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–+ servings

Crème Brûlée-Style French Toast

This baked French toast combines the silky custard of crème brûlée with a soft, shareable shape, making it a perfect crowd-pleasing dish for brunch.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 loaf brioche or challah (stale or day‑old is ideal) Thick slices (about 3/4–1 inch) hold custard best.
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream Use all cream for a more custardy, indulgent result.
  • 1 cup whole milk Can substitute for 1 cup heavy cream for an ultra-rich custard.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar The sugar gives gentle sweetness; add more if you prefer.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Butter for greasing the baking dish
  • Sugar for caramelizing (optional) Use a coarse sugar like turbinado for a crunchier bite.
Serving suggestions
  • Fresh berries or fruit Optional for serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly.
  2. Slice the loaf of bread into thick slices and arrange snugly in the buttered dish.
Custard mixture
  1. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until uniform. Stir in heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth and slightly frothy.
  2. Pour the custard evenly over the sliced bread, pressing gently so the liquid soaks in. Let excess custard puddle between slices.
Soaking
  1. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Baking
  1. Remove the cover and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is golden.
Brûlée topping (optional)
  1. Cool slightly, then sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the top and caramelize with a kitchen torch, or under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes.
Serving
  1. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve warm with berries or a drizzle of syrup.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 280mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12g

Notes

This recipe can be made ahead and stored properly; it can be refrigerated for up to 3–4 days and reheated when needed. Using stale bread helps to avoid a soggy bake. Pair with strong coffee or citrus drinks.

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