Creme Brulee French Toast Recipe

Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the custard mixture.

Whole milk: Balances the richness of the heavy cream and helps create a smooth custard.

Eggs: Essential for setting the custard and giving it structure.

Vanilla extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard mixture and helps with caramelization.

French bread: The base of the dish, best when slightly stale to absorb the custard well.

Brown sugar: Sprinkled on top to create a caramelized, crunchy topping.

When soaking the bread slices in the cream mixture, make sure to press down gently on each slice to ensure they absorb the liquid evenly. This will help achieve a custardy texture throughout the French toast.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a rich, creamy texture similar to heavy cream and adds a subtle coconut flavor.

• whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a lighter, dairy-free alternative that still provides a creamy consistency.

• large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg) are a vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients together.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different, yet complementary, flavor profile to the dish.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.

• french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and buttery, making it an excellent substitute for French bread in French toast recipes.

• brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a natural sweetness and a distinct flavor that complements the dish.

• Allow the creme brulee french toast to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Once cooled, transfer the french toast to an airtight container. If stacking slices, place a piece of parchment paper between each slice to prevent sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The french toast will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. The french toast can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the french toast slices on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• For a crispier texture, reheat the french toast slices in a toaster oven or on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
• If you notice any changes in texture or smell, discard the french toast as it may have spoiled.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover French toast on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain the crispy caramelized top while warming the inside.

• For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place a portion of the French toast on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it's evenly heated.

• If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through and slightly crispy.

• For an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the French toast is warmed through and the top is crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the French toast to a golden and caramelized finish.

• Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar.

• Whisk: Essential for combining the ingredients smoothly and ensuring the mixture is well blended.

• Baking dish: Holds the arranged French bread slices and the cream mixture for baking.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract and brown sugar precisely.

• Knife: Used to slice the French bread loaf.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for slicing the French bread.

• Spatula: Helps to evenly spread the brown sugar over the soaked bread slices.

• Cooling rack: Allows the baked French toast to cool slightly before serving.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and mix the cream mixture the night before to save time in the morning.

Use pre-sliced bread: Buy pre-sliced french bread to avoid the hassle of slicing it yourself.

Quick soak method: Place the bread slices in a single layer and pour the cream mixture over them, then let it sit for just 10 minutes.

Broil for caramelization: After baking, broil the french toast for 1-2 minutes to quickly caramelize the brown sugar topping.