Creating Crème Brûlée French Toast can be simple if you follow these easy steps:

1. Prepare the Bread: Slice the challah or brioche into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices in a greased baking dish.

2. Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, 1 cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

3. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the bread slices evenly. Ensure every slice is generously soaked. If desired, gently press the bread down to absorb more of the mixture.

4. Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or let it sit overnight for best results.

5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

6. Bake the French Toast: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and uncover it. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and a little crispy.

7. Caramelize the Sugar: Once the French toast is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar evenly over the top, then use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy crust. Alternatively, you can broil it in the oven for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

8. Cool: Allow the sugar to cool and harden for a few minutes before slicing.