Description
Indulge in a luxurious breakfast with this Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe that blends creamy, custard-like richness with a perfectly caramelized, crunchy sugar topping. Using thick slices of brioche or challah bread soaked in a smooth custard mixture of eggs, plant-based milk, natural vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and apple cider vinegar, this dish creates a delightful texture balance of soft inside and crisp outside. Ideal for elevating any morning meal, it is easy to prepare, customizable, and sure to impress guests or satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Bread
- 6 thick slices of brioche or challah bread
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- Additional granulated sugar for caramelizing topping (about 1/4 cup)
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: Whisk together the eggs, plant-based milk, granulated sugar, natural vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar in a wide, shallow bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard will soak into the bread for a creamy base.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each thick slice of bread into the custard, allowing it to absorb the liquid for about 20-30 seconds per side. Ensure that the bread is saturated but not falling apart. Set the soaked slices aside on a plate.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the plant-based butter until foamy. Cook each soaked bread slice for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crisp. Transfer the cooked slices to a baking tray.
- Caramelize the Sugar Topping: Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over each cooked French toast slice. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a crunchy, golden crust. If a torch is not available, place under the oven broiler set to low and watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Crème Brûlée French Toast warm with your favorite garnishes such as fresh berries, powdered sugar, or mint leaves for a delightful breakfast experience.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread to absorb custard better without becoming soggy.
- Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the outside before the custard sets inside.
- Caramelize sugar topping evenly by moving the torch or broiler for a uniform crunch.
- Keep cooked slices warm in a low oven if preparing large batches.
- Choose thick bread slices to hold custard well and achieve the perfect balance of creaminess and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Skillet cooking and broiling
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Crème Brûlée, French Toast, Plant-based Breakfast, Custard Toast, Caramelized Sugar Topping, Elegant Breakfast