Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

Let me tell you, this Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe is one of those breakfast treats that instantly feel like a special occasion — even on a regular weekday. The combination of rich, custardy brioche soaked in a vanilla-scented mixture, then caramelized to golden perfection, really takes French toast to a whole new level. I always find it’s the perfect way to impress guests or enjoy a cozy weekend brunch that feels both indulgent and comforting.

What I love most about this Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe is how versatile it is and how those simple ingredients come together to create something that tastes fancy but is really easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe works beautifully with classic brunch sides or fruit for a light finish. Trust me—you’ll keep coming back to it once you try it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe come together in a way that balances richness and warmth. Each component plays its part in creating that creamy, vanilla-cinnamon custard soak that makes the bread so irresistible. I always recommend fresh eggs and good quality bread to get the best results.

• Brioche or challah bread: These breads are perfect thanks to their soft, buttery texture, making them soak up the custard without falling apart.
• Large eggs: Eggs give the custard richness and help it set nicely on the bread.
• Whole milk: Whole milk offers creaminess, but you can substitute almond or oat milk for a dairy-free twist.
• Heavy cream: This adds luxury and depth to the custard; half-and-half works if you want to lighten it up.
• Granulated sugar: It sweetens and helps create that caramelized brûlée top.
• Vanilla extract: The star of the show—pure vanilla really makes the flavors pop.
• Ground cinnamon: Just a hint to add warmth without overpowering the vanilla.
• Pinch of salt: Don’t skip this—it balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.

Variations

I love making this Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe my own by trying out different tweaks depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to personalize the recipe—you really can’t go wrong.

• Dairy-free option: I often swap the milk and cream for almond or oat milk and coconut cream, and it still turns out beautifully creamy.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom alongside cinnamon lends a cozy holiday vibe that my family adores.
• Sweetener swap: Brown sugar adds a deeper caramel note, which gives the brûlée top an extra rich flavor, perfect for a weekend treat.
• Fruit additions: Try layering fresh berries between slices for a surprise burst of freshness.

How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

Start by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a shallow dish. I find a pie plate works great here—it gives you enough surface area to dip the bread slices evenly without overcrowding. Make sure everything is well combined but don’t overbeat; you want to incorporate the ingredients smoothly.

Step 2: Soak the Bread

Dip each slice of brioche or challah gently into the custard mixture, letting it soak for about 20-30 seconds on each side. The bread should absorb enough of the custard to be fully moistened but not soggy. If your bread is very fresh or thin, be extra gentle so the slices hold together well when you cook them.

Step 3: Cook the French Toast

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter for flavor. Cook the soaked bread slices for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized. The cooking time can vary depending on your stove and pan—keep an eye out for that perfect golden crust. You want them firm enough to flip without falling apart but still tender inside.

Step 4: Brûlée the Tops

Here’s the fun part that makes this recipe shine! Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of each piece, then use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, brûléed crust. If you don’t have a torch, a very hot broiler can work—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn. This step is what turns regular French toast into something truly special.

How to Serve Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple with just a few fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar to complement the brûléed sweetness. Sometimes, for a festive brunch, I’ll add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup. The crisp sugar crust means you don’t need too much sauce—just a light accent.

Side Dishes

This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe pairs beautifully with a side of crisp bacon or breakfast sausages for those savory contrast lovers. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal fruit is wonderful. It also stands on its own as a decadent treat when you want to keep things simple.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating these toasts stacked with layers of fresh fruit and a drizzle of berry coulis around the plate. Another fun idea is to serve mini brûléed toasts on skewers alongside skewered melon balls — great for brunch parties! Presentation can really elevate this already delightful recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I gently wrap leftover Crème Brûlée French Toast slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 2 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh. The custard-soaked bread firms up a bit but still tastes delicious when reheated properly.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, I recommend flash freezing the slices on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents the toasts from sticking together. Frozen, they last for about 1 month and are a great grab-and-go breakfast option when warmed up.

Reheating

To reheat, I like using a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes to crisp the outside and warm through without drying out the custard. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture—though it works in a pinch, the crust won’t stay crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe has become one of my go-to feel-good breakfasts whenever I want to add a touch of luxury to my morning routine. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s simple to pull off but delivers that wow factor every time. Give it a try this weekend, and I’m sure it’ll become a beloved favorite in your recipe lineup, just like it is in mine!

Print