Crème Brûlée French Toast takes your standard French toast and elevates it to an indulgent, decadent breakfast. With a rich custard soak and a crispy, caramelized sugar top, this dish is perfect for special occasions or whenever you feel like treating yourself. The custard soaks deep into the bread, creating a rich, creamy texture that’s finished with a crispy sugar topping—just like a traditional crème brûlée.
Perfect for brunch or a festive breakfast, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Crème Brûlée French Toast
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- Rich custard flavor: Just like crème brûlée in French toast form!
- Sweet and crispy: The sugar caramelizes perfectly for that signature crunch.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients, with just a few extra steps.
- Perfect for special occasions: Elevates any breakfast or brunch gathering.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, like berries, whipped cream, or maple syrup.
Ingredients for Crème Brûlée French Toast

For the French Toast
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 slices French bread (1 inch thick)
For the Crème Brûlée Topping
- 1/2 cup sugar (for caramelizing)
How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast
- 1. Prepare the custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- 2. Soak the bread: Dip the French bread slices into the custard mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Let the bread soak for a few seconds.
- 3. Cook the French toast: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the soaked bread for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- 4. Caramelize the sugar: After cooking, place the French toast on a baking sheet. Sprinkle sugar evenly over the top of each slice. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden-brown crust. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the French toast under a broiler for a few minutes.
Tips for Perfect Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Use thick bread: French bread or challah bread works best for soaking up the custard.
- Don’t skip the soaking: The bread needs to soak for just the right amount of time to achieve the creamy center.
- Caramelize evenly: Make sure the sugar is spread evenly over the French toast for a uniform crisp.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add fruit: Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices for a fruity touch.
- Flavored syrup: Try using maple syrup, chocolate syrup, or caramel syrup for extra sweetness.
- Make it dairy-free: Use almond milk and coconut cream as substitutes for a dairy-free version.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftover French toast in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a toaster or skillet to restore crispness, or warm in the oven.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for a truly indulgent breakfast.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee, a mimosa, or fresh fruit juice.
Reader Review: This crème brûlée French toast is the most amazing breakfast I’ve ever had! The crispy sugar topping is the best part.
If you make this crème brûlée French toast, leave a rating and comment. What toppings did you use?
