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Creme Brûlée French Toast with Salted Caramel Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Arrange Bread: Carefully arrange the French bread slices over the caramel layer in a single, even layer ensuring each slice is well-supported.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.