully.
Allow the French toast to cool a bit before serving. Garnish with fresh berries, powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup if you like.
Notes
Try whole grain or gluten-free bread for a healthier touch. For a lighter option, use low-fat milk and cream. You can swap granulated sugar for honey or a sugar substitute.
Why You’ll Love This Crème Brûlée French Toast
This recipe is all about combining indulgence with simplicity, perfect for cozy mornings or a special brunch. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
Make-Ahead Magic: Prep it the night before for a stress-free morning. A true win for holidays or weekends.
Great Texture: Thick slices of brioche soak up the rich vanilla custard, creating a soft yet sturdy base.
That Caramel Crunch: Caramelized sugar on top adds a bakery-worthy crackly crust that makes it pure magic.
Customizable: Use your favorite bread or even tweak ingredients to suit dietary needs without compromise.
Ingredients Breakdown: What Makes the Magic?
Every piece of this recipe works together to create that warm, nostalgic flavor. Let’s take a quick look:
Brioche or Challah: These rich, slightly sweet breads are perfect for soaking up the custard without falling apart.
Custard Mix: Eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla combine for a creamy, flavorful soak that sets this apart from your basic French toast.
Optional Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
All ingredients are pantry-friendly or easy to find at any grocery store. Don’t forget to double-check your vanilla for that signature crème brûlée flair!
Ingredient Substitutions
Ingredient
Substitution
Brioche/Challah
Whole grain or gluten-free bread
Heavy Cream
Half-and-half or dairy-free options like almond milk
Granulated Sugar
Brown sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast
No need to be an expert herethis is one of those recipes that’s uncomplicated but feels oh-so-special. Here’s how you’ll make it:
Slice the Bread: Cut your brioche or challah into thick slices and arrange them in a generously greased baking dish.
Mix the Custard: Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until completely smooth.
Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture over your bread slices. Gently press them down to ensure they absorb the liquid.
Refrigerate: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for the ultimate make-ahead crème brûlée toast.
Bake: Bake in a 350°F oven for 25–30 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is golden.
Brûlée the Sugar: Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top and caramelize with a kitchen torch (or broil it for just a few minutes). Watch closely for that perfect crackly crust!
Pro Tip: For deeper custard absorption, poke a few small holes in the bread before soaking. This helps the custard seep all the way through, enhancing the custardy texture.
Quick Timing Reference
Step
Timing
Prep & Soaking
20 minutes (plus overnight optional)
Refrigeration
30 minutes–overnight
Baking
25–30 minutes
Caramelizing Sugar
2–3 minutes
Serving & Storage Tips
Crème Brûlée French Toast is best served warm, with the caramel top freshly cracked. Here’s how to serve and store it:
Serving Extras: Pair it with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a complete brunch spread.
Leftovers: Cover with foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Microwave gently to rewarm or rebake at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Freezing: Bake without brûléeing the top, then freeze sliced portions. Thaw overnight and brûlée just before serving for that fresh finish.
Note: This Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe is incredibly versatileperfect for an everyday family breakfast or an elegant, dressed-up brunch with torched caramel French toast.
Expert Says
Creme brulee French toast combines custard’s richness with caramelized sugar’s crunch. The key to perfect texture lies in soaking the bread long enough to absorb the egg mixture without becoming soggy. Using a torch to caramelize sugar creates a complex flavor through the Maillard reaction, enhancing both taste and texture.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
Perfecting Crème Brûlée French Toast at Home
This Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe took me several weekends to get just right. I learned the hard way that soaking the bread too long made it soggy, and the caramelizing sugar is key for that satisfying crack. After a few trials, I’m happy to share a version that feels both indulgent and easy for busy mornings.
FAQs ( Crème Brûlée French Toast )
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
Thick, sturdy breads like brioche or challah work best because they absorb the custard without falling apart. Day-old bread or bread left out overnight soaks up the mixture perfectly, helping achieve that creamy, custardy interior and crisp exterior.
Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?
Yes, this meal is perfect for making ahead. You can soak the bread mixture overnight in the fridge, like in an Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake, then either bake in the morning or early and reheat. It makes busy mornings easier and flavors develop nicely.
How do I achieve the perfect caramelized sugar top?
Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar evenly on top just before serving. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar, then torch in small circles until golden brown and crisp. If you don’t have a torch, broiling briefly works but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Can I use alternative milks in the custard?
You can substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, but whole milk gives the best creamy texture and flavor. When using alternatives, pick unsweetened versions and expect a slight difference in richness and custard consistency.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. They keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to maintain the crispy caramelized top and creamy interior without drying them out.
Conclusion
This Crème Brûlée French Toast comes together in under an hour (or overnight, if you like), filling your kitchen with that irresistible vanilla aroma and a golden, crackly crust. You’ll love how it turns outsoft, custardy, and just sweet enough.
Feel free to swap breads or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm twist. For leftovers, reheat gently for a quick breakfast treat; a slower microwave setting or oven reheating can help preserve that delicious crunch. Serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup to make it truly yours.
I’d love to see how your version turns outsnap a pic or share your stories. Did this recipe remind you of a special morning? Save and share it with the people you love; good food and family memories always belong together.
