Creme Brulee French Toast Recipe

Heavy cream: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the custard mixture.

Milk: Helps to balance the richness of the heavy cream.

Eggs: Essential for creating the custard base that soaks into the bread.

Vanilla extract: Provides a sweet and aromatic flavor to the custard.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard mixture and helps to caramelize the top.

Brioche bread: A rich, buttery bread that absorbs the custard beautifully.

Brown sugar: Sprinkled on top to create a caramelized, crunchy topping.

To achieve a perfectly caramelized top on your creme brulee French toast, use a kitchen torch to lightly caramelize the brown sugar after baking. This will give you that classic creme brulee crunch and an extra layer of flavor.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a rich and creamy texture similar to heavy cream and adds a subtle coconut flavor.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a lighter, dairy-free alternative that works well in custard-based recipes.

• large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a different but complementary sweetness and flavor profile.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.

• brioche bread - Substitute with challah bread: Challah bread has a similar texture and richness, making it an excellent alternative.

• brown sugar - Substitute with turbinado sugar: Turbinado sugar has larger crystals and a mild molasses flavor, providing a similar caramelized topping.

• To store your creme brulee french toast, first allow it to cool completely at room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the bread soggy.
• Once cooled, transfer the french toast to an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• For freezing, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of the brioche bread.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. The french toast can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When you're ready to eat, thaw the french toast overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the top is slightly crispy.
• For a quicker option, you can also reheat the french toast in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover creme brulee French toast on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the crispy caramelized top while ensuring the inside is warm and custardy.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through. This method gives a nice, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft.

• Microwave Method: Place the French toast on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. This method is quick but may not retain the crispiness of the top layer.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy. This method is great for maintaining the crunchy caramelized top.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast on a baking tray and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is convenient and helps keep the texture of the French toast intact.

• Oven: Used to bake the French toast to a golden and caramelized finish.

• Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the heavy cream, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar.

• Whisk: Essential for combining the ingredients smoothly in the mixing bowl.

• Baking dish: Holds the brioche slices and cream mixture while baking.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the heavy cream, milk, and granulated sugar accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract and brown sugar.

• Knife: Useful for slicing the brioche bread if it's not pre-sliced.

• Spatula: Helps to spread the brown sugar evenly over the top of the soaked bread.

• Cooling rack: Allows the baked French toast to cool slightly before serving.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out the heavy cream, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar the night before.

Use pre-sliced bread: Opt for pre-sliced brioche bread to save time on cutting.

Quick soak method: Place the brioche slices in a single layer and pour the cream mixture over them, then flip each slice to ensure even soaking.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the ingredients to save waiting time.

Use a shallow dish: A shallow baking dish helps the bread absorb the cream mixture faster.