Sweet mornings start here
Imagine waking up to the aroma of toasted bread dripping with creamy sweetness that dances across your taste buds. This Crème Brûlée French Toast takes your breakfast game from zero to a hundred in just one swoop. It’s creamy, indulgent, and best of all, it uses just one pan — less cleanup and more time for coffee, right?
Why make this recipe
You’re going to love how easy this recipe is. Seriously, it’s a life-saver for family breakfasts or a special brunch with friends. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of fancy in their morning routine? A few reasons this should be on your menu:
- Simple cleanup: It’s a one-pan wonder! Bake and serve in the same dish.
- Affordable ingredients: You don’t need to break the bank for fancy brunch spots.
- Family-approved: If your kiddos enjoy dessert for breakfast, they’ll be all in for this treat! 🍞
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 1 loaf of Brioche or French bread, cut into thick slices
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- Sugar for caramelizing on top
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
Directions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for breakfast bliss:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until frothy.
- Arrange the bread slices in the baking dish, overlapping them slightly for a cozy fit.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring each slice soaks up all that goodness.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best results (trust me, it’s worth the wait!).
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top.
- Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust.
- Let it cool slightly, then serve warm.

How to make Crème Brûlée French Toast (Overview)
Making Crème Brûlée French Toast is as easy as pie (or should I say, toast?). Here’s the scoop:
- Slice the bread thickly; yes, thickness matters. No one wants sad, soggy slices!
- Whisk ALL the custard ingredients together. Use a whisk, not a fork. This isn’t a wrestling match!
- Let that mixture soak. Leaving it overnight means all the flavors meld beautifully.
- Bake until just set; keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
- Lastly, caramelize the sugar for that classic crispy topping. Pro tip: don’t skip this step — it adds the signature touch!
How to serve Crème Brûlée French Toast
Serve this decadent dish straight out of the oven for maximum ooey-gooeyness. Dust it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance and serve alongside fresh berries for a pop of color. Imagine that perfect crunch breaking under your fork as the warm, creamy interior spills out. Don’t forget to drizzle some maple syrup for that iconic sweetness! 🍁
How to store Crème Brûlée French Toast
If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, but let’s be hopeful!), you can keep this deliciousness in the fridge for up to three days. To store, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap. For reheating, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Or if you want to treat yourself, microwave a slice for about 30 seconds.
Tips to make Crème Brûlée French Toast
A few quick insider tricks to level up your French toast:
- Use stale bread: It soaks up custard better and won’t get mushy.
- Experiment with flavors: Toss in a dash of nutmeg or orange zest to shake things up.
- Customize sugar: Use brown sugar for a richer caramel taste.
- Cook it ahead: Whip it up the night before. Awaken to the sweet surprise of breakfast ready to bake!
Variations
Want to mix it up? Here are a few easy twists:
- Berry Bliss: Add fresh berries between the slices before pouring the custard.
- Nutty Delight: Shave some almonds or pecans on top for a crunchy layer.
- Vegan-style: Swap eggs for flaxseed meal or silken tofu, and use almond milk and coconut sugar to stay plant-based.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Preparing it the night before makes it even better as the flavors get to hang out.
Can I freeze Crème Brûlée French Toast?
You can freeze it before baking it. Just thaw it in the fridge before popping it in the oven.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
No worries! You can place it under the broiler for a minute or two, but watch it closely.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Crème Brûlée French Toast
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until frothy.
- Arrange the bread slices in the baking dish, overlapping them slightly for a cozy fit.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring each slice soaks up all that goodness.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best results.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top.
- Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust.
- Let it cool slightly, then serve warm.
