Description
Decadent and buttery, this Crème Brûlée French Toast features thick slices of brioche soaked in a rich custard, baked in a caramelized brown sugar-butter sauce, and finished with a crisp, brûléed top for an indulgent brunch treat.
Ingredients
1 loaf brioche bread (about 12 slices)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp corn syrup
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
2 tbsp granulated sugar (for brûlée topping)
Fresh berries and powdered sugar, for serving
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup over medium heat until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
3. Arrange brioche slices over the caramel layer in a single layer.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Pour custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently to soak.
6. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until puffed and golden.
9. Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top and use a kitchen torch to brûlée until crisp (or broil briefly if needed).
10. Serve warm with berries and powdered sugar.
Notes
For a make-ahead brunch, assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
Brioche or challah works best for a soft, custardy texture.
If you don’t have a torch, broil carefully for 1–2 minutes to caramelize the sugar top.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 240mg
Keywords: creme brulee french toast, overnight french toast bake, caramel french toast, brunch recipe