Follow these straightforward steps to create delicious Crème Brûlée French Toast:

1. Prepare the Bread: Cut the brioche or challah into thick slices, about 1-1.5 inches thick.

2. Make the Custard Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

3. Soak the Bread: Place the bread slices in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring each piece is well soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

4. Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

5. Arrange the Bread: Remove the soaked bread from the refrigerator, allowing it to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish.

6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

7. Cool Slightly: Once baked, allow the French toast to cool for about 5-10 minutes to set further.

8. Caramelize the Sugar: Before serving, sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the top of the French toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it’s golden and crisp. If you don’t have a torch, broil in the oven for a few minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.

9. Serve: Let the caramelized top cool for a minute before slicing the French toast.