Brown Sugar Brioche Toast with Brie, Lavender, and Honey Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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