Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of sweet, creamy Crème Brûlée French Toasts wafting through your kitchen, transforming your breakfast into a luxurious indulgence! This delightful twist on a classic dish combines the rich flavors of brioche bread soaked in a velvety custard, topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust that crackles with every bite. Whether you're hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself to a decadent morning meal, this recipe promises to impress and satisfy. Ready to elevate your breakfast game? Let's dive into this scrumptious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of brioche bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Sugar for caramelizing
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 1 loaf of brioche bread, 4 large eggs, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and additional sugar for caramelizing.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your French toasts cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden color.
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 large eggs and whisk them until they are well beaten. Add in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are combined and smooth.
- Take the loaf of brioche bread and slice it into thick slices, about 1 to
- 5 inches each. This thickness will help the bread absorb the custard mixture without falling apart.
- Arrange the slices of brioche in a large baking dish or a shallow tray. Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. You may want to gently press down on the bread to help it soak up the custard.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This allows the bread to absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a rich and creamy texture.
- After the resting period, remove the dish from the refrigerator. If desired, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes while the oven finishes preheating.
- Once the oven is ready, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- While the French toast is baking, prepare for the caramelizing step. Once the French toast is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- To caramelize the top, sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar over the surface of the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to carefully melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust. If you do not have a kitchen torch, you can place the dish under a broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Once the sugar has caramelized and formed a hard crust, allow the crème brûlée French toast to cool slightly before serving. Cut into squares or serve individual slices on plates.
- Enjoy your delicious crème brûlée French toasts warm, optionally garnished with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch!
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for a high-quality brioche bread, as its rich texture and flavor are key to achieving the perfect French toast. Day-old bread works best since it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Let It Soak: Don’t rush the soaking process! Allow the bread to sit in the custard mixture for at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for a creamy texture, so be patient and let the flavors meld together.
- Monitor the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your French toast while it bakes. Ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes early. The top should be golden brown, and the custard should be set but still soft.
- Caramelizing Sugar: For a perfect caramelized top, sprinkle an even layer of sugar and use a kitchen torch for best results. If you don’t have a torch, broiling works too—just watch closely to avoid burning!
- Garnish for Extra Flair: Serve your Crème Brûlée French Toasts with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. These additions not only enhance the presentation but also add a burst of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 711kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 291mg
