Crème Brûlée French Toast: A Decadent Brunch Dream
Crème Brûlée French Toast is the ultimate fusion of two beloved classics: the silky elegance of French crème brûlée and the comforting warmth of traditional French toast. This luxurious dish transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping brunch centerpiece, featuring thick slices of bread soaked in a vanilla-scented custard and topped with a crisp, caramelized sugar crust that cracks beautifully under your spoon—just like a classic crème brûlée.
Perfect for holidays, weekend brunch, or special mornings, this French toast recipe feels restaurant-worthy while remaining surprisingly simple to prepare. Best of all, much of the work can be done ahead of time, making it ideal for entertaining without stress.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Crème Brûlée French Toast
This dish offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The bottom becomes rich and custardy, the top stays slightly crisp, and the caramelized sugar layer adds an irresistible crunch. Vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar create a warm, comforting aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes.
Unlike traditional French toast cooked on the stovetop, Crème Brûlée French Toast is baked in the oven, allowing the custard to fully absorb into the bread. The result is a soft, creamy interior with a golden exterior and a signature caramelized topping that elevates the dish into something truly special.
Ingredients for Crème Brûlée French Toast
For the Caramel Base
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup or honey
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the French Toast
- 1 large loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced thick
- 5 large eggs
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
For the Brûlée Topping
- ¼–½ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
For Serving (Optional)
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, corn syrup (or honey), and salt. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy, about 2–3 minutes. Do not boil.
Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to coat the entire surface. This layer will become the rich, sticky base that gives the dish its crème brûlée character.
Step 2: Arrange the Bread
Place thick slices of brioche or challah bread over the caramel layer, slightly overlapping if necessary. Pack the bread snugly so it absorbs the custard evenly and bakes into a cohesive dish.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. The custard should be smooth and lightly sweet with a fragrant vanilla aroma.
Slowly pour the custard over the bread, ensuring every slice is well soaked. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid.
Step 4: Chill (Highly Recommended)
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting time allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a creamy, custard-like texture after baking.
Baking the French Toast
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the final 10 minutes.
Creating the Crème Brûlée Sugar Crust
Once baked, remove the French toast from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it melts and turns deep amber.
If you don’t have a torch, place the dish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Let the caramelized sugar harden for a minute before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Invert slices onto plates so the caramel base drizzles over the top, or serve directly from the dish with the crackly sugar crust intact. Add fresh berries for brightness, a dusting of powdered sugar for elegance, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
This dish pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, bacon, or a light citrus salad to balance the richness.
Tips for Perfect Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Use day-old bread for best absorption
- Brioche or challah works best for a rich texture
- Chill overnight for maximum flavor and creaminess
- Watch the sugar closely when caramelizing
- Serve immediately for the best crackly topping
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Crème Brûlée French Toast is ideal for prepping ahead. Assemble everything the night before and bake in the morning. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, though the sugar crust is best freshly caramelized.
Final Thoughts
Crème Brûlée French Toast is more than just breakfast—it’s an experience. With its custardy interior, buttery caramel base, and crackly sugar topping, this dish turns any morning into a celebration. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers indulgence in every bite.