Hey there! If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch recipe that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up, then you’ve come to the right place! Crème Brûlée French Toast is one of my absolute favorites—it gives you the rich, creamy taste of crème brûlée with the comforting deliciousness of French toast. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it every weekend! Plus, it impresses everyone at the table, making you feel like a culinary genius.
Nutritional Benefits of Crème Brûlée French Toast
Now, let’s talk about why this delightful dish isn’t just a treat for the taste buds. It can be a great source of energy to kickstart your day! The eggs provide protein, while the milk adds calcium to your diet. And if you use whole grain bread, you’ll snag some fiber in there too! Just keep in mind, it’s a treat, so enjoy it on special occasions, and it’s all about balance!
Fun Adaptable Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Switch out regular bread for your favorite gluten-free bread. It’ll still be beautifully delicious!
- Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free milk, like almond or oat milk, and swap the cream for a plant-based alternative.
- Add Some Flavor: Feel free to spice it up! You can add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture for an added warmth, or how about some fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries on top?
Easy Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk (or any alternative you prefer)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 slices of French bread or brioche
- 2 tablespoons of butter for cooking
- Extra granulated sugar for caramelizing (about 1/4 cup)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well-combined.
- Place the slices of French bread in a shallow dish and pour the egg mixture over them, ensuring they’re fully soaked. Let them sit for at least 20 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge for even better flavor!).
- When you’re ready to cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter, allowing it to melt.
- Transfer the soaked bread slices to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, roughly 3-4 minutes per side. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
- Once cooked, place the French toast on a heatproof plate. Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over each slice.
- Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar by moving the flame back and forth until the sugar melts and turns golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can place them under the broiler in your oven for 1-2 minutes (keeping a close eye on it!).
- Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy custard and crispy sugar topping!
Valuable Tips
- Stale bread works really well for this recipe! It soaks up the egg mixture beautifully and gives a nice texture.
- If you want to prep ahead of time, mix everything the night before and let the bread soak in the fridge overnight—just fry it up fresh the next day!
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat on a skillet or in the toaster oven.
Equipment Needed
Make sure you have the following equipment to help you out:
- A large mixing bowl for the egg mixture
- A whisk (or fork) for mixing
- A shallow dish for soaking the bread
- A large skillet or frying pan
- A spatula for flipping.
- A kitchen torch or oven broiler for caramelizing
- An airtight container for storing leftovers
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought French toast sticks? Of course! Just adjust the cooking time since they may be thinner.
- Can I make this without the heavy cream? Yes! You can substitute it with more milk or a dairy alternative.
- How do I know when the bread is cooked all the way through? You want it golden brown on the outside and slightly firm to the touch—if it’s too soft, give it a minute longer.
- Is it okay to make a big batch? Absolutely! Just make sure not to overcrowd your skillet.
- Can I freeze the leftover French toast? Yes! Wrap them well and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster or skillet.
Did you dive into making Crème Brûlée French Toast? I can’t wait to hear how it turned out for you! Snap a picture and share your brunch masterpiece. Follow me on Pinterest for more scrumptious recipes that are perfect for any occasion!
