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Creme Brulee French Toast Recipe

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4.2 from 1 review

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 6 hours 53 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Description

This Creme Brulee French Toast recipe offers a luxurious twist on classic French toast by soaking oversized slices of slightly stale French bread in a rich custard mixture infused with vanilla and orange liquor, then baking until set and caramelizing the top with a crisp brûlée sugar crust. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or brunch, it delivers creamy, sweet, and textured layers that melt in your mouth.

Ingredients

Bread

  • 4 oversized slices French bread, slightly stale

Custard Mixture

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon corn syrup
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 of a vanilla bean
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon orange liquor (optional)

Topping

  • 2 teaspoons sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Arrange the 4 oversized slices of slightly stale French bread in a shingle pattern in a small baking dish with a 2-quart capacity. Set aside while you prepare the custard.
  2. Make the Custard Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, unsalted butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Slit open the vanilla bean and scrape the seeds into the mixture. Heat until the mixture reaches a scald, which means bubbles appear around the edge of the pan but it does not boil, stirring occasionally.
  3. Combine Custard with Eggs: Pour the scalded cream mixture into a shallow dish and let it cool slightly. Whisk in the eggs and orange liquor (if using) thoroughly to create a smooth custard.
  4. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices in the baking dish. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
  5. Preheat Oven and Bring Dish to Room Temperature: Remove the soaked bread from the fridge and let it come to room temperature while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Bake the French Toast: Bake the custard-soaked bread in the preheated oven for 33-38 minutes. The custard should set and slightly pull away from the edges, and the bread slices should be nicely browned on top.
  7. Add Sugar Topping and Torch: Once baked, sprinkle 2 teaspoons of sugar evenly over the top of the French toast. Use a creme brulee torch to caramelize the sugar, creating a crisp brûlée crust.
  8. Serve: Serve the Creme Brulee French Toast warm, optionally with maple syrup or unsweetened whipped cream for added indulgence.

Notes

  • Using slightly stale French bread helps the custard soak in better without the bread falling apart.
  • Allowing the custard-soaked bread to chill overnight enhances flavor and texture.
  • If you don’t have a creme brulee torch, you can place the dish briefly under a broiler, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  • Orange liquor is optional but adds a lovely citrus fragrance that complements the vanilla.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and milk with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free butter.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 38 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/creme-brulee-french-toast-recipe/