Creating Crème Brûlée French Toast is a delightful adventure! Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Bread: Slice the loaf of brioche or challah into thick slices, about 1-inch each. Set aside.

2. Make the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.

3. Soak the Bread: Place the slices of bread in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring each slice is well-coated. Allow it to soak for at least 10 minutes. For even better results, cover and let it chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.

4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the bread soaks.

5. Bake: Once soaked, arrange the bread slices on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

6. Caramelize the Sugar: After baking, sprinkle a layer of granulated sugar evenly over the top of the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust. If you don’t have a torch, you can place it under the broiler for a few minutes, but watch it closely to prevent burning.

7. Let Rest: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after caramelizing.

8. Slice and Plate: Cut individual servings and plate them beautifully.