Burnt Cream French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Imagine thick slices of fluffy French bread soaked in a rich custard, baked until golden, and then topped with a crispy caramelized sugar crust. It’s a perfect dish for special occasions or weekend brunches that will impress your family and friends.
Why make this recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated, Burnt Cream French Toast is the ideal choice. It’s easy to prepare, yet it feels like a treat. The combination of creamy custard and crispy sugar on top makes this recipe stand out. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, which is perfect for busy mornings.
How to prepare Burnt Cream French Toast
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Sugar for caramelizing
Steps:
- Slice the French bread into thick slices and place them in a greased baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the French toast for 30-35 minutes until golden and set.
- Once baked, sprinkle sugar on top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize until golden and crisp.
- Serve warm, optionally with fresh berries or whipped cream.
How to serve Burnt Cream French Toast
Serve your Burnt Cream French Toast warm, straight out of the oven. You can add fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra sweet touch. This dish is perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy family breakfast.
How to store Burnt Cream French Toast
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to re-crisp the sugar topping using a kitchen torch.
Tips to make Burnt Cream French Toast perfectly
- Use day-old French bread for better absorption of the custard.
- Let the mixture soak overnight for maximum flavor and consistency.
- Ensure you distribute the custard evenly over the bread to prevent dry spots.
- Be careful when using the kitchen torch to caramelize; keep it moving to avoid burning.
Variations
You can customize your Burnt Cream French Toast with various flavors and toppings. Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for warmth. You can also swap the vanilla extract for almond extract or add orange zest for a citrusy twist. Experiment with different toppings like sliced bananas or chocolate chips!
FAQ
Q: Can I use other types of bread?
A: Yes! While French bread works best, you can use brioche or challah for an even richer flavor.
Q: What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
A: You can caramelize sugar under the broiler in your oven. Just watch closely to avoid burning.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked French toast. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
Burnt Cream French Toast
A delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite, featuring thick slices of French bread soaked in rich custard and topped with a crispy caramelized sugar crust.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 155 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Sugar for caramelizing
Instructions
- Slice the French bread into thick slices and place them in a greased baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the French toast for 30-35 minutes until golden and set.
- Once baked, sprinkle sugar on top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize until golden and crisp.
- Serve warm, optionally with fresh berries or whipped cream.
Notes
For the best results, use day-old French bread for better absorption and soak the mixture overnight.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 260mg
Keywords: French toast, breakfast, brunch, custard, baked