Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is rich, caramelized, and irresistibly decadent! Soaked in a creamy custard and baked to golden perfection, it’s the ultimate breakfast indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Convenience – Prep it the night before for an easy morning meal.
- Caramelized Perfection – A rich, buttery caramel base and crispy brûlée topping.
- Soft and Custardy – French bread soaks up the creamy custard for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Great for Special Occasions – Perfect for brunch gatherings, holidays, or indulgent mornings.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor – A gourmet breakfast with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Caramelized Topping:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for brûlée topping)
Directions
1. Prepare the Caramelized Base
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup.
- Pour the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Assemble the French Toast
- Arrange the sliced French bread over the caramel layer in a single layer.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing lightly so it absorbs the liquid.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours).
3. Bake the French Toast
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
4. Create the Brûlée Topping
- Sprinkle the top with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp, or place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes (watch closely to prevent burning).
5. Serve
- Let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 6+ hours
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 55 minutes
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Variations
- Bourbon Infusion – Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the custard for a rich flavor.
- Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist – Add chocolate chips between the bread layers.
- Citrus Zest – Mix in orange or lemon zest for a fresh, bright flavor.
- Coconut Delight – Use coconut milk instead of half-and-half and top with toasted coconut flakes.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! Brioche, challah, or Texas toast work well for a richer texture.
Do I have to let it soak overnight?
Overnight soaking enhances the flavor, but a minimum of 3 hours can work in a pinch.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch for the brûlée topping?
Use the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use almond milk or coconut milk and a dairy-free butter substitute.
What’s the best way to prevent sogginess?
Use slightly stale bread so it holds its shape better after soaking.
Can I add fruit to this recipe?
Absolutely! Layer in sliced bananas, berries, or sautéed apples before baking.
Can I make this in muffin tins?
Yes! Divide the mixture into greased muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Is this similar to bread pudding?
Yes, it has a similar custard base, but with a brûlée twist and crispy topping.
Can I make this without sugar on top?
Yes! The caramelized base provides enough sweetness, but the brûlée topping adds texture.
What’s the best syrup to serve with this?
Maple syrup is classic, but caramel sauce or a berry compote pairs beautifully.
Conclusion
Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is an elegant, make-ahead breakfast that turns any morning into a special occasion. With its rich caramelized base, custard-soaked bread, and crisp brûlée topping, this dish is sure to impress. Whether served for brunch, holidays, or a weekend treat, it’s a must-try recipe that’s both indulgent and effortless!
Print
Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A decadent overnight French toast with rich caramelized sugar, creamy custard-soaked bread, and a crispy brûlée topping. Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts and special occasions!
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Caramelized Topping:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for brûlée topping)
Instructions
Prepare the Caramelized Base:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup.
- Pour the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Assemble the French Toast:
- Arrange the sliced French bread over the caramel layer in a single layer.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing lightly so it absorbs the liquid.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours).
Bake the French Toast:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Create the Brûlée Topping:
- Sprinkle the top with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp, or place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes (watch closely to prevent burning).
Serve:
- Let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream.
Notes
- Bread Choice: French bread works best, but brioche or challah will add extra richness.
- Custard Absorption: For extra softness, let the bread soak for at least 8 hours.
- Torch Alternative: If you don’t have a torch, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American