Crème Brûlée French Toast

Crème Brûlée French Toast (Make-Ahead Recipe)

If you love a rich and indulgent breakfast, this Crème Brûlée French Toast is the perfect dish! It combines the creamy, caramelized goodness of crème brûlée with the satisfying texture of French toast. You can prepare it the night before, bake it in the morning, and have a delicious, special breakfast ready to serve.

Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

Ingredients:

For the caramelized base:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup

For the French toast:

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices (about 6 servings)
• 5 large eggs
• 1/2 cup half-and-half or fat-free milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange liqueur or Grand Marnier (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

For caramelizing the top:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Base

1. Melt the butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter.
2. Mix the brown sugar and corn syrup: Whisk in 1 cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons light corn syrup until smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
3. Pour into the baking dish: Once the mixture is smooth, pour it into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 2: Prepare the French Toast

1. Slice the bread: Slice the brioche or challah bread into 1/2-inch thick slices, ensuring that the bread fits neatly in the baking dish. Arrange the slices on top of the caramelized mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed.
2. Mix the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the 5 eggs, 1/2 cup half-and-half or milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon orange liqueur or Grand Marnier (if using), and 1/2 teaspoon salt (if desired).
3. Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring each slice is well-soaked. Press down on the bread slices gently so they soak up the custard, making sure every slice is fully coated.
4. Refrigerate overnight: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 8 hours (overnight is best) to allow the bread to absorb the custard.

Step 3: Bake the French Toast

1. Preheat the oven: In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the French toast: Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and let the dish sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the French toast is golden, puffy, and cooked through.

Step 4: Caramelize the Top

1. Caramelize the sugar: After baking, sprinkle the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar evenly over the top of the French toast.
2. Use a kitchen torch: Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it is golden brown and crispy, similar to the top of crème brûlée.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve your Crème Brûlée French Toast with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkling of fresh fruit for an extra touch of sweetness.
• You can also dust it with powdered sugar or serve it alongside bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast or brunch.

Updates and Suggestions:

• Seasonal Twist: For a seasonal flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg and a tablespoon or two of cinnamon to the custard mixture.
• Fruit Variations: Try placing sliced apples or pears between two slices of bread for a fruity variation. You can also add berries or bananas on top before baking.
• Make It Less Sweet: If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar and butter in the caramel base.
• Healthier Option: Use whole grain bread for a heartier, more filling version, and opt for low-fat milk or almond milk instead of cream.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

1. Can I prepare this recipe the night before?

• Yes! This is a make-ahead recipe. After assembling everything in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The bread will soak up the custard, making it easier to bake in the morning.

2. Can I use a different type of bread?

• Brioche and challah are best for their soft texture and ability to soak up the custard, but you can substitute them with other thick, soft breads like Texas toast or French bread.

3. Can I make this recipe without a kitchen torch?

• Yes! If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can broil the top of the French toast in the oven for about 2-3 minutes to achieve a similar caramelized effect. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

4. How do I store leftover Crème Brûlée French Toast?

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave if you’re in a hurry.

5. Can I freeze the Crème Brûlée French Toast?

• Yes! You can freeze the unbaked French toast before you put it in the oven. Once assembled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

6. Can I make this recipe without the alcohol (Grand Marnier)?

• Absolutely! The alcohol is optional and adds a bit of flavor, but you can skip it entirely or substitute with a few drops of orange extract for a similar taste.

7. Can I double this recipe?

• Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake the French toast in a larger baking dish (such as a 10×14-inch dish). Just be sure to check the baking time, as it might take a few extra minutes.

Final Thoughts:

This Crème Brûlée French Toast is the perfect indulgent breakfast that you can prepare the night before for a no-fuss morning. The creamy, caramelized top combined with the soft, custardy bread is a treat everyone will love. Enjoy this decadent dish with your favorite toppings for an unforgettable meal!