Crème Brûlée French Toast is a lovely twist on two classic favorites. Imagine thick, custardy slices of French toast with a crisp, caramelized sugar topping just like a crème brûlée. It’s sweet, creamy, and has that irresistible crunchy sugar crack on top that makes every bite special.
I love making this for weekend brunch when I have a little extra time. The sugar topping is my favorite part—I use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize it right before serving, and it always gets an impressed “wow” from anyone at the table. Plus, the custard soak makes the bread super soft and rich inside, which feels like a little treat without being too fancy.
My best tip is to serve it with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup on the side. It balances the sweet richness perfectly. Whenever I make this, it instantly turns a regular morning into a celebration, and I always end up wishing I had made a double batch so no one has to wait for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brioche or Challah Bread: These breads soak up the custard beautifully because of their soft, airy texture. If you can’t find them, thick slices of Texas toast or even a sturdy sourdough work well. Just avoid super soft or thin bread that falls apart.
Heavy Cream: It’s what makes the custard rich and creamy. You can swap in whole milk for a lighter version, but the texture won’t be as luxurious. I like to stick with heavy cream for that perfect custard feel.
Granulated Sugar for Caramelizing: This is key to getting that crackly brûlée topping. Regular granulated sugar works best. If you want a deeper flavor, try light brown sugar for the topping, but it melts differently.
Vanilla Extract & Cinnamon: These add warmth and depth to the custard. If you don’t have cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom gives a nice twist, too. I always add both for a cozy flavor.
How Can I Get the Perfect Crisp Caramelized Sugar Topping?
The caramelized sugar crust is what sets this French toast apart. To get it just right:
- Sprinkle an even, thin layer of granulated sugar on top of each toasted slice.
- If you have a kitchen torch, hold it a few inches above and move it steadily to melt and brown the sugar without burning it.
- No torch? Place the toast under a very hot broiler for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely and remove as soon as it’s golden and bubbly to avoid burning.
- Let the sugar cool for a minute so it hardens into a crisp shell before serving.
A quick tip: don’t overload the sugar or the top will be too thick, making it harder to cut through. A thin, even coat crisps up best and gives that satisfying crack when you bite in.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use these to whisk the custard ingredients easily and comfortably.
- Whisk – helps blend eggs, cream, and flavorings smoothly without lumps.
- Shallow dish or baking sheet – perfect for soaking the bread slices evenly in the custard.
- Skillet or griddle – a non-stick surface makes flipping and cooking the French toast simple and prevents sticking.
- Kitchen torch or broiler – crucial for caramelizing the sugar topping perfectly. I love how quick and even a torch is to use!
- Spatula – for flipping the bread slices effortlessly and transferring them to plates.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swirl in almond or hazelnut liqueur into the custard for a nutty, boozy twist. It adds warmth and depth to every bite.
- Top with sliced bananas or caramelized apples to add juicy sweetness and a bit of texture.
- Mix in a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to give a fresh, citrusy note that cuts through the richness.
- Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for the topping for a richer, caramel-y flavor that’s just a little more robust.
How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Custard & French Toast:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 6 thick slices of brioche or challah bread (preferably day-old)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, for cooking
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries)
- Whipped cream, for serving
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and cooking. You’ll spend a few minutes making the custard and soaking the bread, then about 8-10 minutes cooking the French toast. Adding the caramelized sugar topping is quick too, especially if you have a kitchen torch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, ¼ cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until everything is well blended.
2. Soak the Bread:
Pour the custard into a shallow dish. Dip each slice of the brioche or challah bread into the custard, soaking both sides but not making it too soggy. Place the dipped slices on a baking sheet and let them rest for about 5 minutes to absorb the custard fully.
3. Cook the French Toast:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Place the soaked bread slices on the skillet and cook until golden brown and firm on the bottom, about 3–4 minutes. Flip the slices and cook the other side as well, adding more butter as needed. Remove the cooked slices from the pan.
4. Caramelize the Sugar Topping:
Place the French toast on serving plates. Evenly sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar over each slice’s top. Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust. If you don’t have a torch, briefly place the toast under a very hot broiler for 1–2 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.
5. Add the Final Touches:
Lightly dust the plates with powdered sugar. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a handful of fresh berries on top of each slice. Drizzle with maple syrup and garnish with fresh mint leaves if you wish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This French Toast?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before soaking in the custard. Using day-old or slightly stale bread works best for soaking up the custard without falling apart.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
You can use whole milk or half-and-half as a lighter alternative, but the custard won’t be quite as rich and creamy. For best results, stick with heavy cream if you can.
How Do I Make the Caramelized Sugar Topping Without a Torch?
No kitchen torch? No problem! Place the French toast under a very hot broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely until the sugar melts and browns. Be careful not to burn it!
Can I Prepare This French Toast Ahead of Time?
You can soak the bread in the custard the night before and refrigerate it covered. Just cook and caramelize the sugar topping fresh in the morning for best texture and flavor.