Burnt Cream French Toast

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Author: Noah Reed
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Burnt Cream French Toast: A Decadent Delight

Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked bread and caramelized sugar wafting through your home. The moment you slice into this Burnt Cream French Toast, the gooey caramel oozes from the layers, inviting you to take your first bite. Each mouthful is a delightful fusion of custardy bread and a toasty vanilla-infused cream that feels indulgent yet nostalgic, reminiscent of Sunday brunches at Grandma’s house.

This recipe is not just about breakfast; it’s an experience worth savoring, making it perfect for joyful gatherings or a cozy weekend treat. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, so you can even let the little ones help with the layering. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, there’s no better way to satisfy your sweet tooth than with this exquisite Burnt Cream French Toast.

Are You Ready for a Sweet Morning Escape?

What if I told you that you could have dessert for breakfast? Wouldn’t that just make your day? Picture yourself delighting in a plate of crispy-edged, melting, rich French toast drizzled with caramel and crowned with luscious berries. How could anyone resist?

If you’ve ever daydreamed about a morning made sweeter, your chance is here. Embrace the nostalgia of childhood breakfasts while also reveling in a luxurious brand-new experience that is sure to make you smile!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy Prep: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a stunning dish that seems like a labor of love but requires minimal effort.

  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or brunch with friends, everyone will be asking for seconds!

  • Minimal Ingredients: Using pantry staples, you can create something truly spectacular without having to run to the store.

  • Versatile: The addition of Grand Marnier gives it a special touch, but feel free to skip it for a traditional flavor.

  • Make Ahead: Prepare the night before for a quick pop in the oven the following morning!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons corn syrup

  • 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces (about 8 slices)

  • 5 large eggs

  • 1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon Grand Marnier (optional)

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • Powdered sugar, for garnish

  • Fresh berries, for serving

These ingredients come together to create a dreamy French toast that is both decadent and comforting. The butter and brown sugar will melt into a luscious caramel sauce, enveloping the bread in a sweet blanket.

Timing

This Burnt Cream French Toast harmoniously blends the quick and the leisurely. While the prep work only takes about 20 minutes, allowing it to soak overnight will enrich the flavors, transforming your brunch into a luxurious experience. Bake it for about 35 minutes and your dreams of sweet indulgence are just moments away!

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until smooth.

  2. Pour and Spread: Carefully pour the luscious mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

  3. Arrange the Bread: Place the bread slices snugly in the baking dish on top of the caramel sauce, fitting them together without overlapping.

  4. Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half cream, vanilla extract, Grand Marnier (if using), salt, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined.

  5. Soak the Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices. Gently press the bread down to ensure it soaks up the custard fully.

  6. Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or ideally overnight. This allows the bread to absorb all those dreamy flavors!

  7. Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the dish sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.

  8. Bake: Place the French toast in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel sauce bubbles enticingly around the edges.

  9. Cool and Garnish: Allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes after baking. Add a generous dusting of powdered sugar for that beautiful finish.

  10. Serve: Serve warm, garnished with fresh berries and a drizzle of additional syrup if you dare!

This process creates a beautifully rich, gooey, and indulgent French toast that’s mouthwateringly crispy on the outside and lusciously soft on the inside.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this Burnt Cream French Toast is a delightful treat, coming in at approximately 400 calories per slice. It’s a breakfast dream that’s worth enjoying as an occasional indulgence.

Healthier Alternatives

Feeling guilty about that sugar? Fear not! You can make swaps like using almond milk, coconut cream, or even oat milk for a dairy-free version. Reducing the amount of brown sugar and opting for a natural sweetener can cut down those calories while still keeping the flavor divine!

Serving Suggestions

Consider serving this delightful creation with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist. It’s stunning for holidays like Easter or Christmas brunch, turning a simple meal into a memorable event. Imagine drizzling warm syrup, adding whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of nuts on top for an added crunch!

Common Mistakes

To get it just right, avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Overbaking: Prevent the bread from becoming dry; keep an eye on it while baking.

  • Texture Issues: If you rush the soaking, you may miss out on that custardy texture. Allow enough time for it to absorb.

  • Messes: Line your baking dish properly, as caramel can bubble and create a sticky clean-up if things overflow.

Storing Tips

This Burnt Cream French Toast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. If you want to keep leftovers for a longer duration, freeze the slices with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.

Temptation Awaits!

With each layer of caramel, custard, and bread, you’ve created an extraordinary treat that deserves a spot on your table. The warmth of the bakery aroma filling the air and the undeniable looks you’ll receive will make you eager to serve. So, why wait? Whisk up this decadent Burnt Cream French Toast and let every bite transport you to a realm of heavenly bliss!

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s actually encouraged. Prepare it the night before to let the bread soak overnight.

2. Can I use other types of bread?
Yes! While challah and brioche are recommended for their rich flavors, any thick-cut bread, such as Texas toast or sourdough, can also work well.

3. Can I freeze Burnt Cream French Toast?
Yes! Freeze individual portions for up to three months and reheat them directly in the oven.

4. What can I serve with it?
Fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a scoop of ice cream can elevate your serving game!

5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids will love helping with the assembly and will enjoy indulging in this treat as a delightful breakfast.

Embrace the sweetness of life with a heavenly slice of Burnt Cream French Toast. Your taste buds will thank you!

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Burnt Cream French Toast


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  • Author: noah-reed
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A decadent delight that combines custardy bread with a toast vanilla-infused cream, perfect for breakfast or brunch.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons corn syrup
  • 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces (about 8 slices)
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon Grand Marnier (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Powdered sugar, for garnish
  • Fresh berries, for serving

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until smooth.
  2. Carefully pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
  3. Place the bread slices snugly in the baking dish on top of the caramel sauce.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half cream, vanilla extract, Grand Marnier (if using), salt, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
  5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, gently pressing the bread down.
  6. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let the dish sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel bubbles around the edges.
  9. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar.
  10. Serve warm, garnished with fresh berries and syrup if desired.

Notes

This dish can be made ahead of time and refrigerates well. It is also possible to freeze leftovers for future enjoyment.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

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