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