If you are craving a show-stopping brunch that feels both indulgent and comforting, this Creme Brûlée French Toast with Salted Caramel Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine thick slices of custardy French bread, soaked overnight in a rich blend of eggs, cream, and warm spices, baked to golden perfection and then lavishly drizzled with luscious salted caramel sauce. The subtle crunch from the caramelized sugar and the hint of sea salt bring an irresistible balance that turns every bite into a heavenly experience. This recipe combines the elegance of classic creme brûlée and the cozy charm of French toast, making it perfect for festive mornings or lazy weekend treats that are sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and finish that make this dish extraordinary. From the creamy custard base to the sweet, buttery caramel layer, each component works in harmony to deliver that signature creme brûlée French toast experience.
- French bread (1 loaf, about 12 slices, 1-inch thick): Choose sturdy bread like French bread to hold the custard without falling apart.
- Large eggs (5): The key protein for creating the custard soak that gives the dish its rich texture.
- Whole milk (1 1/2 cups): Adds creaminess and moisture to the custard.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Boosts richness and gives a velvety mouthfeel.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the custard and helps it caramelize beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses warm, comforting aroma and depth of flavor.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and subtle spice for a cozy twist.
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Complements cinnamon with its fragrant earthiness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Essential for the decadent caramel base and for greasing the dish.
- Brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Provides deep molasses notes for the caramel layer under the bread.
- Corn syrup or maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Helps achieve that perfectly smooth, glossy caramel texture.
- Salted caramel sauce (1 cup): The crowning glory that adds a buttery, salty-sweet finish.
- Sea salt flakes for garnish: A pinch of these heightens the salted caramel contrast beautifully.
How to Make Creme Brûlée French Toast with Salted Caramel Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base
Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup or maple syrup until the mixture becomes smooth and bubbly. This luscious caramel will form the irresistible base layer in your baking dish, creating a sticky-sweet foundation that will soak into the bottom of the bread while baking. Pour it evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out so every slice will get a touch of that rich caramel goodness.
Step 2: Arrange the Bread
Lay the slices of French bread in the baking dish in a single layer, placing each slice snugly next to its neighbor. You want the bread to be ready to absorb the custard, but also hold its shape, so make sure they fit well without overcrowding. This step sets the stage for each piece to soak up just the right amount of flavorful custard.
Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The custard should be smooth and the spices evenly distributed to create that classic warm flavor profile reminiscent of creme brûlée. This mixture is what transforms simple bread into a melt-in-your-mouth delight.
Step 4: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard gently and evenly over the bread slices, making sure every piece is well coated. Press down on the bread gently with the back of a spoon or your hand to encourage the custard to soak in thoroughly. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least four hours, or ideally overnight. This soak time makes all the difference in texture and taste, allowing the bread to transform into a rich custardy masterpiece.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to take the chill off. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the French toast uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a gorgeous golden brown and the center is set but still delightfully moist. This is the moment when the magic of the creme brûlée French toast truly shines.
Step 6: Finish with Salted Caramel
Once slightly cooled, drizzle the entire dish generously with your favorite salted caramel sauce. The luscious caramel melds perfectly with the baked custard, and a light sprinkle of sea salt flakes adds that tantalizing salty-sweet crunch. This combination elevates the dish from delicious to utterly unforgettable.
How to Serve Creme Brûlée French Toast with Salted Caramel Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches elevate this dish beautifully. A few quick ideas include a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add airy richness or a scattering of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a little tartness and color contrast. Dusting with a tiny pinch of cinnamon or finely chopped toasted pecans gives extra texture and warmth, making every bite a delightful surprise.
Side Dishes
Because this creme brûlée French toast is already rich and indulgent, pair it with lighter sides to balance the meal. Crisp bacon or savory sausage links bring a salty counterpoint, while a simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette refreshes your palate. Fresh fruit salad or an orange juice mimosa also make excellent, celebratory companions for this breakfast showstopper.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be shy about plating this beauty with a flourish! Use a large serving platter and arrange slices artistically with drizzles of extra caramel sauce zigzagging over the top. For a fun twist, serve in mini cast-iron skillets for individual portions that retain warmth while showcasing their golden crusts. Sprinkling sea salt flakes just before serving adds not only flavor but a sparkly textural appeal that will impress your guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness without drying out. When you reheat, the creaminess and flavor remain intact, making it just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance for a special occasion, you can freeze the baked French toast after completely cooling. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months frozen without losing its flavor or texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the edges crisp up slightly again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the texture gummy instead of delightfully tender. Adding a fresh drizzle of salted caramel sauce after warming brings the flavors back to life and makes it taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While French bread works wonderfully because of its texture and ability to soak custard, brioche or challah bread are fantastic alternatives. They each add their own extra richness and slight sweetness, perfect for this recipe.
How far in advance can I prepare the French toast?
You can soak the bread in the custard mixture and cover it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours ahead. This makes it a great make-ahead recipe for busy mornings or entertaining.
Is homemade salted caramel sauce better than store-bought?
Homemade salted caramel sauce allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness exactly to your liking, plus it’s incredibly rewarding to make. That said, a high-quality store-bought sauce works wonderfully for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
With some modifications, yes! Substitute the milk and cream with coconut milk or other plant-based milks, and use dairy-free butter alternatives. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
What’s the best way to achieve the creme brûlée crunchy top?
Traditionally, creme brûlée gets its signature crunch from torching sugar on top, but for this French toast, the caramel base and baking create a lovely golden crust. If you want an extra crunch, briefly broil the top at the end of baking or sprinkle a little sugar and use a kitchen torch carefully.
Final Thoughts
This Creme Brûlée French Toast with Salted Caramel Recipe is a wonderful way to transform breakfast into an occasion everyone will talk about long after the meal. Its luxurious custard-soaked bread, rich caramel layers, and that hint of sea salt create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether for a holiday brunch or a special weekend treat, don’t hesitate to dive in and make this stunning dish your own. I promise, once you try it, it will become a treasured recipe that you reach for again and again.
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Creme Brûlée French Toast with Salted Caramel Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 4 hours chilling)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus 4+ hours chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this decadent Creme Brûlée French Toast with Salted Caramel, a perfect holiday brunch dish featuring thick slices of French bread soaked in a rich custard, baked to golden perfection, and topped with luscious salted caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 loaf French bread (about 12 slices, 1-inch thick)
Custard Mixture
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Caramel Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup or maple syrup
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Sea salt flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the caramel base: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup until the mixture is smooth and bubbling. Pour this caramel mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to form a sticky base.
- Arrange bread slices: Place the slices of French bread in a single layer on top of the caramel mixture in the baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly without overlapping.
- Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined and smooth.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, pressing them down gently with a spatula or your hands to help the bread absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Chill: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the custard to soak into the bread.
- Preheat oven: When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Place the uncovered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard center is set and firm to the touch.
- Serve: Allow the French toast to cool slightly before drizzling generously with salted caramel sauce and sprinkling sea salt flakes on top. Serve warm, optionally with whipped cream or fresh berries for added flavor.
Notes
- For an even richer flavor and texture, substitute French bread with brioche or challah bread.
- Prepare salted caramel sauce ahead of time or use a high-quality store-bought version for convenience.
- Serve alongside whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special touch.
