A beloved staple in many households and lavish brunch spreads, French toast holds a special place in our hearts for its pillowy sweetness and indulgent aroma. But have you ever tried adding a delectable twist to the classic recipe? Introducing the Best Bruleed French Toast – crunchy caramelized crust atop the velvety custard center that’ll leave you craving seconds.

In this article, we’ll share our mouthwatering Bruleed French Toast recipe that’s sure to delight your loved ones and elevate your next brunch.

Ingredients:

– 1 loaf Brioche or challah bread, sliced into 8 thick pieces

– 6 large eggs

– 2 cups whole milk

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1/4 cup brown sugar

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar

– 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

– Zest of one orange (optional)

– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– Pinch of salt

For the brulee topping:

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest (if using), cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

3. Arrange brioche or challah slices in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly without overcrowding. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices and let it sit for about 5 minutes to soak thoroughly.

4. After allowing the bread to soak up the custard base, transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden brown.

5. While the French toast is baking, prepare your brulee topping. Spread 1/2 cup granulated sugar evenly on a shallow plate or tray.

6. Once the French toast is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove each slice from the baking dish and press the top side of each piece into the sugar, coating it well.

7. On a non-stick skillet or griddle, place each sugar-coated French toast slice – sugar side down – over medium heat. Cook until sugar caramelizes and forms a deliciously crispy crust. This generally takes around 2-3 minutes per slice. Watch closely to avoid burning.

8. Plate your bruleed French toast with caramelized side up and serve immediately with your favorite accompaniments like maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.

This scrumptious Bruleed French Toast recipe will add an irresistible twist to your brunch table. The crunchy, caramelized crust perfectly complements the tender custard-soaked bread, making this dish truly unforgettable. Bon appétit!