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Decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe with Perfect Caramelized Crisp Top

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A rich and indulgent French toast recipe inspired by crème brûlée, featuring a creamy custard-soaked brioche with a perfectly caramelized crisp sugar top. Perfect for brunch or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 thick slices brioche bread (day-old or slightly stale)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (65 g), plus extra for caramelizing the top
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract or seeds from 1 vanilla bean
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • A pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for frying)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or seeds from 1 vanilla bean), 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and slightly frothy (about 3 minutes).
  2. Pour the custard mixture into a shallow baking dish or pie pan. Dip each slice of brioche into the custard, soaking about 20 seconds per side until saturated but not falling apart. Arrange soaked slices on a wire rack or plate and let rest for a few minutes.
  3. Heat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Let it melt and get slightly bubbly but not browned (about 2 minutes).
  4. Add soaked brioche slices to the pan without overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly firm to the touch, adjusting heat as needed.
  5. Place cooked slices on a baking sheet in a warm oven (about 200°F or 95°C) to keep warm while cooking the rest.
  6. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over each slice. Using a culinary torch, caramelize the sugar until it bubbles and turns deep amber, forming a crisp crust (1-2 minutes per slice). Alternatively, use the oven broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  7. Serve immediately for the best texture contrast between the crackly caramelized top and creamy custard-soaked bread.

Notes

Use day-old or slightly stale brioche for best soaking results. If dairy-free, substitute milk and cream with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for frying. For gluten-free, use gluten-free brioche or thick gluten-free bread. When caramelizing sugar, hold the torch 2-3 inches away for even melting without burning. Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain crispness; reheat gently in a skillet or toaster oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: crème brûlée, French toast, caramelized sugar, brioche, brunch recipe, custard, vanilla, cinnamon, easy breakfast

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/decadent-cr-e-me-br-u-l-e-e-french-toast-recipe-with-perfect-caramelized-crisp-top/