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Decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

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A rich and indulgent French toast casserole with a crisp caramelized sugar topping and creamy custard-soaked bread, perfect for brunch and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups cubed day-old brioche or challah bread (about 10 oz / 280 g)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream (can substitute half with whole milk for lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar for custard mix plus extra for brûlée topping
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg
  • Optional variations: fresh berries or sliced peaches, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or chai spice blend, mini chocolate chips or melted chocolate, dairy-free butter alternatives, gluten-free brioche or…

Instructions

  1. Cube about 8 cups (10 oz / 280 g) of day-old brioche or challah into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces. Toss lightly with cinnamon or nutmeg if using.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk 6 large eggs until well combined. Gradually add 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and slightly frothy.
  3. Place the cubed bread in a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Pour the custard evenly over the bread, gently pressing down with a spatula to help the bread soak up the liquid. Let sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for deeper soak.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). If refrigerated, let casserole come to room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.
  5. Dot the top with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until custard is set and edges are golden brown. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean and custard should not jiggle.
  6. Let casserole cool for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar evenly on top.
  7. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust. If no torch, use broiler carefully for 1-2 minutes watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Let the brûlée harden for a minute or two before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

Use day-old brioche or challah for best texture to avoid sogginess. Let custard soak overnight for deeper flavor and better texture. When caramelizing sugar, keep torch moving slowly to avoid burning. If no torch, use broiler carefully. Butter dotted on top before baking creates golden edges. Leftovers reheat best in low oven; refresh brûlée topping before serving leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, crème brûlée, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, custard soaked bread, caramelized sugar topping, brioche casserole

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/decadent-cr-e-me-br-u-l-e-e-french-toast-casserole-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-brunch/