Crème Brûlée French Toast is a delightful twist on two classic brunch favorites, combining the creamy, vanilla-infused custard of crème brûlée with the crispy, caramelized top of French toast. Imagine thick slices of bread soaked in a rich custard, cooked until golden, and then topped with a perfect layer of burnt sugar that cracks delightfully with every bite.
I love making this recipe on a slow weekend morning when I have time to enjoy both the cooking and the eating. The best part is torching the sugar topping right before serving—it feels a little fancy, and the caramelized crust adds such a satisfying texture that really makes the dish special. I usually sprinkle a little cinnamon into the custard for an extra warm touch.
For serving, I like to keep it simple with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a breakfast that feels like a treat but is easy enough to make at home, and it always brings smiles to the table. If you’re looking to impress your family or friends without too much fuss, this is definitely the way to go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brioche or Challah Bread: These breads are perfect for soaking up the custard without falling apart. If you can’t find them, thick-cut Texas toast or a sturdy white bread will do in a pinch.
Egg Yolks & Eggs: The yolks add richness and creaminess, key for the custard texture. Using extra yolks helps create that classic crème brûlée feel. For a lighter option, you can reduce yolks but expect less richness.
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: Heavy cream gives the custard its luxurious creaminess. If you want a lighter version, substitute half the cream with milk, but keep some cream for richness.
Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean: Real vanilla bean is wonderful and aromatic, but pure vanilla extract works well, too. It adds the essential warm flavor that ties the dish together.
Granulated Sugar (for soaking and caramelizing): Use regular granulated sugar for best results. For caramelizing, superfine sugar melts more evenly, but granulated works fine with careful torching or broiling.
How Do You Get That Perfect Caramelized Crust on Top?
Caramelizing the sugar topping is what makes this French toast feel special. Here’s how:
- Evenly sprinkle sugar over the cooked French toast while it’s still warm.
- Use a kitchen torch to melt the sugar until it bubbles and turns golden brown. Keep the flame moving to avoid burning.
- If you don’t have a torch, place the toast under the broiler carefully, watching closely and rotating the plate to prevent burning.
- Let the sugar harden for a minute—it will form a crisp, crackly crust like crème brûlée.
Practice makes perfect here—go slow, and you’ll reward yourself with a sweet, crunchy finish that’s a joy to break through with your fork!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use these to whisk the custard ingredients until smooth and combined.
- Shallow dish or baking pan – perfect for soaking the bread slices evenly in the custard.
- Skillet or griddle – a non-stick or cast iron pan works best for frying the French toast to a golden crisp.
- Kitchen torch – for caramelizing the sugar on top; if you don’t have one, a broiler works as a good alternative.
- Rubber spatula or tongs – aids in flipping the toast gently without breaking.
- Cooking spoon or spatula – for spreading butter and handling the toast while cooking.
- Wire rack or plate – for letting the cooked French toast drain excess oil and cool slightly before serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swirl in a spoonful of fruit jam or preserves into the custard for a fruity twist.
- Add a splash of bourbon, brandy, or coffee liqueur to the custard for a grown-up flavor.
- Top with toasted nuts or crushed cookies for extra crunch.
- Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the custard for warm, spicy notes that enhance the vanilla flavor.
Crème Brûlée French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Bread & Custard:
- 6 thick slices brioche or challah bread
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- Pinch of salt
For Cooking & Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, for frying
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar, for caramelizing
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blackberries, etc.), for garnish
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Butter, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the custard and soak the bread, plus at least 1 hour in the fridge to soak (overnight is even better!). Cooking and finishing with the caramelized sugar takes another 15-20 minutes. So, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours total, but most of that is hands-off chilling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Custard & Soak the Bread:
In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks, whole eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy. Place the bread slices in a shallow dish and pour the custard evenly over them. Press the bread gently to help it soak up the custard. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
2. Cook the French Toast:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Remove the bread slices from the custard, letting the excess drip off, then cook them in batches. Cook each slice for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through, adding more butter as needed.
3. Caramelize the Sugar Topping:
Place the cooked French toast on a heatproof plate. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar evenly on top of each slice. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until it bubbles and forms a crisp, golden crust. If you don’t have a torch, place the toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
Dust the French toast with powdered sugar, add a pat of butter on top, and garnish with fresh berries. Serve immediately with warm maple syrup poured over the toast. Enjoy your deliciously rich Crème Brûlée French Toast!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the bread completely before soaking it in the custard. Thaw overnight in the fridge or leave at room temperature for a few hours. Using slightly stale or day-old bread even works best to soak up the custard without falling apart.
Can I Make This French Toast Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and soak the bread in the custard the night before, then refrigerate. You can cook the slices fresh in the morning and caramelize the sugar just before serving for the best crisp topping.
What If I Don’t Have a Kitchen Torch?
No worries! You can use your oven’s broiler to caramelize the sugar topping. Keep the bread under the broiler for 1-2 minutes and watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Rotate the plate as needed for even caramelization.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, then sprinkle fresh sugar and torch or broil again to refresh the caramelized topping.