Welcome back to my kitchen — Chef James here 👨🍳
Some recipes are born from indulgence, and this Crème Brûlée French Toast is exactly that. Imagine the crackly caramelized sugar top of a classic crème brûlée meeting the soft, custardy center of French toast. It’s decadent, comforting, and unapologetically rich — the kind of breakfast that turns an ordinary weekend into a special occasion.
I first made this dish while experimenting with ways to elevate traditional brunch recipes without making them complicated. Much like Banana Bread, this recipe uses familiar ingredients, but the technique transforms them into something unforgettable. The contrast between the crisp caramel top and the creamy interior is what makes this Crème Brûlée French Toast so irresistible.
In the US, elevated brunch dishes like this are hugely popular — perfect for holidays, overnight guests, or slow Sunday mornings. And if you love dessert-inspired breakfasts like Chocolate Orange Layer Cake or Dark Chocolate Espresso Cake, this recipe will feel right at home on your table.
Why You’ll Love This Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Crispy caramelized sugar topping
- Soft, custard-like center
- Perfect make-ahead brunch recipe
- Feels fancy but uses simple ingredients
- Loved by kids and adults alike
🍮 Would you serve this for a holiday brunch or a cozy weekend breakfast?
Ingredients Needed
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (day-old)
Thick, rich bread absorbs custard beautifully. - 4 large eggs
The base of the custard. - 1½ cups heavy cream
Creates that crème brûlée–like richness. - ½ cup whole milk
Balances the cream. - ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided)
For custard and caramelized topping. - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Adds depth to the caramel flavor. - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Essential for classic custard aroma. - ½ teaspoon salt
Balances sweetness.
👉 Optional toppings: berries, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of 3-Ingredient Hot Fudge Sauce That’s Rich and Glossy for a dessert-style brunch.
How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare the custard
In a bowl, whisk eggs, cream, milk, ½ cup sugar, vanilla, and salt. - Arrange the bread
Place thick slices of brioche in a buttered baking dish. - Soak
Pour custard over the bread. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. - Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until puffed and set. - Caramelize the top
Sprinkle remaining sugar and brown sugar evenly on top. Broil 2–3 minutes until golden and crackly.
👉 Chef James Tip: Watch closely under the broiler — caramel goes from perfect to burnt fast.
This caramelization step is similar to building contrast in desserts like Chocolate Biscoff Tart With a Rich Chocolate Filling.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Holiday version: Add orange zest or cinnamon (pairs well with Classic Gingerbread Cookies Everyone Loves)
- Lighter option: Replace half the cream with milk
- Dessert-style: Serve warm with ice cream like a plated dessert
For an easy brunch spread, balance this rich dish with something simple like Easy No-Bake Dessert Everyone Will Love.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 3 days
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F to keep the custard soft
- Avoid microwaving if possible — it softens the caramel top
For safe storage practices, always follow USDA guidance: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/
FAQs – Crème Brûlée French Toast
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — it’s best when soaked overnight.
What bread works best?
Brioche or challah.
Do I need a kitchen torch?
No, the broiler works perfectly.
Is it very sweet?
Balanced — sweet but not overwhelming.
Can I add chocolate?
Yes, serve with sauces inspired by Mexican Chocolate Milk Cake.
Is this breakfast or dessert?
Both — like recipes in Easy Pie Recipes Everyone Can Make.
What to Serve With This Recipe
- Fresh berries or citrus salad
- Coffee or espresso
- Frosted Peppermint Sugar Cookies for festive brunches
Final Thoughts from Chef James
This Crème Brûlée French Toast is the definition of comfort meets elegance. It’s the kind of recipe people ask for after the first bite — and one you’ll look forward to making again and again.
👉 Try it this weekend and tell me how crunchy your caramel topping turned out!
Print
Crème Brûlée French Toast (Crispy, Custardy & Brunch-Perfect)
Crème Brûlée French Toast brings the luxury of caramelized sugar and custard-soft centers to your brunch table. A perfect make-ahead breakfast that feels elegant yet uses simple ingredients.
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 loaf brioche or challah bread (day-old)
4 large eggs
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar (divided)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
Optional toppings: berries, powdered sugar, or chocolate sauce
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, ½ cup sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Butter a baking dish and arrange thick slices of brioche or challah inside.
3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the soaked bread uncovered for 35–40 minutes until set and golden.
5. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup sugar and 2 tbsp brown sugar evenly over baked toast.
6. Broil on high for 2–3 minutes until top is caramelized and crackly.
7. Let cool slightly before serving with toppings of choice.
Notes
Use day-old bread to soak up custard better.
Brioche or challah gives the richest, fluffiest texture.
Caramelize under broiler only — a torch is optional.
For a lighter option, swap half the cream with more milk.
Best served warm with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
