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
Scale
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.
