01 -
Slice brioche or challah into thick pieces and arrange in a greased baking dish.
02 -
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
03 -
Pour custard evenly over the bread slices, gently pressing to ensure full absorption. Cover the dish and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or overnight for superior texture.
04 -
Preheat oven to 175°C.
05 -
Remove dish from refrigerator and bake for 25-30 minutes until the surface is golden and custard is set. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a crisper top.
06 -
Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar atop the baked toast and use a kitchen torch to caramelize, or broil for 1-2 minutes under close supervision until a crisp brûlée forms.
07 -
Allow to cool briefly. Garnish with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and maple syrup as desired.