The perfect special breakfast or brunch dish, this caramelized French toast is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve with fresh berries for a fabulous treat.
When you want a special breakfast or you want to treat someone else to one, this caramelized French toast is the perfect thing! It’s quick and easy and cooks entirely in the oven. Serve with fresh fruit and some whipped cream.
What you’ll need
Brioche bread – Eggy and rich brioche bread is the perfect loaf to make this French toast. Look for an unsliced loaf that you can cut yourself into thick pieces. Challah would also work well.
Brown sugar – You can use light or dark brown sugar. I generally use light brown sugar (aka Golden Sugar).
Butter – Start with salted butter, as the salty note is welcome along with the sweetness of the brown sugar and maple syrup.
Maple Syrup – Real maple syrup is best. If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute honey.
To serve – Additional maple syrup, fresh fruit and/or whipped cream.
How to make caramelized French toast
- Mix together the butter and brown sugar mixture in a small bowl.
- Trim the sides off of the brioche loaf, then cut the brioche loaf into roughly 2-inch x 2-inch pieces.
- Brush the brioche pieces with the egg and cream mixture, then spread the brown sugar mixture onto all sides.
- Place the brioche pieces onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the brioche for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for another 8 minutes.
- Remove the caramelized French toast to a cooling rack to set, then serve with strawberries and whipped cream.
Recipe video
How to serve caramelized French toast
The caramelized French toast is already sweetened, so it doesn’t really need maple syrup, but if you like, a Tablespoon or so overtop would be nice.
A sprinkling of flaky salt or a dusting of icing/confectioners’ sugar is a nice touch.
I love this French toast with fresh strawberries, but any fresh fruit or a combination of fruits would also be nice.
A dollop of whipped cream finishes the plate off perfectly.
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Get the Recipe: Caramelized French Toast
Ingredients
- 1/4 loaf unsliced brioche bread, cut into 2×2-inch pieces
For spreading:
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch salt
For brushing:
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream, or a lighter cream
For serving:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- This recipe will make 4 pieces of French toast to serve 2. You can double or triple the recipe as needed.
- Preheat oven to 375F (non-convection/not fan-assisted). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add the cinnamon and mix in. Add the maple syrup and stir together.
- Tip! Brioche bread freezes beautifully. If I'm not using all the brioche pieces, I wrap them up well and freeze them to enjoy another time.
- Prepare the brioche bread by trimming a thin slice off the sides and ends of the loaf to expose the crumb of the bread, then cut the loaf into 2×2-inch pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix together the egg and cream. Brush the brioche pieces on all sides with the egg mixture, then spread all sides with a thin layer of the brown sugar mixture. (It doesn't need to be neat or completely evenly spread. It will be all good in the end!) Place onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Place into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and carefully flip the pieces over. (I like to move them about a bit to sop up the buttery stuff on the baking sheet). Return to the oven for another 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and flip the pieces again. Let stand on the pan briefly, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to set. Serve immediately with strawberries and whipped cream.
Notes
More French toast recipes to love!
Hi! I’m Jennifer, a home cook schooled by trial and error and almost 40 years of getting dinner on the table! I love to share my favourite recipes, both old and new, together with lots of tips and tricks to hopefully help make your home cooking enjoyable, stress free, rewarding and of course, delicious!
Tried this over the weekend and it was yummy! I used strawberries too and they were great together.
So glad to hear, Brenda! Thanks so much :)