This Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe isn’t just your average brunch fare. It’s a delightful reimagining of two beloved classics.

The magic lies in the custard. It’s rich, creamy, and infused with a hint of cardamom. This spice adds warmth and complexity that elevates the flavor profile.

The custard, y’all, is key. It needs to be thick enough to coat the bread without making it soggy. A generous soaking ensures every bite is decadent and flavorful.

The sugar crust is, of course, the signature Crème Brûlée element. A generous sprinkling of sugar, caramelized to a golden brown perfection, provides that satisfying crackle.

Why cardamom? I wanted to add something a little unexpected, something that would complement the richness without overpowering it. Cardamom does just that; it adds a touch of warmth and fragrance.

I tested several variations to achieve the perfect balance of custard richness, bread soak, and caramelized topping. It’s all about getting that crispy, crunchy, creamy combination just right.

This recipe works because it’s a celebration of simple pleasures. Familiar flavors, elevated with a special touch, create something truly memorable.

For this Crème Brûlée French Toast, we’re taking a little detour from the traditional and adding a whisper of warmth with cardamom. It’s a subtle spice that elevates the custard beautifully, adding a unique depth that y’all are sure to love. The caramelized sugar crust offers a delightful contrast to the creamy interior. The fragrant cardamom makes it something truly special.

Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make this decadent breakfast, brunch or “breakfast for dinner” dream a reality:

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar, plus more for brûléeing
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 8 slices challah or brioche bread, cut about 1-inch thick
• Butter, for greasing the pan

Remember to use good quality bread; it truly makes a difference. The challah or brioche soaks up the custard beautifully, creating that wonderful, rich texture we’re after. And don’t skimp on the cardamom; it’s the secret ingredient that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This Crème Brûlée French Toast takes a beloved brunch classic and elevates it to something truly special. The subtle warmth of cardamom infuses every layer, creating a delightful flavor profile that’s both familiar and intriguingly new. Trust me, y’all, this is a breakfast you won’t soon forget.

1. Prepare the Cardamom-Infused Custard

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of milk, 4 large egg yolks, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom until well combined. The cardamom adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the richness of the custard perfectly.

2. Soak the Bread

Dip each slice of your favorite thick-cut bread (I prefer brioche or challah) into the cardamom custard, ensuring both sides are thoroughly saturated. Allow the bread to soak for about 2-3 minutes per side. This allows the custard to penetrate deeply, resulting in a wonderfully soft and flavorful French toast.

3. Cook the French Toast

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the soaked bread slices in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The edges should be nicely crisp.

4. Prepare the Brûlée Topping

Remove the French toast from the skillet and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle each slice generously with granulated sugar. Don’t be shy; this is what creates that signature caramelized crust.

5. Caramelize the Sugar

Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar on top of each slice of French toast. Move the torch evenly over the surface until the sugar is melted and golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can broil the French toast in the oven for a minute or two, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

6. Serve Immediately

Serve your Cardamom Crème Brûlée French Toast immediately, while the caramelized topping is still warm and crisp. Garnish with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired. Enjoy this little slice of heaven!

Now, serving this Cardamom Crème Brûlée French Toast is where the fun really begins. It’s all about enhancing that caramelized sugar crust and custardy interior.

I always like to start with a dusting of powdered sugar. It adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful contrast to the golden crust.

Fresh berries are a must, in my book. Raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries offer a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the French toast. Maybe even some blackberries, if you have them!

A dollop of whipped cream never hurt anyone, did it? Lightly sweetened, of course. It adds a bit of airy decadence.

For a little extra flair, consider a drizzle of maple syrup. Or even a homemade berry compote, if you’re feeling ambitious.

And if you really want to highlight the cardamom, try a sprinkle of finely ground cardamom over the whipped cream or berries. It elevates the flavor beautifully.

I reckon a warm mug of coffee or a glass of chilled orange juice would be a fine accompaniment.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and let your taste buds guide you. Enjoy every single bite of this Cardamom Crème Brûlée French Toast. It’s truly a special treat.

