Caramelized Custard French Toast

There’s something undeniably comforting about waking up to the smell of sweet, decadent French toast baking in the oven. But what if you could take that classic breakfast dish and give it an elegant, dessert-like twist? Enter Crème Brûlée French Toast, the perfect blend of indulgence and sophistication. Imagine layers of soft, pillowy brioche or challah bread soaked in a rich, custard-like mixture, then baked to golden perfection with a caramelized topping that crackles as you dig in. It’s like enjoying your favorite dessert for breakfast!

This recipe is ideal for those special occasions when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort or even just treat yourself to a luxurious morning meal. The best part? You can prepare everything the night before, letting the bread absorb all the sweet, creamy flavors while you sleep. In the morning, all that’s left is to pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a beautifully golden, puffy French toast that’s rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of crispiness from the caramelized sugar topping.

Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply craving something a little more indulgent, this Crème Brûlée French Toast is sure to become a favorite. You can even add a touch of your own creativity by including seasonal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg or layering in fresh fruit like apples or pears for a delightful twist. Perfect for lazy weekends, holidays, or any time you want to start your day with a treat, this dish combines the best of two worlds: the comfort of French toast and the elegance of crème brûlée.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp light corn syrup
• 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 5 large eggs
• 1/2 cup fat-free milk
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp orange liqueur or Grand Marnier (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt (optional)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Caramel Base
   In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until smooth. Pour this mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer the Bread
   Arrange the sliced bread evenly over the caramel base in the baking dish. Trim slices to fit if needed.
3. Make the Custard
   In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, half-and-half, vanilla, salt, and liqueur (if using). Pour the custard over the bread slices, pressing down gently so the bread absorbs it.
4. Chill
   Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
5. Bake
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and let the dish come to room temperature. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Let cool slightly.
6. Caramelize (Optional)
   For an extra touch, sprinkle granulated sugar on top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize until crisp and golden

Tips:

• For a seasonal twist, add cinnamon and nutmeg to the custard.
• For variety, try layering sliced apples or pears between the bread slices.
• Reduce sugar and butter for a less sweet version, or use whole grain bread for added texture.