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A close-up side view of Creme Brulee French Toast showing the thick, custardy brioche and the glossy, torched sugar topping with blistered spots.

Creme Brulee French Toast: The Ultimate Guide to a Crackly, Custardy Brunch

An easy-to-follow recipe for Creme Brulee French Toast. Learn how to create thick, custardy brioche toast with a perfectly crisp, crackly, and torched sugar crust for the ultimate brunch or dessert experience.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices Thick-Sliced Brioche Bread (1 to 1.5 inches thick)
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 0.5 cup (120ml) Heavy Cream
  • 0.25 cup (60ml) Whole Milk
  • 2 tbsp (30g) Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tsp (5ml) Vanilla Extract
  • 0.25 tsp (1.5g) Fine Sea Salt
  • 2 tbsp (28g) Unsalted Butter
  • 0.25 cup (50g) Superfine or Granulated Sugar For the topping
  • Pure Maple Syrup For serving
  • Whipped Cream For serving
  • Fresh Raspberries For serving

Equipment

  • 1 Kitchen Torch
  • 1 Large non-stick skillet
  • 1 Shallow Dish (for soaking)
  • 1 Mixing Bowl

Instructions
 

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, 2 tablespoons (30g) of granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Pour into a shallow dish.
  2. Lay brioche slices in the custard and soak for 30-45 seconds per side until saturated but not falling apart.
  3. Melt butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the soaked brioche for 3-4 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
  4. Place cooked toast on a heatproof plate. Sprinkle an even layer of the remaining 1/4 cup (50g) of sugar over the top. Using a kitchen torch, move the flame continuously across the sugar until it melts and caramelizes into a glossy, amber crust.
  5. Stack two slices on a plate. Serve with maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, and fresh raspberries.

Notes

Don't Use Stale Bread (Too Stale): Day-old brioche is the sweet spot.
Moderate Your Soaking Time: 30-45 seconds per side is key to a custardy, not soggy, interior.
Keep the Torch Moving: A constant, even motion prevents the sugar from burning.
Wipe the Pan: Use fresh butter for each batch to prevent burning.
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