Crème Brûlée French Toast(Marry Me French Toast)

Crème Brûlée French Toast, also known as Marry Me French Toast, is an indulgent breakfast or brunch treat. Fluffy slices of brioche bread are soaked in a rich custard, cooked to golden perfection, and topped with caramelized sugar for that classic crème brûlée finish. Paired with warm, velvety creme anglaise sauce, this recipe is perfect for special occasions, weekend breakfasts, or any time you want a luxurious morning treat.

Ingredients

Creme Anglaise Sauce

• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 dash salt
• 3 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla paste

French Toast

• 4 egg yolks
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla paste
• 1 16-ounce loaf of brioche bread, thick sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter, for griddle
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar, for brûlée topping

Instructions

Creme Anglaise Sauce

• Heat ¾ cup heavy cream with a dash of salt in a medium saucepan until steaming, do not boil.
• Whisk 3 egg yolks and ¼ cup sugar until pale and thick.
• Slowly drizzle hot cream into the eggs while whisking to prevent scrambling.
• Return mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (3-4 minutes).
• Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and set aside.

French Toast

• Preheat a griddle or large skillet to medium heat.
• Whisk 4 egg yolks, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup milk, and 1 tablespoon vanilla in a shallow dish.
• Soak each slice of brioche in the mixture briefly on both sides.
• Melt 1 tablespoon butter on the griddle and cook slices until golden brown, flipping once.
• Sprinkle ⅓ cup sugar on top of each slice and caramelize with a hand torch until golden.
• Serve immediately with warm creme anglaise.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve immediately to enjoy the sugar topping crisp and custard-rich.
• Pair with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to preserve the caramelized topping.
• Do not store the sugar topping already caramelized; it softens in the fridge.

Variations

1. Berry Delight – Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
2. Chocolate Hazelnut – Add a drizzle of Nutella before caramelizing sugar.
3. Banana Foster – Sauté bananas with butter, brown sugar, and rum; serve on top.
4. Cinnamon Apple – Add cinnamon sautéed apples for a cozy fall twist.
5. Pumpkin Spice – Mix pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into the custard.
6. Caramel Pecan – Top with caramel sauce and toasted pecans.
7. Lemon Glaze – Add a lemon zest glaze for a refreshing citrus flavor.
8. Almond Joy – Sprinkle toasted coconut and sliced almonds before serving.
9. Espresso Infused – Add a teaspoon of instant espresso to the custard for a mocha flavor.
10. Maple Bacon – Top with crumbled crispy bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup.
11. Salted Caramel – Sprinkle flaky sea salt on the caramelized sugar for contrast.
12. Peach Bourbon – Serve with bourbon-glazed peaches on top.
13. Raspberry Swirl – Swirl raspberry jam into the creme anglaise before serving.
14. White Chocolate Raspberry – Melt white chocolate over the French toast and add fresh raspberries.
15. Tropical Paradise – Top with pineapple and toasted coconut.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   You can prepare the custard and egg mixture ahead, but cook and caramelize the toast just before serving.
2. Can I use another type of bread?
   Brioche is best for richness, but challah or Texas toast can work.
3. What if I don’t have a torch?
   Use the broiler in your oven for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
4. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Substitute coconut cream or almond milk for heavy cream.
5. How do I store leftovers?
   Keep French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days; reheat gently.
6. Can I freeze this French toast?
   Freeze uncooked soaked bread for up to 1 month, then cook and caramelize when ready.
7. Can I use vanilla extract instead of paste?
   Yes, both work; paste provides a richer flavor and speckled appearance.
8. How do I prevent eggs from scrambling in creme anglaise?
   Slowly whisk hot cream into the eggs and cook on medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
9. Can I add spices to the custard?
   Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can be added for extra flavor.
10. Is this recipe suitable for large groups?
    Yes, just multiply the ingredients accordingly and cook in batches.

Crème Brûlée French Toast is a show-stopping breakfast that combines the richness of custard-soaked brioche with the sweet crunch of caramelized sugar. The creamy creme anglaise adds elegance and depth to each bite. Perfect for brunch gatherings, romantic breakfasts, or indulgent weekend mornings, this recipe is sure to impress and delight anyone lucky enough to enjoy it.

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