Creme Brulee French Toast

Indulging in a rich, creamy breakfast is a treat everyone deserves, and what could be more delightful than Creme Brulee French Toast? This recipe takes the classic French toast experience and elevates it to a level that feels both luxurious and comforting. Imagine thick slices of Texas toast, soaked in a velvety custard, baked until golden, and topped with a sugary crust that cracks perfectly under your spoon. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy weekend brunch, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s both easy to prepare and spectacularly delicious, Creme Brulee French Toast is a must-have in your recipe collection. This dish strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and richness, making it a favorite among both kids and adults. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—most of the preparation can be done the night before, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely morning. Plus, the combination of textures from the creamy custard and the crispy caramelized sugar topping is simply irresistible.

What You’ll Need

• 1/2 cup butter – This will create a rich base for the caramel topping.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed – Adds a deep sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• 2 tbsp corn syrup – Ensures a glossy finish and prevents the sugar from hardening.
• 1 loaf Texas Toast – Thick slices are crucial for maximum custard absorption.
• 5 eggs – The foundation of your custard mixture.
• 1 1/2 cups Half and Half – For a creamy texture that elevates the dish.
• Dash of salt – Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a lovely aroma and sweetness.

What’s in the Gear List

• 9×13 inch baking dish – Perfect for soaking and baking the toast.
• Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk – Essential for mixing eggs and custard components.
• Spatula – For spreading the butter and sugar mixture evenly.
• Oven mitts – Safety first when handling your hot baking dish!

Creme Brulee French Toast: How It’s Done

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/2 cup butter along with the 1 cup brown sugar and 2 tbsp corn syrup. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and bubbling. Remove it from heat and pour it evenly into the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Slice the Texas Toast

Cut the Texas Toast into thick slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. This thickness is perfect for soaking in the custard without falling apart.

Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 5 eggs, 1 1/2 cups Half and Half, a dash of salt, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until well combined. This custard will give your French toast its rich flavor and texture.

Step 4: Assemble the French Toast

Arrange the slices of Texas toast over the caramel mixture in the baking dish. Make sure to place the slices closely together, as they will expand while baking. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring every piece is soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 5: Bake the French Toast

When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Step 6: Create the Brulee Top

Once baked, remove the French toast from the oven. Turn on your broiler and sprinkle a light layer of brown sugar on top of the baked toast. Place it under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, watching closely until the sugar melts and caramelizes, forming a beautiful crust.

Make It Your Way

• Add fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity twist.
• Incorporate a splash of maple syrup into the custard for extra sweetness.
• Experiment with different flavor extracts like almond or hazelnut.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard.

Easy-to-Miss Gotchas

When preparing Creme Brulee French Toast, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

• Make sure the bread is stale or day-old for better absorption of the custard.
• Don’t rush the chilling time—allowing the bread to soak overnight yields the best texture.
• Keep a close eye on the broiler; sugar can burn quickly if left unattended.

Save It for Later

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but can happen!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, or pop them in the microwave for a quick fix. The caramel topping may lose some of its crispness, but the flavor will still be divine!

Quick Questions

Can I use regular bread instead of Texas toast?

Yes, but Texas toast is preferred for its thickness and ability to hold the custard without falling apart. If using regular bread, choose a sturdy loaf and reduce soaking time slightly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the Half and Half with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or coconut cream, and ensure the butter is replaced with a dairy-free option as well.

How do I prevent my French toast from being soggy?

Ensure you use stale bread and allow it to soak for the right amount of time. Baking it immediately after soaking may lead to a soggy texture.

Can I add toppings to my French toast?

Definitely! Fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup are fantastic additions that can enhance the flavors of your Creme Brulee French Toast.

See You at the Table

As you gather around the table to enjoy your Creme Brulee French Toast, take a moment to appreciate the incredible aromas wafting through the air. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together. The crispy caramel top, the soft, custardy bread, and the warmth of shared moments make every bite special. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying a Sunday brunch, this recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. So whip out those aprons, gather your loved ones, and indulge in this delectable breakfast that feels like dessert!

Creme Brulee French Toast

This Creme Brulee French Toast is a luxurious breakfast treat! Thick, custardy slices topped with a crispy caramel crust will impress everyone!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Caramel Base:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar packed
• 2 tbsp corn syrup

For the Custard:

• 1 loaf Texas Toast
• 5 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups Half and Half
• 1 dash salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Oven mitts

Method

 

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the butter with brown sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan. Pour into the baking dish.
2. Step 2: Slice the Texas Toast - Cut the Texas Toast into thick slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches each.
3. Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture - Whisk together eggs, Half and Half, salt, and vanilla until combined.
4. Step 4: Assemble the French Toast - Arrange toast over caramel, pour custard evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Step 5: Bake the French Toast - Remove from fridge, let sit for 30 minutes, then bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
6. Step 6: Create the Brulee Top - Sprinkle brown sugar on top and broil for 2-3 minutes until caramelized.

Notes

• Use stale bread for better custard absorption.
• Let it soak overnight for the best texture.
• Watch the broiler closely to prevent burning the sugar.