Delicious Crme Brle French Toast

This crème brûlée French toast recipe turns a classic breakfast into a special treat with its rich custard and caramelized sugary top. It’s perfect for slow weekend mornings or a festive brunch when you want to impress without too much fuss.

I first made this on a chilly Sunday and it quickly became a favorite in my family now it is our go to for holiday mornings when we want something comforting but a little luxurious.

Ingredients

• Loaf of brioche bread: soft, buttery texture is ideal for soaking and adds sweetness
• Large eggs: form the custard’s rich base for creamy texture
• Heavy cream: gives the custard its indulgent richness
• Whole milk: balances the creaminess without making it too heavy
• Granulated sugar: sweetens and helps the custard set
• Vanilla extract: adds deep fragrant warmth, choose pure vanilla for best flavor
• Ground cinnamon: lends a subtle spice note that pairs nicely with sweetness
• Pinch of salt: enhances all the flavors beautifully
• Brown sugar: for caramelizing the top to create that signature brûlée crust

Instructions

Prep the Bread:

Slice your brioche into thick slices between 1 and 1.5 inches. Thicker slices absorb the custard without falling apart, giving you a luscious texture inside.

Make the Custard:

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This custard will soak into the brioche, making it tender and flavorful.

Soak the Bread:

Lay the brioche slices in a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Let the bread soak for at least 30 minutes so it fully absorbs the custard without becoming soggy.

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius to prepare for baking.

Bake it Up:

Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden.

Caramelize the Top:

Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the surface of the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust. If you don't have a torch, place the dish under the broiler briefly watching very carefully to avoid burning.

Cool and Serve:

Let the French toast sit for a few minutes so the caramelized topping hardens. Slice and serve with butter, maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream as you like.

My favorite part is the caramelized brown sugar crust which adds a wonderful contrast to the creamy custard beneath. This recipe reminds me of special family mornings filled with laughter and the delicious scent of sweet cinnamon and vanilla in the air.

Storage tips

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat crisp, place slices in a toaster oven or regular oven to preserve the caramelized crust. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the crunchy top.

Ingredient substitutions

You can use half and half instead of heavy cream and whole milk for a lighter custard but it will be less rich. Cinnamon can be swapped with nutmeg or ground cardamom for a different warm spice note. A good quality vanilla bean paste or scraped seeds make an elegant vanilla boost.

Serving suggestions

Serve this French toast with fresh berries or sliced stone fruit to add acidity and freshness. A drizzle of real maple syrup or berry compote pairs beautifully with the crème brûlée topping. Toasted nuts or a dollop of mascarpone elevate it even more.

Enjoy this indulgent brunch that feels like dessert for breakfast. It makes holiday mornings feel extra special.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of bread works best?

Brioche bread is ideal due to its soft texture and buttery flavor, which soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.

→ How long should I soak the bread?

Allow the brioche slices to soak in the custard mixture for at least 30 minutes to ensure rich, even absorption.

→ Can I caramelize the top without a kitchen torch?

Yes, you can place the dish under a hot broiler for a few minutes to achieve a caramelized brown sugar crust.

→ What spices are used in the custard?

Vanilla extract and ground cinnamon add warm, aromatic notes that enhance the custard's flavor.

→ What serving suggestions complement this dish?

Fresh berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream make excellent accompaniments, enhancing the richness and texture.