Imagine waking up to the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked Crème Brûlée French Toast wafting through your kitchen, a dish that transforms the humble French toast into a luxurious brunch masterpiece! This delectable recipe combines the rich flavors of custard with the comforting texture of French bread, creating a breakfast that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend treat, this Baked Crème Brûlée French Toast is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your breakfast game? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is ready for baking the French toast casserole.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Take the loaf of French bread and cut it into 1-inch thick slices. You can also cut the slices into cubes if you prefer a different texture.
- Arrange the bread slices in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, overlapping them slightly for even coverage. If you cut the bread into cubes, sprinkle them evenly in the dish.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, making sure all the pieces are well soaked. Press down gently on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard mixture, resulting in a richer flavor.
- When you are ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while you prepare the topping.
- In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup of brown sugar with a pinch of cinnamon if desired. This will create a sweet, caramelized topping for your French toast.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the top of the soaked bread in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You may want to cover the dish with foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the custard set further.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch. Enjoy your delicious Baked Crème Brûlée French Toast!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: For an even more flavorful dish, prepare the bread and custard mixture the night before and let it soak overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the bread to absorb all the delicious flavors, making each bite a creamy delight.
- Bread Choice: Use a good quality French bread for the best texture. A day-old loaf works perfectly, as it’s drier and absorbs the custard mixture better without becoming mushy.
- Even Cooking: To ensure even cooking, cover the baking dish with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking. This prevents the top from browning too quickly while allowing the custard to set perfectly.
- Garnish Creatively: Once baked, serve your French toast with a variety of toppings such as fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to experiment with flavors! Add a splash of orange or almond extract to the custard mixture, or sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced kick.
- Serving Size: This recipe yields 8 servings, making it ideal for gatherings. Consider doubling the recipe for larger brunch parties, but remember to use a larger baking dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 210mg
