Name: Brioche French Toast with Blueberry Compote and Crème Fraîche Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 (7.5 to 8 ounce) container crème fraîche, at room temperature; 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla essence (vanilla bean paste recommended); 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries; ¼ cup granulated sugar; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 4 large eggs; ½ cup whole milk (or milk of choice); ½ cup heavy whipping cream; ¼ cup packed brown sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla essence (vanilla bean paste recommended); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 4 tablespoons butter, for frying (plus more as needed); 1 loaf brioche bread, cut into 8 slices, about 1 inch thick; Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional); Maple syrup, for serving (optional)

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 9 reviews

There is something truly magical about breakfast when it features the rich and buttery texture of brioche combined with luscious toppings that make your taste buds sing. This Brioche French Toast with Blueberry Compote and Crème Fraîche Recipe is that perfect blend of indulgence and freshness, where each bite offers a comforting custardy slice of heaven, draped in sweet and tangy blueberry compote and finished with a smooth, slightly tangy crème fraîche. It’s the kind of dish that turns a simple morning into a celebration and easily becomes a new favorite for brunch or weekend treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. On the right, a white plate holds multiple slices of golden brown braided bread stacked in two layers, showing soft and airy texture inside. Above it, a white colander is filled with fresh dark blue blueberries, and a few blueberries are scattered around on the surface. To the left, various small white bowls contain different ingredients like white powdered sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon powder, and a creamy white yogurt-like substance. There are also three white eggs, a small jug of milk, a small bowl with brown sugar and a wooden spoon, pale yellow butter chunks, a small cup with yellow lemon zest, and small cups with vanilla extract and a light yellow liquid on the surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is all about achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and the ingredients play their part beautifully. From the rich custard soak to the sweet-tart blueberry compote and the luxurious crème fraîche topping, each component is straightforward yet essential to bring this dish to life.

Crème fraîche (7.5 – 8 ounces): Adds a creamy, tangy topper that complements the sweet elements perfectly.
Powdered sugar (2-3 tablespoons): Sweetens and lightens the crème fraîche as well as dusting for serving.
Vanilla essence (½ teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon): Provides a warm, aromatic depth to both the crème fraîche and the custard soak.
Fresh or frozen blueberries (2 cups): The star of the compote, bursting with freshness or sweetness.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the blueberry compote gently without overpowering the fruit.
Lemon zest and juice (from 1 lemon): Adds bright acidity to balance the compote’s sweetness.
Eggs (4 large): The base of the custard soak that makes the brioche so tender and rich.
Whole milk (½ cup): Helps create a smooth custard for soaking the bread.
Heavy whipping cream (½ cup): Boosts richness and delivers that perfect custardy coating.
Brown sugar (¼ cup packed): Adds caramel notes to the custard soak for subtle sweetness and depth.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, ensuring the custard isn’t flat.
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Lends warmth and a hint of spice that complements the berries and brioche.
Butter (4 tablespoons plus more as needed): Used for frying the toast to a golden, crispy perfection.
Brioche bread (1 loaf, sliced into 8 pieces): The luxuriously tender and buttery bread that is the canvas for this dish.
Optional toppings – powdered sugar & maple syrup: For finishing touches that make every bite even more delicious.

How to Make Brioche French Toast with Blueberry Compote and Crème Fraîche Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crème Fraîche Topping

Start by setting your crème fraîche at room temperature so it blends easily. In a medium bowl, whisk together the crème fraîche with powdered sugar and vanilla essence until smooth and lump-free. This simple mixture adds a luxuriously creamy and slightly tart topping that pairs perfectly with the sweet blueberry compote and rich French toast. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your preference, then set this aside while you work on the other parts of the recipe.

Step 2: Make the Blueberry Compote

In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice over medium heat. Let it simmer gently for about 4-5 minutes as the blueberries soften and release their juices, creating a thickened, jammy compote. The bright zing of lemon lifts the natural sweetness of the berries beautifully, resulting in a vibrant topping that feels fresh and homemade. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard for the Brioche Soak

In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla essence, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. This custard soak is where the brioche will get its signature soft and custardy interior with a hint of warm spice. The mixture should be completely combined and ready to soak your slices of bread for just the right amount of time.

