Crème Brûlée French Toast is a dreamy twist on your classic breakfast favorite, blending the creamy custard-like texture of crème brûlée with the satisfying warmth of French toast. Imagine thick slices of bread soaked in a rich vanilla custard, cooked to golden perfection, and topped with a crisp layer of caramelized sugar that cracks delightfully with every bite.
I love making this when I want to treat myself or impress friends without too much fuss. The best part is using a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar right before serving—it feels a bit fancy, but it’s really simple and so much fun. I usually sprinkle a little cinnamon in the custard for an extra cozy touch that everyone seems to enjoy.
Serving this with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup makes it even better. It’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special occasions when you want breakfast to feel a bit more special. I’ve found that the contrast between the creamy inside and crunchy top makes eating this French toast such a fun experience every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah are best because they soak up the custard well without falling apart. If you don’t have these, day-old white bread or Texas toast works fine, but avoid very soft or fresh bread that can become mushy.
Heavy cream: It makes the French toast creamy and rich, just like crème brûlée. For a lighter version, you can use whole milk, but the texture won’t be as custardy.
Vanilla extract: This adds the classic vanilla flavor that’s essential to crème brûlée. If you don’t have vanilla, a small pinch of vanilla bean powder or even almond extract can work, but vanilla is my favorite.
Sugar for brûlée topping: Granulated sugar caramelizes nicely for that crunchy top. You can replace it with turbinado sugar for a more natural, crunchy finish, though it may not caramelize as evenly.
How Do You Get That Perfect Crunchy Caramelized Sugar on Top?
The brûlée topping is what makes this French toast special but can be tricky to get just right. Here’s how:
- After cooking, sprinkle an even layer of sugar on each slice. Don’t pile it on; a thin, even coat caramelizes best.
- Use a kitchen torch held a few inches away, moving the flame constantly to avoid burning spots. The sugar will melt, bubble, and turn a deep golden color in less than a minute.
- If you don’t have a torch, place the slices under a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn – it can happen quickly.
- Let the sugar cool for a minute to harden before serving, so you get that satisfying crack when you bite in.
Patience is key here; don’t rush the caramelization, or the sugar might burn. This step brings the crème brûlée element to life and elevates your French toast wonderfully.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – I like it because it’s easy to whisk all the custard ingredients together.
- Whisk or fork – makes blending the eggs, cream, and vanilla quick and smooth.
- Shallow dish or pie plate – perfect for dipping the bread slices evenly.
- Skillet or griddle – a non-stick surface helps prevent sticking and makes flipping easier.
- Spatula – helps flip the bread without breaking it apart.
- Kitchen torch or broiler – essential for caramelizing the sugar topping and getting that crispy, golden finish.
- Tongs or fork – for handling the hot slices carefully.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips or chopped nuts added to the custard make the toast more indulgent and add texture.
- Use almond or maple extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile that pairs well with berries.
- Mix in a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for extra warmth and spice.
- Top with sliced bananas or caramelized apples to add fruit sweetness and contrasting textures.
How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 4 large slices brioche or challah bread, about 1-inch thick
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (preferably pure)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for brûlée topping)
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries), for garnish
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. Plan an extra 5 minutes if you are using a broiler instead of a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar. So, total time needed is roughly 20 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Custard:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, ¼ cup sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if you like), and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Prepare to Cook:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter so the pan is nicely coated and ready for the bread.
3. Soak the Bread:
Dip each slice of bread into the custard mix. Let it soak for 20 to 30 seconds on each side so it soaks up the custard without becoming soggy.
4. Cook the French Toast:
Place the soaked bread slices on the hot skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter as needed when cooking additional slices to keep them from sticking.
5. Add the Brûlée Topping:
Put the cooked French toast on a heatproof plate. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar on top of each slice.
6. Caramelize the Sugar:
Carefully caramelize the sugar with a kitchen torch by moving the flame evenly over the surface until the sugar melts and turns a deep golden brown with a crunchy finish. If you don’t have a torch, place the slices under a broiler on high for 1 to 2 minutes—but watch very closely to prevent burning.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Top each slice with fresh berries and whipped cream if you like. Drizzle with maple syrup and serve immediately. Enjoy the delicious contrast of crunchy caramelized sugar and tender custard-soaked bread!
Can I Use Day-Old Bread for This Recipe?
Yes! Slightly stale bread like brioche or challah works best because it soaks up the custard without falling apart. If your bread is very fresh, just let it sit out for a few hours to dry slightly before using.
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have a Kitchen Torch?
No worries! You can caramelize the sugar under your oven’s broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, and remove once the sugar turns golden and bubbly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to help preserve the caramelized sugar topping’s texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with canned coconut milk or your favorite plant-based milk. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.