Crème Brûlée French Toast Fry Recipe | Caramelized Custard Toast for Brunch or Dessert
This Crème Brûlée French Toast Fry is a luxurious breakfast-meets-dessert creation that brings the elegance of crème brûlée to your morning table. Thick slices of bread are soaked in a rich vanilla custard, pan-fried to golden perfection, then finished with a crackly caramelized sugar crust. The result is a crispy, creamy, and slightly sweet indulgence with a brûléed top that shatters with every bite. Perfect for brunch, special occasions, or when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking dish or skillet
- Kitchen torch (or broiler)
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
Bread & Custard
- 1 loaf brioche or challah (day-old, sliced thick)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for brûlée)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Optional: 1 tbsp orange liqueur
Optional Add-ins
- Orange zest
- Cinnamon or nutmeg
- Crème anglaise or maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Prepare bread: Slice brioche into 1–1.5 inch slices. Arrange in a buttered baking dish or set aside for skillet cooking.
- Make custard: Whisk eggs, cream, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Soak bread: Pour custard over slices, ensuring even coating. Let sit for 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
- Cook:Baked version: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and set.Pan-fried version: Heat butter in skillet. Cook slices 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
- Brûlée topping: Sprinkle granulated sugar over cooked toast. Torch until caramelized, or broil for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve: Plate with crème anglaise, maple syrup, or fruit compote. Garnish with berries or whipped cream.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Assemble casserole-style versions the night before for easy baking in the morning.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; reheat in oven or skillet to preserve texture.
- Avoid mistakes: Don’t oversoak bread, don’t skip the sugar topping, and use full-fat dairy for richness.
- Variations: Add orange zest or liqueur for brightness, swap crème anglaise for maple syrup, or try a stuffed version with cream cheese or jam.