Brown Sugar Brioche Toast with Brie, Lavender, and Honey Recipe

Introduction

Brown Sugar Brioche Toast is a decadent treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of brioche with the sweet notes of brown sugar and honey. Topped with creamy whipped brie and cream cheese, and accented with fragrant lavender and flaky salt, this recipe transforms simple toast into a gourmet delight.

Ingredients

• 3 thick slices of brioche (about 2½ inches thick)
• 7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• Pinch of salt
• 5 tbsp brown sugar
• 2½ tbsp honey, plus more for topping
• 5 oz brie, rind removed
• 1 oz cream cheese
• Lavender flowers, to taste
• Flaky salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 380°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Cut off the edges of the brioche slices and then cut each slice into 2 rectangles. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Step 3: Bake the brioche rectangles at 380°F for 2 minutes, then flip and bake for another 2 minutes to dry them slightly.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, honey, a pinch of salt, and brown sugar until well combined.
5. Step 5: Spread a thin layer of the butter mixture on every side of each brioche piece, including the edges.
6. Step 6: Bake the buttered brioche for 8 to 11 minutes on the first side, checking at 8 minutes. Flip and bake for an additional 6 to 7 minutes until deeply golden but not burnt.
7. Step 7: Remove the toast from the oven and let it cool on a rack for 20 minutes.
8. Step 8: Whip the brie and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
9. Step 9: Pipe or spread the cheese mixture onto the cooled toast. Drizzle with extra honey, sprinkle lavender flowers, and finish with flaky salt to taste.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old brioche for better toasting and texture.
• Swap lavender flowers for fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herbal note.
• For a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and brie/cream cheese with vegan cheese spreads.
• Add a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top for extra crunch.

Storage

Store any leftover toast in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to maintain crispness. Keep the whipped cheese mixture refrigerated separately for up to 2 days. Reheat toast briefly in a low oven or toaster, then add fresh cheese topping before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of brioche?

While brioche offers a rich and tender crumb ideal for this recipe, you can use thick slices of other soft breads like challah or white sandwich bread. However, the flavor and texture will be less decadent.

How do I remove the rind from brie easily?

Use a sharp knife to carefully trim around the edges of each brie wedge. The rind is edible but removing it results in a smoother whipped cheese texture and a milder flavor.

Brown Sugar Brioche Toast with Brie, Lavender, and Honey Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 124 reviews

This Brown Sugar Brioche Toast recipe transforms thick, buttery brioche slices into a sweet and savory treat. With a crispy, caramelized exterior from brown sugar and honey butter, paired with a creamy whipped brie and cream cheese topping, finished with delicate lavender flowers and a sprinkle of flaky salt, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for a decadent brunch or a special breakfast treat.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 19 minutes
• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread

• 3 thick slices of brioche (approximately 2½ inches thick each, hand cut)

Butter Mixture

• 7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 5 tbsp brown sugar
• 2½ tbsp honey + extra for topping
• Pinch of salt

Cheese Topping

• 5 oz brie, rind removed
• 1 oz cream cheese

Garnish

• Lavender flowers (to taste)
• Flaky salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 380°F (193°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Dry Out the Brioche Slices: Trim the edges off each brioche slice and cut each slice into two rectangles. Place these on the prepared baking sheet and bake at 380°F for 2 minutes. Flip the pieces and bake for an additional 2 minutes. This step slightly dries out the bread to prevent sogginess and enhance crispiness after butter application.
3. Make Brown Sugar Butter: In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
4. Butter the Brioche: Spread a thin layer of the brown sugar butter mixture over every side of the brioche rectangles, making sure to cover the cut edges as well to infuse flavor throughout.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Return the buttered brioche pieces to the oven and bake at 380°F for 8 to 11 minutes. Check at 8 minutes to avoid burning. Flip them over and bake for another 6 to 7 minutes until deeply golden brown and caramelized.
6. Cool on a Rack: Remove the brioche to a cooling rack and allow them to cool for 20 minutes, which helps set the texture and prevents sogginess.
7. Prepare the Cheese Topping: Whip the rindless brie and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy, creating a creamy topping that complements the sweet toast.
8. Assemble and Garnish: Pipe or spread the whipped cheese mixture generously onto the cooled brioche toasts. Drizzle additional honey over the top, sprinkle with dried lavender flowers for a floral note, and finish with a pinch of flaky salt to balance the sweetness.

Notes

• Using thick slices of brioche is essential for preventing the toast from becoming too soggy.
• Removing the rind from the brie ensures a smoother texture in the cheese topping.
• The initial brief bake dries out the bread to help create a crispier final product.
• Keep a close eye during the second baking to avoid burning the butter and sugar mixture.
• The combination of sweet honey, savory flaky salt, and floral lavender creates a complex flavor profile.
• This toast is best enjoyed shortly after assembly but can be stored for a few hours at room temperature if needed.

Keywords: brown sugar brioche toast, sweet brioche toast, brie cheese toast, honey butter toast, lavender toast, sweet and savory breakfast, caramelized brioche