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Crème Brûlée French Toast

Crème Brûlée French Toast
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Crème Brûlée French Toast is a luxurious breakfast recipe that combines rich custard-soaked bread with a crisp, caramelized sugar crust. Using thick slices of brioche or challah soaked in a velvety mixture of egg yolks, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla, then cooked to golden perfection and topped with a crackling brûléed sugar topping, this dish offers the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Ideal for special occasions or a decadent weekend treat, it can be customized with seasonal fruits, spices, or dairy-free alternatives.

Ingredients

Scale

Custard Base

  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus more for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1 cup heavy cream

French Toast

  • 6 thick slices (1 to 1.5 inch) brioche or challah bread
  • 2 tablespoons butter, for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the heavy cream, stirring carefully until all ingredients blend into a smooth, velvety custard without scrambling the eggs.
  2. Soak the Bread: Slice brioche or challah into thick pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Submerge each slice in the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for 2-3 minutes per side to absorb the liquid without becoming soggy.
  3. Cook the French Toast: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Fry each soaked bread slice until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, forming a tender yet firm crust.
  4. Caramelize the Sugar Topping: Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar atop each cooked slice. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until a crisp, dark golden crust forms. Alternatively, place the toast under an oven broiler on the top rack for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread to absorb custard better without disintegrating.
  • Do not over-soak the bread to maintain structure.
  • Spread sugar evenly for uniform caramelization.
  • Cook on medium-low heat to avoid burning.
  • Prepare custard overnight to enhance flavor and save time in the morning.

Nutrition

Keywords: crème brûlée, French toast, custard, breakfast, brunch, caramelized sugar, brioche, challah, rich, creamy

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/crme-brle-french-toast/