Creating Crème Brûlée French Toast may sound complex, but following these simple steps will lead to a decadent breakfast:

1. Prepare the Bread: Slice the brioche or challah bread into thick pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches, and place them in a greased baking dish.
2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and ground cinnamon until completely combined.
3. Combine: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is soaked thoroughly.
4. Cover and Rest: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and let it sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature. For best results, refrigerate overnight for a deeper flavor.
5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the bread is soaking.
6. Bake: Remove the plastic wrap and bake the French toast for 25-30 minutes until it is puffed and golden brown.
7. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and a pinch of salt. Once the French toast comes out of the oven, sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly on top.
8. Caramelize the Sugar: Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the brown sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place it under the broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
9. Rest and Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes, cut it into serving sizes, and serve warm.

These straightforward steps will guide you in creating this incredible dish, ensuring your breakfast will be a memorable one!