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–+ servings
recipe image of a top down mise en place shot showing eggs milk vanilla extract cinnamon butter bread sugar heavy cream vanilla bean salt nutmeg maple syrup alcohol brandy or rum vanilla ice cream arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
C. Motter Cindy

Crème Brûlée French Toast

A luxurious and elegant breakfast dish that combines the richness of crème brûlée with the simplicity of French toast. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting family meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Caramel Sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp corn syrup optional
  • 1 tbsp brandy or rum optional
For the French Toast
  • 1 loaf Challah or Brioche bread thickly sliced
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
For the Topping
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar

Equipment

  • 9 by 13 inch baking dish
  • Small heavy saucepan
  • - Mixing bowls
  • - Whisk
  • - Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and Cutting Board

Method
 

Prepare the Caramel Sauce
  1. In a small heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup or brandy/rum. Whisk until it bubbles and smells like toasted nuts.
  2. Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of a 9 by 13 inch baking dish, tilting to cover every corner.
Prepare the French Toast
  1. Slice the bread into thick, generous slabs. Lay the bread over the caramel in the baking dish.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. Pour the custard mixture slowly over the bread, ensuring each piece is fully submerged.
  4. Cover the dish and let it rest in the fridge overnight for best results, or at least 4 hours.
Bake the French Toast
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and the center is puffed.
  3. Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the hot toast and broil for 2 minutes until it cracks under a fork.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 20g

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use full-fat oat milk or coconut milk in place of the heavy cream and milk, and use a plant-based butter for the caramel layer. This recipe is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
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