Crème Brûlée French Toast

There’s something magical about weekends, especially when they start with a plate of Crème Brûlée French Toast. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chilly Sunday morning, and I wanted to impress my family with a breakfast that felt special. The rich aroma of melting butter and brown sugar wafted through the house, and soon everyone was gathered around the table, their eyes wide with anticipation. This isn’t just any french toast; it’s a luxurious, custardy delight that transforms the simple into the sublime. The crispy, caramelized top contrasts beautifully with the soft, indulgent French bread beneath, creating a dish that feels as if it belongs in a Parisian café rather than my cozy kitchen. Every bite is a perfect harmony of flavors, and with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries, it’s pure bliss on a plate. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this dish is sure to make your mornings feel extraordinary.

Ingredient List for Crème Brûlée French Toast

Every ingredient in Crème Brûlée French Toast plays a vital role in achieving that rich, custardy texture and sweet flavor profile. The star players here are the unsalted butter that forms the base, brown sugar for sweetness, and French bread that soaks up all the deliciousness. Together, they create a breakfast that’s not only delightful but also comforting in every bite.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – This is the key ingredient that adds richness and depth to the dish. It melts beautifully, mixing with brown sugar to create a luscious base.
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar – This sweetener brings a deep caramel flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the Crème Brûlée French Toast.
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup – For that authentic sweetness, maple syrup adds a lovely flavor that complements the brown sugar.
• 6 slices French bread (1-inch thick) – The bread is essential here; it absorbs the custard mixture perfectly, resulting in a soft and fluffy interior.
• 5 large eggs – These bind the dish together and create that custardy texture that makes this French toast so special.
• 1 1/3 cups half-and-half – This adds creaminess and richness, ensuring every bite feels indulgent.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For flavor depth, vanilla adds warmth that elevates the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon pure orange extract – This introduces a subtle hint of citrus that brightens up the dish.
• Zest of 1 orange – Fresh zest adds a burst of flavor, enhancing the overall richness of the Crème Brûlée French Toast.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – A small pinch of salt elevates sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully.
• Whipped cream and fresh berries for garnish – These are perfect toppings that add freshness and a touch of elegance when serving.

How to Prepare Crème Brûlée French Toast

Making Crème Brûlée French Toast is quite straightforward, and the best part is the prep can be done the night before. This allows the bread to soak up all the custard goodness, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. Let’s dive into the steps to create this indulgent dish.

1. Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add the butter to melt it. Stir in the brown sugar and maple syrup until they dissolve together, forming a rich mixture. Keep an eye on the heat and make sure not to burn the butter as it melts.
2. Pour the sugar mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This will create a sticky base that the French bread will sit atop, soaking in all that deliciousness.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, orange extract, orange zest, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined; the mixture should look uniform.
4. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer over the sugar mixture in the baking dish. You want to ensure that each slice is touching to soak up all the custardy goodness.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the arranged bread slices. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down to ensure they soak up the mixture thoroughly. You want the bread to be well-coated and saturated.
6. Cover and refrigerate the dish for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard mixture fully, ensuring a creamy texture once baked.
7. Remove the dish from the refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats, take a moment to enjoy the lovely aroma of the mixture.
8. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown, puffy, and set in the center. You’ll want to keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to avoid over-browning.
9. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. This helps set the custard a bit more before serving.
10. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream and fresh berries or fruit. The toppings add a touch of freshness that balances perfectly with the rich Crème Brûlée French Toast.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

To elevate your Crème Brûlée French Toast experience, consider these helpful tips:

• Storage: Leftover French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain its texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Cover well and it should last up to a month. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Serving Style: It’s perfect for brunch, holidays, or just a cozy breakfast at home. Serve with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
• Variations: Experiment with different extracts or zests. Try adding a hint of almond extract or some cinnamon for a unique twist.
• Fresh Berries: Top with a variety of berries for added color and flavor. Raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries work beautifully together.
• Make it Ahead: This dish is great for making ahead, saving you time on busy mornings. Prep the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.

Accompaniments for Crème Brûlée French Toast

• Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of seasonal fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. They add a refreshing contrast to the rich Crème Brûlée French Toast.
• Maple Syrup: Drizzling warm maple syrup adds a wonderful sweetness that complements the caramelized top.
• Breakfast Meats: Pairing with a side of breakfast sausage or turkey links creates a well-rounded meal that balances sweet and savory flavors.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea is a perfect beverage choice to counterbalance the sweetness and richness of the dish.
• Special Occasions: Ideal for brunch gatherings, holidays, or Sunday family breakfasts. It’s a dish that always impresses!
• Storage Tips: For leftovers, keep in an airtight container to maintain moisture. Reheat in the oven to regain that delightful texture.

FAQ

Conclusion

Crème Brûlée French Toast is truly a breakfast masterpiece that combines rich flavors with a delightful texture. Its ease of preparation makes it a perfect choice for both everyday breakfasts and special occasions. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy it brings to your mornings!

Crème Brûlée French Toast

The ultimate comfort food, Crème Brûlée French Toast combines the flavors of rich, caramelized sugar with soft, custardy bread. Perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Treat yourself to this delightful dish tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: French

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 6 slices French bread 1-inch thick
• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/3 cups half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pure orange extract
• 1 zest of orange
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 portion Whipped cream and fresh berries for garnish

Equipment

• Oven
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk
• Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add the butter to melt it. Stir in brown sugar and maple syrup to dissolve them.
2. Pour the sugar mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange bread slices in a single layer over the mixture.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, orange extract, orange zest, and salt. Pour over the bread slices and ensure they are evenly coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate the dish for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
5. Remove the dish from the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until lightly golden brown, puffy, and set in the center.
6. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream and fresh berries or fruit.

Notes

Leftover French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain its texture. You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Cover well and it should last up to a month. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Previous PostStrawberry Toasted Almonds Overnight Grains Recipe

Next Post Soft Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Meet Sadie Mitchell

The Mood Catcher I’m our lead photographer, but my camera is just another tool in the kitchen, right next to my knife and whisk! I am obsessed with capturing the feeling of a meal the steam rising off a bowl or the golden light on a loaf of bread. I cook and style every shoot with the team, ensuring that the photo tells you exactly how cozy and delicious the food will taste.