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Crème Brûlée French Toast with caramelized sugar topping and custardy center

Crème Brûlée French Toast

This Crème Brûlée French Toast combines the caramelized crackle of classic crème brûlée with soft, custardy French toast underneath. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or slow weekend mornings, it’s rich, bakery‑worthy, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: French
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 slices thick brioche or challah bread day‑old works best
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp salt

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Melt butter with brown sugar and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth. Pour evenly into the bottom of your baking dish.
  2. Arrange the bread slices snugly over the caramel layer.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour this custard evenly over the bread slices.
  4. Cover and refrigerate overnight or let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to let the bread soak up the custard.
  5. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes until puffed and golden. Let rest 5 minutes, then carefully invert the dish so the caramelized layer becomes the top.

Notes

Day‑old brioche or challah gives the best custard texture. Serve warm with fresh berries, lightly sweetened whipped cream, or a strong coffee. This casserole also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month.