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Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

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3.9 from 20 reviews

Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent breakfast dish that combines the creamy, custard-like texture of crème brûlée with the comforting familiarity of French toast. This indulgent recipe features thick slices of French bread soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, half-and-half, and aromatic vanilla and orange extracts, then baked to a golden perfection over a luscious butter and brown sugar base. Served warm with whipped cream and fresh berries, it’s perfect for a special brunch or holiday morning treat.

  • Total Time: 9 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Base Mixture

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Bread & Custard

  • 6 slices French bread, 1-inch thick
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 1/3 cups half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure orange extract
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Garnish

  • Whipped cream
  • Fresh berries

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sugar Mixture: Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add the unsalted butter to melt it completely. Stir in the packed brown sugar and maple syrup until they dissolve and the mixture becomes smooth and syrupy.
  2. Arrange the Base: Pour this warm sugar mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the 1-inch thick slices of French bread in a single layer over the sugar mixture, ensuring all slices fit snugly.
  3. Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the five large eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, orange extract, orange zest, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, making sure each slice is thoroughly soaked. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
  5. Chill Overnight: Place the covered dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully and develop rich flavors.
  6. Preheat and Bake: Remove the dish from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the French toast uncovered for 40 minutes or until the top is lightly golden brown, the bread is puffed up, and the custard is set in the center.
  7. Serve: Serve the Crème Brûlée French Toast warm, topped generously with whipped cream and fresh berries or your preferred fresh fruit for added freshness and color.

Notes

  • Using day-old French bread or slightly stale bread helps the slices absorb the custard better without becoming mushy.
  • Covering and refrigerating overnight is essential for deep flavor infusion and custard setting.
  • If you prefer a crispier top, you can briefly broil for 1-2 minutes after baking to caramelize the edges—but watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • Substitute half-and-half with whole milk or cream for a richer or lighter custard according to preference.
  • Fresh orange zest adds a bright citrus note; ensure not to include the bitter white pith when zesting.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

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