Crème Brûlée French Toast
Crème Brûlée French Toast is a wonderful twist on classic breakfast, combining the rich custard flavor of crème brûlée with the softness of French toast. It's topped with that signature…
Tip: save now, cook later.Crème Brûlée French Toast is a wonderful twist on classic breakfast, combining the rich custard flavor of crème brûlée with the softness of French toast. It’s topped with that signature crackly caramelized sugar crust that makes every bite exciting. Imagine warm, fluffy bread soaked in a vanilla custard and then finished with a caramelized sugar topping that gives it a delightful crunch.
I love making this when I want to treat myself or my family to something special but still easy to whip up. The contrast between the soft, creamy inside and the crispy sugar on top is my favorite part — it almost feels like having dessert for breakfast! A little tip: using day-old bread helps it soak up the custard better without falling apart.
Serving this with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup makes it even better. I often enjoy it with a cup of hot coffee on a slow weekend morning. It’s one of those dishes that never fails to bring smiles and a cozy feeling to the start of the day, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick-cut brioche or challah works best here because they soak up the custard well without falling apart. If you don’t have these, try day-old Texas toast or sturdy sandwich bread. Avoid thin slices that get mushy easily.
Mascarpone or Cream Cheese: This creamy filling adds richness inside the French toast. If you prefer, swap mascarpone for ricotta for a lighter texture or use softened cream cheese for tanginess. Adding powdered sugar helps it sweeten nicely.
Milk or Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the custard batter a rich, silky texture, but whole milk is a lighter and easier option. Both work well, so choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Granulated Sugar: Used both in the custard and for caramelizing the top – this topping is key for the signature brûlée crunch. If you want a different flavor, try brown sugar or coconut sugar for a deeper caramel taste, but classic white sugar caramelizes best.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crunchy, Caramelized Sugar Topping?
The magic of crème brûlée French toast is that crackly sugar crust on top. Here’s how to nail it every time:
- Sprinkle an even, thin layer of granulated sugar on the warm French toast surface.
- Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar. Hold the flame a few inches away and move it evenly in circles until the sugar bubbles and turns golden brown.
- If you don’t have a torch, place the toast under a high broiler for 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Let the sugar harden for a minute before serving – it will create that satisfying, crisp shell.
Avoid piling on too much sugar or caramelizing too long, or you risk a burnt taste. The goal is a thin, hard crust that snaps when you cut into the soft French toast beneath.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Non-stick skillet or griddle – heats evenly and helps cook the French toast without sticking or burning.
- Mixing bowls – one for whisking the custard and another for the cream cheese filling.
- Whisk – makes mixing the eggs, milk, and sugar smooth and easy.
- Spatula – perfect for flipping the French toast gently to keep the filling inside.
- Kitchen torch – key for caramelizing the sugar topping to get that crisp brûlée layer.
- Baking sheet or heatproof plate – to hold the toast while you torch the sugar safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mascarpone with ricotta for a lighter, slightly grainy filling that’s still creamy.
- Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the custard for a cozy, warm spice twist.
- Stuff with fresh sliced strawberries or blueberries inside for a fruity surprise.
- Top with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce instead of syrup for a richer finish.
How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Bread & Custard:
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (brioche or challah preferred)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese or cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Toppings & Cooking:
- Butter (for cooking)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing the topping)
- Maple syrup or honey, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh thyme or mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook. You’ll spend time mixing the custard, assembling the sandwiches, cooking them until golden, and then caramelizing the sugar topping, which adds a few extra minutes. Overall, about 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, stir together the softened mascarpone or cream cheese with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Set this filling aside for now.
2. Make the Custard Batter:
In a larger bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), 1/3 cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Assemble and Soak the French Toast:
Spread about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture on one side of half the bread slices. Press the other bread slices on top to make sandwiches. Now, dip each sandwich gently into the custard batter. Make sure both sides soak up some custard but don’t get too soggy.
4. Cook the French Toast:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a good amount of butter. When it’s melted and hot, cook each soaked sandwich for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Cook until golden brown and heated through, flipping carefully so the creamy filling doesn’t spill out.
5. Caramelize the Sugar Topping:
Place the cooked French toast on a safe surface or plate. Evenly sprinkle granulated sugar over the top of each sandwich. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden brown, crunchy crust like classic crème brûlée. If you don’t have a torch, you can carefully place the toast under a broiler for a few minutes — keep a close eye on it so the sugar doesn’t burn.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the French toast on serving plates. Add a small pat of butter on top, drizzle with maple syrup or honey, and dust with powdered sugar. Garnish with fresh thyme or a mint sprig if you like. Now dig in and enjoy the delicious balance of creamy, crunchy, and soft flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
Yes! Just thaw the bread slices fully before assembling and soaking them. Frozen bread can actually work well as it tends to soak up the custard without falling apart.
What Can I Use Instead of Mascarpone Cheese?
Softened cream cheese is a great substitute that’s easy to find. You can also try ricotta for a lighter texture, though it will be less creamy and rich.
How Do I Get That Perfect Caramelized Sugar Crust Without a Torch?
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, place the French toast under the broiler set to high for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning and remove as soon as the sugar is bubbly and golden.
Can I Make Crème Brûlée French Toast Ahead of Time?
You can prepare and assemble the custard and cream cheese filling a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Cook and caramelize the French toast fresh right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
