If you are searching for a brunch dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creme Brûlée French Toast with Salted Caramel Recipe is exactly what you need. It flawlessly marries the custardy richness of classic creme brûlée with the comforting, golden goodness of French toast, all drizzled with luscious salted caramel sauce. Every bite offers a delightful contrast of a crunchy caramel base, sweetly spiced custard-soaked bread, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to elevate each mouthful. It’s an irresistible recipe that transforms a simple morning into an indulgent celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to mastering this unforgettable dish. Each component is simple yet crucial, adding a unique layer of flavor, texture, or richness that makes this recipe shine.
- French bread: Day-old bread works best to soak up the custard without falling apart.
- Brown sugar: Offers deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the caramel flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a creamy base for the caramel while controlling salt levels precisely.
- Corn syrup: Adds smoothness and prevents sugar crystallization in the caramel layer.
- Large eggs: Essential for creating the rich custard that soaks the bread slices.
- Half-and-half: Contributes a luscious creaminess without making the custard too heavy.
- Whole milk: Lightens the custard mixture for a tender texture.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and aromatic sweetness to the custard.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds subtle spice that pairs perfectly with the caramel and vanilla.
- Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
- Salted caramel sauce: Either homemade or store-bought, this adds the luxurious finishing touch.
- Flaky sea salt (optional): A sprinkle on top enhances the salted caramel’s complexity for a gourmet finish.
How to Make Creme Brûlée French Toast with Salted Caramel Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base
Begin by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and bubbly, about 2 to 3 minutes. This caramel will form a beautiful, flavor-packed foundation for the French toast, so spread it evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish right away.
Step 2: Arrange the Bread
Place the slices of French bread in a single layer over the caramel. The bread will absorb the luscious caramel syrup beneath it, creating a thin, crisp layer of flavor at the bottom of each slice after baking. Make sure every slice fits snugly to avoid gaps.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. This custard mixture is the heart of the recipe, soaking evenly into the bread, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices, pressing down lightly to help the bread soak up all the richness. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least four hours, but ideally overnight. This resting time allows the custard to fully infuse the bread, yielding the best texture and flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Remove the baking dish from the fridge and let it warm up at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the French toast is puffed and beautifully golden. Let it cool for a few minutes to set, then prepare for the best part—topping!
How to Serve Creme Brûlée French Toast with Salted Caramel Recipe
Garnishes
To finish, generously drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over the top, letting it cascade into the crevices for sticky, sweet goodness. For an elegant touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt to contrast the sweetness and awaken every bite.
Side Dishes
This Creme Brûlée French Toast with Salted Caramel Recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, a handful of toasted nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream. Adding a side of crispy bacon or savory sausage helps balance the sweetness and builds a well-rounded meal perfect for any brunch table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely presentation, cut the French toast into smaller squares and arrange them stacked on a platter with caramel drizzled in between. You can also serve individual portions in ramekins with the caramel sauce spooned on top, mimicking the classic creme brûlée look while keeping the caramel French toast charm intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creme Brûlée French Toast with Salted Caramel Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It keeps well and tastes just as delicious cold or reheated gently.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Freezing preserves the custard’s texture and the caramel’s flavor without compromising quality.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices in a skillet over low heat or in an oven set to 325°F (160°C) until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispy caramel texture and to prevent the custard from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I make the caramel from scratch?
Absolutely! Making your own salted caramel sauce adds a lovely homemade touch, allowing you to adjust sweetness and saltiness to your preference. Just remember to melt sugar carefully to avoid burning, then stir in butter and cream before adding salt.
Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?
While you can soak the bread for as little as four hours, refrigerating overnight results in creamier custard absorption and more intense flavor, making the dish worth the wait.
What bread works best for this recipe?
French bread is ideal due to its sturdy crumb and light texture, which soaks up custard without becoming mushy. Day-old bread or slightly stale bread works best to hold the custard without falling apart.
Can I prepare this for a large group?
Yes! The recipe scales well. Just use a larger baking dish or multiple dishes, ensuring the bread is evenly layered and the custard covers all slices nicely.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Try substituting half-and-half and milk with your favorite plant-based milks like oat or almond milk, and use dairy-free butter alternatives. Keep in mind the custard may be slightly less rich, but it will still be deeply satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about waking up to a plate of Creme Brûlée French Toast with Salted Caramel Recipe. Its blend of creamy custard, caramel warmth, and a hint of salt creates a breakfast experience that feels extravagant yet comforting. Whether for a leisurely weekend brunch or a holiday celebration, this recipe is bound to become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be sharing this treasure with everyone you know.
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Creme Brûlée French Toast with Salted Caramel Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This decadent Creme Brûlée French Toast with Salted Caramel is a perfect blend of rich, creamy custard soaked French bread baked over a luscious caramel base. Ideal for a special breakfast or brunch, it combines the classic flavors of creme brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast, topped with a drizzle of salted caramel and optional flaky sea salt for an indulgent finish.
Ingredients
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
Bread & Custard
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Toppings
- Salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Caramel Base: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, then stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbling. Pour this caramel mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange Bread: Carefully arrange the French bread slices over the caramel layer in a single, even layer ensuring each slice is well-supported.
- Make Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Soak Bread: Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices, pressing gently on the bread to help absorb the custard mixture. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours to allow the bread to soak thoroughly.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare to Bake: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to take the chill off.
- Bake: Bake the French toast uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the custard is set, the bread is puffed, and the top is golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle generously with warm salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired for an added touch of flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use a day-old loaf of French bread for better texture and to prevent sogginess.
- You may use store-bought salted caramel sauce or prepare your own for a homemade touch.
- To save time, assemble the dish the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
