Creme Brulee French Toast

Written by
Morgan Walker
Updated 01/27/21
Creme Brulee French Toast

The Spruce / Brett Moore 
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 40 mins
Total: 50 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Yields: 8 slices
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
719 Calories
45g Fat
65g Carbs
14g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 719
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 45g 58%
Saturated Fat 26g 132%
Cholesterol 383mg 128%
Sodium 494mg 21%
Total Carbohydrate 65g 24%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 45g
Protein 14g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 132mg 10%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 238mg 5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

French toast is a customizable brunch favorite for many, and when feeding several people, it's an inexpensive and simple way to please. It's delicious, homey, and sweet. When you bake it like this, as in a casserole, you can prep ahead of time and then bake it when you're ready—and add the signature crunchy tops when it's time to serve.

For this version, the final touch of adding sugar then brûléeing with a torch or broiler helps bring a crisp and sugary crust. You can easily use this brûlée method even if you're just making one or two slices of French toast rather than the full casserole.

Serve with berries, peaches, or your other favorite fruit.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

  • 1 loaf brioche (about 8 inches)

  • 4 large eggs

  • 2 large egg yolks

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup whole milk

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • Garnish:

    1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • Optional:

    maple syrup, for serving

  • Optional:

    fresh fruit, for serving

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Creme Brulee French Toast ingredients
    The Spruce / Brett Moore 

  2. In a small heavy saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Pour mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.

    melted butter and brown sugar in pan
     The Spruce / Brett Moore

  3. Cut brioche into 6 to 8 thick slices and arrange the slices in one layer in a baking dish with melted butter mixture, squeezing them slightly to fit.

    Place brioche in pan
    The Spruce / Brett Moore 

  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, heavy cream, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined well. Pour evenly over bread.

    Mix ingredients and pour over bread
    The Spruce / Brett Moore 

  5. Cover and chill bread mixture in the fridge for at least 8 hours and up to 1 day.

  6. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 F. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, covering with foil halfway through, or until slightly puffed and edges are pale golden.

  7. Sprinkle with sugar and brûlée with a kitchen torch or broil on high for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown caramelized bubbles appear.

    Bake and sprinkle with sugar
    The Spruce / Brett Moore 

  8. Serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit.

    Serve creme brulee french toast
    The Spruce / Brett Moore

Tips

  • Thick slices absorb the batter better than thin slices.
  • Easily double or triple this recipe depending on the number of people you are feeding.