Caramelized Honey Butter Toast (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Toast Ingredients

01 - 2 thick slices brioche bread
02 - 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
03 - 3 tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature
04 - 1½ tablespoons honey
05 - 1 pinch kosher salt
06 - 1 pinch cinnamon (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Warm up your oven to 350°F. Take a baking sheet or oven-safe frying pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent the caramel from sticking.
02 - If your brioche isn't already sliced, cut it into thick slices - about an inch works perfectly. Then trim off those crusts to create neat squares of soft, pillowy bread.
03 - In a small bowl, mix together your softened butter and brown sugar until they're well combined and no sugar lumps remain. Now drizzle in the honey, add a tiny pinch of salt, and the cinnamon if you're using it. Stir everything together until you've got a smooth, spreadable sweet mixture.
04 - Grab a butter knife or offset spatula and generously spread your honey butter mixture on both sides of each piece of bread. Make sure you coat it evenly right to the edges - this is what creates that gorgeous caramelization we're after.
05 - Place your prepared bread slices on the parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Let them bake for about 14-16 minutes, then carefully flip each piece and continue baking for another 4-5 minutes. You want both sides to develop a beautiful golden-brown color. Keep an eye on them toward the end - sugar can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt in seconds!
06 - Once they're done, transfer your caramelized toast to a cooling rack and let them rest for about 10 minutes. I know it's tempting to dive right in, but this cooling time is crucial - it allows the caramelized exterior to set properly and prevents burning your mouth on molten sugar.

# Notes:

01 - You can easily double or triple this recipe if you're feeding more people or just want leftovers for tomorrow's breakfast.
02 - For an extra special treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream while the toast is still slightly warm.
03 - If you don't have brioche on hand, other enriched breads like challah or Japanese milk bread work beautifully too.
04 - The caramelized toast will keep in an airtight container for a day or two, though it's definitely best enjoyed fresh. You can reheat it briefly in a warm oven to restore some crispiness.