If you’ve ever dreamed of dessert for breakfast, the Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe is absolutely the way to make that dream come true. This recipe marries the rich, creamy custard notes of classic crème brûlée with the comforting, nostalgic sensation of French toast—creating golden, caramelized slices that are crisp on the outside and luxuriously tender on the inside. Every bite feels dipped in a velvety maple and vanilla-infused embrace, with a subtle hint of orange liqueur to surprise your palate. It’s the ultimate brunch treat that’s sure to become your new favorite weekend indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe, you’ll want to gather a handful of key ingredients that work together beautifully to create its signature flavor and texture. Each item is essential, whether it’s delivering sweetness, creaminess, or that perfect caramelization.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons): Melted to add richness and help achieve that golden crust that everyone loves.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup, divided): For the sweet custard and that crucial brûlée topping that caramelizes beautifully under heat.
- Maple syrup (1/2 cup): Adds a natural sweetness with a deep, woodsy flavor that’s pure comfort.
- Large eggs (5): The backbone of any custard, providing structure and lusciousness.
- Whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream (1 3/4 cups): This dairy component adds creaminess and helps create the soft, custardy interior.
- Orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a delightful citrusy warmth and complexity, but it’s totally fine to skip if you prefer.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings a fragrant sweetness that complements every bite.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and spice, which plays so nicely with the maple and orange notes.
- Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch to balance sweetness and elevate all the flavors.
- Uncut loaf white sandwich bread, challah, or brioche (1 pound): Thick slices to absorb the custard without falling apart, ensuring softness inside and crisp outside.
How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the sugar paste
Start by heating your oven to 375°F and lining a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Melt the butter, then whisk it together with half of the sugar (1/2 cup) and the maple syrup until a sticky, golden paste forms. Spread this mixture evenly on the baking sheet—it’s what will create that irresistible caramelized layer that’s a hallmark of this recipe.
Step 2: Make the custard mixture
In a clean bowl, whisk together the eggs, your choice of dairy (milk, half-and-half, cream, or any combo), remaining sugar, orange liqueur if using, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Keep whisking until everything is fully blended and there are no streaks of egg or pockets of sugar. This custard is what transforms the bread into that classic creamy Crème Brûlée French Toast magic.
Step 3: Soak the bread slices
Slice your loaf into pieces about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. One at a time, carefully dunk each slice into the custard mixture. Let it soak so it’s drenched but still holding its shape—this usually takes about 10 to 15 seconds per side. Place each soaked slice directly onto the baking sheet over the sugar paste, lined up in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
Step 4: Bake and broil to caramelize
Bake the slices for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the sugar paste underneath bubbles enticingly. Then comes the exciting part: flip the slices carefully with a flat spatula, switch your oven to broil, and return the toast to brown the other side. Rotate the pan halfway through this quick 2 to 4 minute broil to get an even, caramelized crust. Let your Crème Brûlée French Toast cool slightly before serving—this helps the topping crisp up and adds that perfect textural contrast.
How to Serve Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe truly shine, think fresh and vibrant for your garnishes. A dusting of powdered sugar or a light sprinkle of cinnamon adds a simple elegance. Fresh berries—like raspberries or blueberries—introduce a juicy tartness that balances the sweet richness wonderfully. For a bit of indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of extra maple syrup never fails to delight.
Side Dishes
This French toast pairs well with lighter, fresh sides that complement its richness. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette adds needed brightness on the palate. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausages to introduce a savory counterpoint. Freshly brewed coffee or a mimosa also elevate this indulgent meal into a festive occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests or make a special breakfast memorable, try stacking the slices into a neat tower and placing a few edible flowers or mint leaves on top. Layer each slice with fresh fruit and whipped cream between them to create a French toast trifle. Alternatively, you could present the slices on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of toppings for a build-your-own Crème Brûlée French Toast experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to four days and make for a quick, luxurious breakfast or snack when reheated.
Freezing
French toast freezes beautifully. Lay the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. This method keeps them from sticking together and allows you to enjoy the Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe any time for up to two months.
Reheating
To revive the magic of your stored French toast, pop the slices into a 325°F oven for 7 to 15 minutes until warmed through. This gentle reheating ensures the custard texture stays creamy while the topping regains its crisp, caramelized finish.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than white sandwich bread?
Absolutely! Brioche or challah are excellent options for this recipe because of their rich texture and sturdy crumb, but white sandwich bread works well too if you’re looking for convenience. Just make sure the slices are thick enough to hold the custard without falling apart.
Do I have to use orange liqueur?
The orange liqueur adds a lovely citrus depth and a hint of sophistication, but it’s completely optional. You can skip it without sacrificing too much flavor, or substitute a teaspoon of orange zest for a non-alcoholic option.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe relies on eggs and dairy for its custard texture, so it’s not vegan as-is. However, experimenting with plant-based substitutes like silken tofu or cashew cream and non-dairy milk can work, but expect a different texture and flavor profile.
What’s the best way to get a crisp top layer?
Broiling at the end of the baking process is the key step to achieving that traditional brûlée crispness on top. Keep a close eye during broiling to avoid burning—it only takes a few minutes for your toast to reach that perfect caramelized finish.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can soak the bread in the custard mixture the night before and refrigerate it covered. Then just bake and broil fresh in the morning for that perfect just-out-of-the-oven experience.
Final Thoughts
This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe is truly a show-stopping dish that makes every breakfast or brunch feel like a special occasion. With its creamy custard center and perfectly caramelized sugar crust, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to this sweet, comforting delight and watch it quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
PrintCrème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
This Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe offers a decadent twist on classic French toast, featuring a rich custard soaked bread baked to golden perfection with a caramelized sugar crust. Infused with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and optional orange liqueur, this baked French toast is perfect for an elegant breakfast or brunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
For the Sugar Paste:
- 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
For the Custard Mixture:
- 5 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream (or a combination)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau) (optional)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Other Ingredients:
- 1 (1-pound) uncut loaf white sandwich bread, challah, or brioche
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Make Sugar Paste: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup maple syrup until a thick paste forms. Spread this evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking sheet.
- Mix Custard: Using the now-empty bowl, whisk together the eggs, dairy of choice, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, orange liqueur (if using), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt until fully blended with no streaks of egg and sugar dissolved.
- Slice and Soak Bread: Cut the bread crosswise into 3/4- to 1-inch-thick slices. Soak each slice in the custard mixture for 10 to 15 seconds per side until thoroughly drenched but not falling apart. Place soaked slices in a single layer atop the sugar paste on the baking sheet.
- Bake the French Toast: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the sugar paste is bubbling.
- Broil for Caramelization: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and switch the oven to broil. Flip the French toast slices using a flat spatula, then return to the oven. Broil for 2 to 4 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the tops bubble and darken slightly to create a crispy crust.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the French toast to cool slightly after broiling; this helps the top to crisp up perfectly. Serve warm and enjoy this luxurious breakfast treat.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftover French toast in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze leftover French toast in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat frozen or refrigerated slices in a 325°F oven for 7 to 15 minutes until warmed through.