This Pumpkin Creme Brûlée French Toast combines the creamy, caramelized topping of crème brûlée with soft, pumpkin-spiced French toast. It’s a simple, elegant breakfast or brunch idea that comes together with basic pantry ingredients and a quick broil (or a kitchen torch) to caramelize the sugar on top.
What You Need for Pumpkin Creme Brûlée French Toast
You don’t need much to make this dish. The caramelized “crème brûlée” top is the signature element, and you can achieve it with either a kitchen torch or a very hot oven broiler. Other ingredients are straightforward and probably already in your kitchen:
- Pumpkin puree
- Ground cinnamon
- Brown sugar (light or dark)
- One egg yolk
- Brioche or other rich bread (about ½-inch slice works well)
- Unsalted butter
- A pinch of salt
Top Tips
- Choose the right bread: Brioche, challah or another enriched bread gives the best texture and flavor. We used pre-sliced brioche about ½-inch thick. If your bread is thicker, it will take a little longer to toast through.
- Caramelize carefully: If you use the oven broiler, place the skillet on the middle rack, not the top shelf, to avoid burning the sugar. If you have a kitchen torch, you can caramelize the sugar precisely and quickly.
- Let the sugar harden: After melting the brown sugar under the broiler or with a torch, allow the toast to cool for a few minutes. The melted sugar will set into a hard, crackly top — that satisfying “crème brûlée” crack.
- Watch your broiler: Broilers vary widely. Keep a close eye while the sugar melts; it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
How to Make
- Preheat your oven to high broil.
- In a small bowl, whisk one large egg yolk until smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar. Mix until combined and set aside.
- Spread about ½ tablespoon of softened unsalted butter on each side of the brioche slice.
- Heat a medium cast iron or heavy skillet over medium heat. When hot, toast one side of the bread for 1–2 minutes until golden. Flip the bread, spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the toasted side, and sprinkle the remaining brown sugar (about 4 teaspoons) evenly on top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and place it on the middle rack. Broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely, until the brown sugar is completely melted and bubbling. If using a kitchen torch, hold it a few inches away and torch the sugar until it caramelizes and hardens.
- Remove the skillet from the oven. Immediately transfer the toast to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes so the sugar cools and hardens into a crisp top.
- Use the back of a spoon or a knife to crack the caramelized sugar and enjoy your creme brûlée-style French toast.
Ingredients (for 1 serving)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 5 teaspoons light or dark brown sugar, divided
- 1 slice brioche bread (about ½ inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
Storage and Reheating
This dish is best eaten fresh so the caramel top stays crisp. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes; the sugar may soften slightly but will still be tasty.
What to Serve With Creme Brûlée French Toast
Pair this sweet, rich French toast with savory or fresh sides to balance the meal. Consider scrambled eggs, oven-baked bacon, roasted breakfast potatoes, or a simple fruit salad. Coffee, tea, or a light sparkling beverage also complement the caramel and pumpkin flavors well.
FAQs
What is crème brûlée French toast?
It’s French toast topped with a layer of sugar that is caramelized to form a hard, crackly crust, similar to the classic dessert crème brûlée.
How do you toast sugar for crème brûlée?
You can use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar, or place the toast under a very hot broiler until the sugar melts and browns. Either method creates the distinctive crisp top.
Is crème brûlée French toast suitable for breakfast?
Yes—this pumpkin variation works beautifully for breakfast or brunch when you want something special but still quick to prepare.
Nutrition (approx.)
Per serving: about 250 calories, 24 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein, 16 g fat, 1 g fiber, and 21 g sugar. Nutrition values are estimates and should be used as a general guide.
Enjoy this indulgent, autumn-inspired twist on French toast for a memorable weekend brunch or a special weekday treat. The combination of warm pumpkin spice and a crisp caramel shell is simple to make and delightfully satisfying.