What is in Crème Brûlée French Toast?

Crème Brûlée French Toast is made with brioche or challah bread, eggs, milk or cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar. It's baked until golden and topped with a caramelized sugar crust that mimics classic crème brûlée.

Can I make Crème Brûlée French Toast without soaking overnight?

Yes! Although overnight soaking enhances the flavor, you can soak the bread for just 30 minutes and still achieve delicious results.

What bread is best for Crème Brûlée French Toast?

Brioche and challah are ideal for Crème Brûlée French Toast because they are rich, slightly sweet, and absorb the custard well without falling apart.

Is Crème Brûlée French Toast the same as a casserole?

Yes, it can be baked as a casserole-style dish. The custard-soaked bread is layered in a baking dish and baked until golden and set, just like a breakfast casserole.

How do I get the crispy brûlée topping without a torch?

You can use your oven's broiler for 1–2 minutes to caramelize the sugar topping. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, as sugar can brown quickly.

Crème Brûlée French Toast – Easy Recipe for Brunch Lovers

Name: Crème Brûlée French Toast
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (12–14 slices); 4 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free); 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste); 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or nutmeg); Pinch of salt; Additional sugar for brûlée topping

Description

This Crème Brûlée French Toast is a rich, custardy breakfast bake with a crispy caramelized sugar topping. Made with brioche or challah bread soaked in a vanilla-infused custard and baked to golden perfection, it’s a decadent twist on traditional French toast — perfect for brunch, holidays, or a cozy morning treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (12–14 slices)
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or nutmeg)
Pinch of salt
Additional sugar for brûlée topping

Instructions

Cut the brioche or challah into thick slices and arrange them in a greased baking dish, slightly overlapping.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined and frothy.
Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices. Press down gently to ensure they soak up the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until golden and the custard is set.
Remove from oven. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar over the top. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy crust, or broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve with fresh berries, powdered sugar, or maple syrup if desired.

Notes

Use slightly stale bread for better custard absorption and texture.
You can prepare this dish the night before and bake in the morning.
To make it dairy-free, use almond or oat milk and coconut cream.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free brioche or thick-cut GF sandwich bread.
Caramelize the sugar topping with a kitchen torch or use the broiler — but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 120mg