Buttery, caramel-topped breakfast bliss
This Crème Brûlée French Toast is the kind of breakfast that makes any morning feel special. With its silky custard soak, caramelized buttery topping, and golden edges, it’s perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or a cozy weekend treat. The texture is rich and pillow-soft, and the flavors taste like a bakery-style indulgence—yet it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. You can even assemble it the night before, making it an easy time-saver for busy families who still want something memorable and delicious. Whether you’re treating guests or spoiling yourself, this recipe delivers irresistible, Pinterest-worthy comfort every time.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
📝 Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (cut into thick slices)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large baking dish
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Prepare the caramel base: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and maple syrup. Cook for 2–3 minutes until smooth and glossy. Pour into the bottom of your baking dish. 🍯
- Arrange the bread: Layer the brioche slices evenly over the caramel sauce.
- Mix the custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard evenly over the bread, making sure each slice is coated. Gently press the bread to encourage absorption.
- Rest: Let it sit for at least 20 minutes (or cover and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor).
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 28–32 minutes, or until the top is puffed, lightly golden, and the caramel is bubbling at the edges. ✨
- Serve: Let it rest 5 minutes. Flip slices to reveal the caramelized base—or serve as is with syrup or berries! 🍓
💡 Pro Tips
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the night before for an effortless brunch.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Flavor Boost: Add orange zest or a splash of rum extract to the custard for a gourmet twist.
- Bread Choice: Day-old brioche absorbs the custard best and prevents sogginess.