And remember, sharing it with loved ones makes it even sweeter. Y’all enjoy!

Leftover Crème Brûlée French Toast, especially after it’s been kissed with cardamom, is a treasure. Don’t let it go to waste!

Storing: The best way to keep it is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll happily sit there for up to two days. That little bit of custard richness wants to be kept cool.

Reheating: Now, reheating is where we want to be a little careful. Microwaving can make it a bit soggy. A toaster oven or regular oven is your best bet.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the French toast on a baking sheet and warm it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s heated through. The edges might get a little crisp, which is just fine by me!

Reusing: Beyond just reheating, there are other ways to enjoy your cardamom-infused Crème Brûlée French Toast.

Cut it into cubes and add it to a bread pudding for extra decadence. Or, crumble it over yogurt or ice cream for a delightful topping.

My personal favorite? I sometimes make a sort of French toast “crouton” to sprinkle on salads. That little hint of caramelized sugar and cardamom is unexpected and lovely.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, remember that even day-old French toast can still bring a little joy to your day.

Now, darlings, this Cardamom Crème Brûlée French Toast is a truly special treat. But I always encourage a little experimentation in the kitchen! Feel free to personalize this recipe to your own tastes and what you might have on hand. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Bread: While challah or brioche are my go-to choices for soaking up all that custard goodness, you can absolutely use other breads. Sourdough will give it a tangy twist, or even a hearty French bread loaf will work well. Just make sure it’s a day or two old so it can really soak it all in.
• Milk: I use whole milk for richness, but you can substitute with 2% milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that using a lower fat milk may change the overall texture slightly, but it will still be delicious!
• Cream: For an extra decadent treat, you could try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Or, for a lighter version, use more milk and less cream.
• Sugar: I use granulated sugar in the custard, but you could also use brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor. A little maple syrup could also be a nice addition.
• Cardamom: While I adore the warm, aromatic flavor of cardamom, you can certainly experiment with other spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of ginger would be lovely.
• Extracts: Vanilla extract is a classic, but almond extract or even a touch of orange extract would add a unique twist.
• Fruit: Before brûléeing, top the French toast with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even sautéed apples. The caramelized sugar will be even more delightful with the fruit.

Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making it your own. Don’t be afraid to try new things and adjust the recipe to your liking. I hope y’all enjoy experimenting with this Cardamom Crème Brûlée French Toast. I can’t wait to hear what you create!

Let’s address some common questions I get about making this delightful Crème Brûlée French Toast.

Can I make Crème Brûlée French Toast ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep certain components in advance. I often whisk together the custard base, including the hint of cardamom, the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

You can also slice your bread and leave it out to slightly dry, which helps it absorb the custard better. I don’t recommend assembling the entire French toast the night before, as it can become soggy.

What’s the best bread to use for Crème Brûlée French Toast?

A rich, sturdy bread is ideal. Think challah, brioche, or even a thick-cut Texas toast. These breads have a higher fat content and a tighter crumb, allowing them to soak up the custard without falling apart.

The buttery notes of brioche complement the cardamom beautifully, in my humble opinion.

How do I get the sugar to brûlée evenly on my Crème Brûlée French Toast?

Patience is key here! Ensure the sugar is spread in an even, thin layer across the top of the soaked bread. A kitchen torch is your best friend for achieving that perfect caramelized crust.

Move the torch slowly and steadily, keeping it about 2-3 inches away from the sugar. If you don’t have a torch, you can try broiling it in the oven, but watch it very carefully to prevent burning.

Can I add other spices to my Crème Brûlée French Toast?

Absolutely! While I adore the warm, aromatic touch of cardamom in this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other spices. A pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or even a hint of ginger would also be lovely.

Just remember to start small and taste as you go, to ensure the flavors complement each other.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream in Crème Brûlée French Toast?

While heavy cream provides the richest and most decadent results, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version. Just be aware that the custard might not be quite as thick and creamy.

I wouldn’t recommend using milk, as it might make the French toast too soggy. The creamy richness really helps carry the cardamom flavor, so it’s worth using the good stuff, if you can.