Hi There! Let’s Make Some Fancy French Toast Together
If you’re anything like me, breakfast is one of the best parts of the day—especially when it feels a little special. I want to share a French toast recipe that’s not just your everyday morning toast. It’s got this golden caramelized sugar topping, kind of like a crème brûlée, and it’s made with soft brioche or challah bread for that rich, buttery taste. Trust me, it’s a little breakfast upgrade that feels like a treat but is sooo easy to make. Plus, the fresh berries and a sprig of thyme make it fancy but fresh. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Why This Recipe is a Breakfast Winner
Using brioche or challah bread is a game changer for French toast because these breads are soft yet sturdy enough to soak up the creamy custard without falling apart. The heavy cream makes the inside extra creamy, while the caramelized sugar adds a wonderful crispy crunch on top. This combo hits all those cozy textures that make breakfast feel indulgent.
I love adding fresh berries on the side because they bring a nice tartness and pop of color, plus thyme gives just a hint of unexpected aroma that brightens the whole plate. Eating this feels like a little celebration in your mouth!
Health Boosts in a Sweet Breakfast
Let’s keep it real: this French toast is a sweet treat, but it’s got some perks. Eggs are a fantastic source of protein and essential vitamins, which help keep you energized for the day. The berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, helping your immune system stay happy. And if you’re mindful with the syrup or caramel drizzle, it can still fit into a balanced breakfast plan.
Here’s How To Make Your Own Caramelized French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 thick slices of brioche or challah bread
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus more for caramelizing on top)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh blueberries and raspberries (for garnish)
- Maple syrup or caramel sauce (for serving)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla (or vanilla bean seeds), and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Make sure it’s smooth and combined well.
- Pour this custard mix into a shallow dish where you can easily soak the bread.
- Dip each slice of bread into the custard for about 20-30 seconds on each side. You want it soaked well but not falling apart.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt so it covers the pan nicely.
- Cook the soaked bread slices for about 3-4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and feel set but still creamy inside. Take them off the heat.
- Preheat your kitchen torch or oven broiler for caramelizing the sugar.
- Place your cooked French toast on a heatproof surface or baking sheet. Sprinkle a layer of granulated sugar evenly on each slice.
- Use the torch to caramelize the sugar until it melts and turns that irresistible deep golden, crunchy crust. If you don’t have a torch, you can carefully broil the slices—just watch closely so they don’t burn!
- Stack two slices on a plate and drizzle generously with maple syrup or caramel sauce.
- Add fresh blueberries and raspberries around for freshness and color.
- Top the stack with a sprig of fresh thyme to add a lovely aroma.
- Serve right away while the sugar crust is crisp and the toast is warm. Enjoy every bite!
Tips To Make Your French Toast Amazing
- Choosing the bread: Thick slices of brioche or challah are perfect because they soak up the custard nicely without falling apart. If you use regular bread, try to use slices that are day-old or slightly stale.
- Don’t rush the soaking step: This makes sure the custard gets deep inside, making the toast juicy and creamy.
- Caramelizing sugar safely: If using a kitchen torch, keep the flame moving so the sugar browns evenly without burning.
- Serving right away: The caramelized sugar will lose its crunch if you let it sit too long, so try to eat it immediately for that authentic crème brûlée texture!
- For a different flavor twist: Try swapping thyme with fresh mint or basil for something new and bright.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl and whisk
- Shallow dish for soaking bread
- Large skillet or griddle
- Spatula for flipping
- Kitchen torch (for caramelizing sugar) or oven broiler
- Heatproof surface or baking sheet
- Serving plates
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of bread? Yes! Brioche or challah works best for the richness and texture, but you can try thick-cut white bread or even sourdough if you like.
- What if I don’t have a kitchen torch? No worries, you can use your oven broiler to caramelize the sugar. Just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
- Can I make this ahead of time? The French toast itself can be made ahead and kept warm, but I recommend caramelizing the sugar right before serving to keep that satisfying crunch.
- What’s a good syrup alternative? Maple syrup is classic, but caramel sauce or even honey works wonderfully too!
- Can I make this dairy-free? You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or almond milk and use vegan butter for cooking—though the texture will be a bit different.
Let’s Chat! Try This Recipe and Share Your Moments
I’m always excited to hear how these recipes turn out in your kitchen. If you make this caramelized French toast, snap a photo and share it on Pinterest or tag me if you’re on social media! It’s so fun to see how each person makes it their own. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
