Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a luxurious and indulgent breakfast treat, perfect for leisurely mornings or special occasions.
Combining the rich flavors of a classic crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast, this dish is both decadent and satisfying.
Preparing it the night before allows the bread to soak in a delicious custard mixture, ensuring each bite is rich and velvety.
Ingredients
1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch slices
6 large eggs
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon corn syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional granulated sugar, for brûlée topping
Instructions
Start by preparing the French bread. Slice the loaf into 1-inch thick slices, and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
It’s best to use day-old French bread as it soaks up the custard mixture better. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
Pour this mixture evenly over the slices of bread in the baking dish, making sure every slice is well-coated.
Press down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight.
In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the cinnamon-sugar topping.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, and cinnamon, mixing until smooth. Once the bread has had time to soak overnight.
pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the soaked bread, making sure to cover the surface evenly.
Bake the French toast for about 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
During baking, the sugar topping will caramelize and form a brûlée-like crust, adding an extra layer of texture to the dish.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Before serving, sprinkle the top with additional granulated sugar, and if you want a more pronounced brûlée effect.
you can use a kitchen torch to lightly caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust. Serve your crème brûlée French toast warm, topped with fresh fruit, syrup, or whipped cream if desired.
How to Make
Making Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is simple, especially when prepared ahead of time. Start by slicing the bread and arranging it in the baking dish.
Whisk together the custard ingredients, pour over the bread, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, all that’s left to do is make the topping and bake.
This dish requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free breakfast or brunch experience.
The key to this recipe is allowing the bread to soak overnight, which gives it time to absorb all the delicious flavors. The custard soaks into every slice.
turning the bread into a soft, pillowy treat. The cinnamon-brown sugar topping adds a delightful caramelized finish, making it feel like a gourmet dish.
For best results, use thick-cut French bread, as it holds up well in the custard mixture. Fresh bread will soak up the liquid too quickly.
while slightly stale bread works better to create the desired texture. Also, be sure to refrigerate the dish overnight to ensure it has enough time to properly absorb the custard.
If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to let it sit overnight, you can let the dish soak for at least an hour before baking, though the texture won’t be quite the same as when it sits overnight.
This recipe is very versatile, allowing you to customize the toppings with fruit, nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a bit of extra sweetness.
Tips
To ensure a perfectly caramelized brûlée topping, make sure you sprinkle an even layer of sugar over the top before baking. You can also use a torch to finish off the brûlée.
effect after baking, which adds a fun and interactive element to the dish. If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the amount of granulated sugar you use for the brûlée.
For an extra decadent version, try adding a layer of cream cheese or mascarpone between the bread slices before pouring over the custard.
This will add a creamy richness that complements the eggs and cream. You can also experiment with different flavorings, such as adding a bit of orange zest or cinnamon to the custard for a twist.
If you want to prepare a larger batch, this recipe can easily be doubled and baked in a larger dish. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
as a larger dish may take a few extra minutes in the oven. For a more indulgent touch, top the finished French toast with some whipped cream or fresh berries for an added layer of flavor.
Be mindful when choosing your bread for this recipe. A firm, slightly stale loaf of French bread or baguette works best.
as it soaks up the custard without falling apart. Avoid soft or overly fresh bread, which can become soggy.
To add an extra layer of richness, you can drizzle a little extra syrup over the top before serving, or even add a sprinkle of toasted.
coconut or chopped nuts for added texture. For a festive touch, try using a flavored syrup like maple-vanilla or cinnamon.
You can also make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free bread substitute. While the texture might be slightly different.
it will still provide a delicious result. Experimenting with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom can also add unique flavors.
Finally, don’t forget that this dish can be made ahead of time for stress-free mornings. You can prepare it the night before, bake it fresh in the morning, and have a decadent breakfast ready to enjoy in no time.
Conclusion
Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a delightful way to enjoy a rich, indulgent breakfast without a lot of hassle.
With a bit of prep the night before, you can wake up to a warm, comforting dish that combines the best of French toast and crème brûlée.
Whether you serve it for a special occasion or as a treat for yourself, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—feel free to experiment with toppings, flavorings, and even the type of bread you use. No matter how you make it, this French toast will be a crowd-pleaser every time.