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- 1 loaf of brioche bread, sliced thick - 4 large eggs - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup whole milk - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - Pinch of salt - Extra sugar for caramelizing To make Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée French Toast, you need simple but rich ingredients. Brioche bread is key. It gives the French toast a soft and fluffy texture. You also need eggs to make the custard. They help the bread soak up all the flavor. For the custard, heavy cream and whole milk blend together. This mix makes the dish creamy and rich. You add granulated sugar for sweetness. Vanilla extract and scraped vanilla bean seeds give it that lovely vanilla taste. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and spice. A pinch of salt balances the flavors. Finally, don’t forget the extra sugar for caramelizing. This creates a lovely, crispy top that makes the dish shine. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The magic of this French toast awaits! Start by whisking the eggs in a big bowl. Add heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Stir in the vanilla extract and scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean. Mix in ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything blends well. This custard will give your French toast a rich flavor. Take your thick brioche slices and lay them in a baking dish. Make sure they fit in a single layer. Pour the custard mixture over the bread. Use a spoon to press down the slices so they soak up the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for at least one hour. For the best taste, let it sit overnight. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). After the bread has soaked, take the baking dish from the fridge. Place it in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You want the custard to set and the top to turn golden brown. Watch it closely to get that perfect look. Once baked, take the dish out of the oven. Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar on top. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it turns golden and crispy. If you don’t have a torch, put the dish under the broiler for a few minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. This step adds a delightful crunch. Let the French toast cool for a moment. Cut it into portions and plate it up. Top with fresh berries, maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fancy touch, dust with powdered sugar and add a mint leaf on top. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes! Choose the right bread for this recipe. I love brioche for its soft texture. You can also use challah, which is rich and fluffy. Both choices soak up the custard well. Avoid bread that is too dense or dry, as it won’t soak properly. Fresh bread gives the best results, but day-old bread works too. Caramelizing the sugar is key to a great finish. Use a kitchen torch for best results. Sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the baked French toast. Aim for an even coating to avoid burning. If you don’t have a torch, broil it in the oven. Keep a close eye on it, as it can burn quickly. The goal is a crispy, golden layer on top. You can prepare this dish in advance. Soak the bread overnight for deeper flavor. Just cover it well in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven and follow the instructions. For reheating, warm the French toast in the oven at a low temperature. This keeps it soft and tasty without drying it out. {{image_2}} You can tweak this recipe to make it your own. Try adding orange zest for a citrus twist. You could also mix in some cocoa powder for a chocolate touch. If you love spices, add cardamom or ginger. For a nutty flavor, sprinkle in chopped nuts like pecans or almonds. Each change brings a new taste and makes it fun. Need a lighter option? Swap heavy cream for almond milk. You can also use egg substitutes for a vegan version. Silken tofu works well as a binder. If you want gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. These options can help everyone enjoy this treat. Fresh fruit can elevate your French toast. In spring, berries like strawberries or blueberries are perfect. Summer calls for peaches or nectarines for a juicy bite. In fall, think about apples or pears, and add cinnamon for warmth. Winter is great for citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits. These fruits add color and flavor to your dish. You can store leftover Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée French Toast in the fridge. Place the French toast in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days. Before you eat it, you may want to reheat it. For long-term storage, you can freeze the French toast. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, they will keep for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it again, take it out and thaw in the fridge. To reheat, you can use the oven or a skillet. If using an oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you use a skillet, heat each slice over medium heat for a few minutes on each side. This method keeps it crispy. Remember to caramelize the sugar again for that perfect crunchy top! The best bread for French toast is brioche. Its rich, soft texture soaks up the custard well. You can also use challah or sourdough. These breads add great flavor and hold up nicely when soaked. Yes, you can use milk alternatives! Almond milk or oat milk works well in this recipe. Just make sure to choose a plain flavor. This keeps the tasty vanilla bean flavor front and center. To prevent soggy French toast, soak the bread for a shorter time. Just a few minutes is enough. Also, ensure each slice is well-coated but not drowned. Baking at the right temperature also helps achieve a nice crisp. Homemade French toast lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can reheat it in the oven or on a skillet for a quick meal. In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious French toast. We explored ingredients like brioche bread, rich custard, and tasty toppings. Then, we detailed each step, from preparing the custard to caramelizing sugar. You learned tips to choose the best bread and ways to store your toast. Finally, we looked at fun variations and answered common questions. French toast is easy to make and always a hit. Try out these ideas and enjoy your meal!

Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée French Toast

Indulge in a delightful breakfast treat with this Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe! Made with thick slices of brioche soaked in a luscious custard and topped with caramelized sugar, it’s the perfect way to elevate your mornings. Learn how to create this gourmet dish at home in just a few simple steps.
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of brioche bread, sliced thick

4 large eggs

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup whole milk

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Pinch of salt

Extra sugar for caramelizing

Instructions
 

Prepare the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, vanilla bean seeds, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

    Soak the Bread: Place the brioche slices into a baking dish in a single layer. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring that each slice is thoroughly soaked. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

      Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

        Bake the French Toast: Once the bread has absorbed the custard, remove the baking dish from the refrigerator. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the tops are golden brown.

          Caramelize the Sugar: Remove the baked French toast from the oven and sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the top. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it is golden and crispy. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the French toast under the broiler for a few minutes—watching closely to avoid burning.

            Serve: Allow the French toast to cool slightly before serving. Cut into portions and serve with fresh berries, maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream.

              Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 1 hr 10 min | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve each portion sprinkled with a dusting of powdered sugar and garnished with mint leaves for an elegant touch.