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Crème Brûlée French Toast

Decadent brioche French toast stuffed with sweet cream cheese filling and topped with a crackly caramelized sugar crust.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Custard Base
  • 4 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 0.5 tsp cinnamon
Filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.33 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Assembly
  • 8 slices thick brioche bread stale is best
  • 2 tbsp butter for frying
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar for topping
  • Maple syrup for serving

Equipment

  • Skillet or Griddle
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Kitchen Torch (optional)

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth.
  2. Spread mixture onto 4 slices of bread, then top with remaining slices to form sandwiches.
  3. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, 2 tbsp sugar, cinnamon, and remaining vanilla.
  4. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  5. Dip each sandwich into the custard mixture, soaking for 5 seconds per side.
  6. Fry sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Transfer to a plate. Sprinkle top generously with granulated sugar.
  8. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until amber and crunchy (or use oven broiler for 1-2 mins).
  9. Serve immediately with syrup and berries.

Notes

If using the broiler method for the crust, watch closely to prevent burning.