Crème Brûlée French Toast (Printer-Friendly Version)

A rich custard-soaked brioche topped with caramelized sugar, fresh berries, and a hint of cinnamon.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Bread

01 - 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (12-14 slices, approximately 1-inch thick)

→ Custard

02 - 4 large eggs
03 - 240 ml whole milk
04 - 120 ml heavy cream
05 - 100 g granulated sugar
06 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - Pinch of salt

→ Optional Toppings

09 - Fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
10 - Powdered sugar for dusting
11 - Maple syrup for serving

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Slice the brioche or challah into approximately 2.5 cm thick pieces. Arrange slices in a lightly greased baking dish, slightly overlapping for even custard absorption.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until homogeneous.
03 - Pour custard evenly over the arranged bread slices, pressing gently to ensure full absorption. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to deepen flavor.
04 - Set the oven to 175°C to guarantee even baking and develop a golden crust.
05 - Remove the custard-soaked bread from the refrigerator and bake for 25-30 minutes until the custard sets and surface is golden brown. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispier top, monitoring closely.
06 - Evenly sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar atop the baked toast. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until a crisp, golden crust forms. Alternatively, broil briefly while monitoring to avoid burning.
07 - Allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup as desired.

# Handy Cooking Tips:

01 - Soaking the bread overnight enhances custard absorption and flavor intensity.
02 - Monitor closely when broiling or torching to prevent burning the caramelized sugar.
03 - Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat in an oven or toaster oven to maintain texture.

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