Step 4: Cook the Brioche French Toast

Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat, then melt 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter to grease the surface. Dip each slice of brioche into the custard mixture, soaking for 10 to 15 seconds to absorb just enough without becoming soggy. Place the soaked slices onto the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the edges. Flip and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes on the other side until lightly golden. To keep the toast from getting soggy, transfer cooked slices to a wire rack set over a baking sheet as you work through the batch, adding more butter to the pan as needed.

How to Serve Brioche French Toast with Blueberry Compote and Crème Fraîche Recipe

The image shows three pieces of golden brown French toast cooking in a black cast iron pan with a dark green handle. Each slice has a crispy, slightly uneven toasted surface, with darker browned patches and lighter golden areas, giving a textured look. The edges of the toast are fluffy but well toasted, suggesting the bread is thick. The pan appears slightly oily with small glistening spots around the toast. The background is a white marbled texture visible around the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Once your Brioche French Toast is cooked, divide it evenly onto plates. Top each slice with a generous dollop of the prepared crème fraîche, a spoonful or two of blueberry compote, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Maple syrup is optional but highly recommended for those who love an extra sweet finish. These simple garnishes transform the dish from delightful to extraordinary.

Side Dishes

Since this Brioche French Toast with Blueberry Compote and Crème Fraîche Recipe stands beautifully on its own, side dishes can be light and fresh. Consider serving it alongside crisp, fresh fruit like sliced kiwi or strawberries, or a refreshing green salad with a citrus vinaigrette for brunch. A side of crispy bacon or sausages adds savory contrast if you prefer a more hearty spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, stack the French toast slices layered with blueberry compote between each layer, and pipe dollops of the crème fraîche on top with a dusting of lemon zest or cinnamon. You might also serve the compote and crème fraîche in small bowls alongside the plated toast to allow guests to customize their own toppings. Using edible flowers or fresh mint leaves adds a pretty and aromatic finishing touch to this crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Brioche French Toast with Blueberry Compote and Crème Fraîche Recipe, place the toast slices in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the compote and crème fraîche separate, stored in small jars or containers to maintain their freshness and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked French toast slices by laying them flat on a baking sheet and placing in the freezer until firm. Then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container for up to 1 month. For best results, freeze the compote and crème fraîche separately as they do not freeze as well.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated French toast in a toaster oven, conventional oven, or skillet over medium heat until warmed through and the exterior regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the toast soggy. Serve immediately with freshly spooned blueberry compote and chilled crème fraîche for that perfect contrast of warm and cool.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread instead of brioche?

Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its tender crumb and rich flavor, you can substitute challah, Texas toast, or even a sturdy sourdough for variation. Just make sure the bread is thickly sliced and slightly stale so it soaks up the custard well without falling apart.

Is it possible to make the blueberry compote ahead of time?

Yes, the blueberry compote can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. This actually helps the flavors meld nicely. Simply reheat gently before serving, or serve at room temperature.

What can I use instead of crème fraîche?

If you can’t find crème fraîche, a good substitute is a mix of sour cream and heavy cream or mascarpone cheese, which provides a similar tang and richness. Just whisk it with powdered sugar and vanilla for that same luscious topping effect.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

With a few tweaks, yes! Use a plant-based milk and cream substitute like coconut milk or almond cream, and try a dairy-free yogurt in place of the crème fraîche. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still very enjoyable.

How do I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?

Soaking the brioche slices just long enough to absorb the custard without falling apart is key. Also, cooking over medium-low heat allows the toast to develop a crispy exterior and using a wire rack to rest the cooked slices keeps air circulating to prevent sogginess.

Final Thoughts

This Brioche French Toast with Blueberry Compote and Crème Fraîche Recipe is truly a showstopper that brings joy to any breakfast or brunch table. Its combination of textures and flavors is irresistible, and it’s easier to make than it looks. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s perfect for creating delicious memories with family and friends over a morning meal full of warmth and love.