Creme Brulee French Toast Recipe

Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the custard mixture.

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

Eggs: Essential for creating the custard base.

Vanilla extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the custard.

Sugar: Sweetens the custard mixture.

Brioche: A rich, slightly sweet bread that soaks up the custard beautifully.

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

To achieve a perfectly caramelized top for your creme brulee french toast, use a kitchen torch to lightly caramelize the brown sugar after baking. This will give you that signature creme brulee crunch and an extra layer of flavor. Be sure to move the torch in a circular motion to avoid burning any one spot.

• 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 mixture acts as a binder and adds a slight nutty flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile to the dish.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor, which pairs well with French toast.

• brioche or challah bread - Substitute with French baguette: A French baguette has a similar texture and absorbs the custard mixture well, making it a good alternative.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used as a topping for a slightly healthier option.

• Allow the Creme Brulee French Toast to cool completely at room temperature. This helps prevent condensation and sogginess when stored.

• Once cooled, transfer the French toast to an airtight container. If stacking slices, place a piece of parchment paper between each slice to prevent sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The French toast will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• For longer storage, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method ensures the French toast maintains its texture and flavor.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the custardy texture.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

• Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side. This method can help restore some of the French toast's original crispiness.

• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the French toast rubbery and unevenly heated.

• If you have leftover brown sugar topping, sprinkle a bit more on top before reheating to refresh the caramelized flavor.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Creme Brulee French Toast on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the texture and flavor of the French toast.

• 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 slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.

• 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 is the quickest method but may result in a softer texture.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast on the toaster oven tray and heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is convenient and helps maintain a slightly crispy texture.

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

• Oven: Used to bake the French toast and ensure it cooks evenly.

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

• Whisk: Essential for blending the custard mixture smoothly.

• Baking dish: Holds the bread slices and custard mixture while baking.

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

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract precisely.

• Knife: Useful for slicing the bread if not pre-sliced.

• Spatula: Helps to evenly spread the custard mixture over the bread slices.

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

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when handling the hot baking dish.

Prepare the custard ahead: Mix the heavy cream, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and sugar the night before and store in the fridge.

Use stale bread: Slightly stale brioche or challah bread absorbs the custard better, saving soaking time.

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

Layer efficiently: Arrange the bread slices in the baking dish as you mix the custard to streamline the process.

Quick soak method: Press down on the bread slices with a spatula to help them absorb the custard faster.