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Crème Brûlée-Style French Toast

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An indulgent overnight-bake French toast combining the silky custard of crème brûlée with the comforting warmth of baked bread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (stale or day-old is ideal)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk (or extra cream for richer custard)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Butter for greasing the baking dish
  • Sugar for caramelizing (optional)
  • Fresh berries or fruit for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare: Butter a 9×13-inch (or similar) baking dish.
  2. Slice the bread: Cut the loaf into thick slices (about 1 to 1½ inches) and arrange snugly in the greased dish.
  3. Make the custard: In a bowl, whisk eggs, then stir in heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
  4. Soak the bread: Pour the custard over the arranged slices, pressing lightly to ensure they are coated.
  5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the custard-bathed bread for 30–35 minutes until lightly golden.
  7. Brûlée the top (optional): Sprinkle sugar over the baked custard and use a torch to caramelize until golden, or broil for 1–2 minutes.
  8. Serve warm: Let rest briefly, then serve with berries or fruit.

Notes

For a lighter custard, use all milk. For dairy-free, substitute with coconut milk. Day-old bread absorbs custard better.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.simplefamilydishes.com/creme-brulee-french-toast/