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

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

  • 3 thick slices of brioche (approximately 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