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Decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast

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A luxurious twist on classic French toast featuring custard-soaked brioche topped with a crackly caramelized sugar crust, perfect for an indulgent breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced about ¾-inch thick (day-old or slightly stale preferred)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for custard)
  • Extra granulated sugar for caramelizing on top
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
  • Optional for serving: fresh berries or sliced fruit
  • Optional for serving: maple syrup or honey
  • Optional for serving: powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the custard mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup heavy cream, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and slightly frothy.
  2. Soak the bread: Dip each slice of brioche or challah into the custard mixture, soaking about 20 seconds per side. Place soaked slices on a wire rack to let excess drip off.
  3. Preheat the skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat until melted and bubbling but not browned.
  4. Cook the French toast: Add soaked bread slices to the skillet and cook about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly crisp on edges.
  5. Caramelize the sugar crust: Transfer cooked French toast to a heatproof plate. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon granulated sugar evenly on top of each slice. Using a kitchen torch, gently heat the sugar until it melts, bubbles, and forms a crisp caramel crust. Alternatively, broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully.
  6. Serve immediately: The caramel crust hardens quickly. Serve with optional fresh berries, powdered sugar, or maple syrup.

Notes

Use brioche or challah bread for best texture; avoid soaking bread too long to prevent sogginess. Practice torching sugar on a small pile before caramelizing the toast. If no kitchen torch, use oven broiler carefully. Serve immediately after caramelizing for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: crème brûlée, French toast, caramelized sugar crust, brioche, brunch, breakfast, custard, easy recipe

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/decadent-cr-e-me-br-u-l-e-e-french-toast-recipe-easy-perfect-breakfast-ideas/