Name: Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast – A Decadent Breakfast You’ll Love
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-483887H13M54S
Total time: 8 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf (about 16 ounces) French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch slices; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; ¾ cup packed light or dark brown sugar; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or corn syrup); 5 large eggs; 1 cup half-and-half; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); Powdered sugar, for dusting; Fresh berries or whipped cream, for serving

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If you’re looking to elevate your weekend breakfast or brunch game, look no further than Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast. Imagine all the goodness of crème brûlée combined with the warmth of French toast—a rich, custardy center with a caramelized sugar topping, and soft, fluffy bread. The best part? It’s made the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is bake it! This is the breakfast of your dreams, and it’s so easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Magic: Prep it the night before and bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
Indulgent Yet Simple: It tastes like a fancy brunch dish, but it’s surprisingly easy to put together.
Crispy, Creamy, and Sweet: You get the crispy edges, the creamy custard, and the sweetness of a brûlée-style topping.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday morning or a lazy weekend, this is the perfect way to treat yourself (and others).

Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need (full ingredient list below):

Thick-cut bread (like brioche or challah)
Eggs, heavy cream, and milk for the rich custard
Brown sugar and vanilla extract for flavor
A pinch of salt and cinnamon to add depth
Granulated sugar for that perfect caramelized top

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cut the bread into thick slices (about 1-inch) and arrange them in a greased baking dish. You want the bread to fit snugly, but if there’s a little overlap, that’s totally fine.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Make sure everything is well combined—this custard is what will soak into the bread and give it that dreamy texture.

Step 3: Pour the Custard Over the Bread

Pour the custard mixture over the bread slices, making sure to coat every piece. Gently press the bread down so it soaks up the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 4 hours).

Step 4: Bake the French Toast

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the French toast for about 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the custard is set.

Step 5: Add the Crème Brûlée Topping

Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar (or broil it in the oven for a couple of minutes). This creates that signature crème brûlée crunch!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast warm, topped with fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of maple syrup.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use Stale Bread: If you can, use slightly stale bread. It will absorb the custard better and give you a firmer texture.
Make It Extra Fancy: Add a handful of chocolate chips, or fresh fruit like raspberries, inside the bread before pouring over the custard.
No Kitchen Torch?: If you don’t have a kitchen torch, simply place the French toast under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the sugar is golden and bubbly.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Nutty Twist: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking for a bit of crunch.
Vegan Version: Swap the eggs for a flax egg and use coconut milk and vegan butter instead of dairy.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for an autumn twist.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This dish is indulgent enough to stand on its own, but you can serve it with a side of crispy bacon, sausage, or fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a mimosa pairs perfectly for a brunch gathering!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave, but the crispy top is best with oven reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! Brioche or challah are the best choices for their soft, rich texture, but you can also use sourdough, French bread, or any sturdy bread.

2. Can I freeze this?
Yes! After baking, let it cool completely and then wrap it tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and bake as usual.

3. Can I skip the brûlée topping?
You can, but it adds such a fun and delicious crunch. If you prefer, just sprinkle powdered sugar on top instead!

4. How can I make this a more dessert-like option?
For a more decadent treat, add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel over the top, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is everything you could want in a breakfast: easy, indulgent, and absolutely delicious. It’s the perfect way to spoil yourself (or a crowd) with minimal effort. Make it for a special occasion or whenever you need a little luxury to start your day. Enjoy!

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast – A Decadent Breakfast You’ll Love

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The Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent breakfast that combines the rich, custardy flavors of crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast. This make-ahead dish is perfect for special occasions or leisurely weekends, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet breakfast with minimal morning effort.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes (including refrigeration)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Caramelized Base:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the brown sugar and maple syrup, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour this caramelized mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Arrange the Bread:
- Place the bread slices in a single layer over the caramelized mixture, slightly overlapping if necessary.
Prepare the Custard:
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if using) until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
Refrigerate:
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully.
Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Serve:
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with fresh berries or whipped cream.

Notes

Bread Selection: Using day-old or slightly stale bread helps prevent the French toast from becoming too soggy.
Make-Ahead: This dish is ideal for preparing the night before, making it perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Variations: Add a handful of chocolate chips or sliced bananas between the bread layers for added flavor.