Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish that combines rich, caramelized flavors with a soft, custardy texture.
Preparing it the night before allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the caramel layer gives it a crispy, brûlée-like finish when baked.
Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent breakfast treat that combines the rich flavors of classic crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast.This make-ahead dish starts with a buttery caramel base layered with thick slices of bread soaked in a sweet custard mixture of eggs, cream, sugar, and vanilla. After resting overnight, the French toast is baked to golden perfection, with a crisp, caramelized top and a soft, custardy center.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread or brioche
- 6 large eggs
- 11/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon corn syrup
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Caramel Base: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Assemble the French Toast: Slice the bread into thick slices (about 1 inch). Arrange the bread slices on top of the caramel base in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each slice is well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours).
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes or until golden and set.
- Add the Brûlée Topping: Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top of the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden crust. Alternative: If you don’t have a torch, place the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the sugar melts and browns (watch closely!).
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes to allow the caramel to set. Slice and serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or fresh berries if desired.
Notes
Why You’ll Love Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the perfect combination of indulgence and convenience. This decadent dish combines the rich flavors of a classic crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast — and the best part is, you can prepare it the night before! The custard-soaked bread develops a crispy, caramelized top when baked, creating that signature crème brûlée crunch with every bite. What sets this recipe apart is the simplicity of preparation. You just whisk together eggs, cream, sugar, and vanilla, pour it over thick slices of bread, and let it soak overnight. By morning, the bread is perfectly infused with flavor and ready to bake. As it bakes, the sugar topping melts into a crisp, golden layer that cracks beautifully under a spoon — just like a classic crème brûlée. This dish is ideal for holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, or any special occasion. It serves a crowd effortlessly and delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort. Plus, you can customize it with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness. The creamy custard, rich caramel notes, and crispy topping make it an unforgettable breakfast treat.Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast: Tips and Serving Tricks
Here’s how to elevate your Crème Brûlée French Toast to perfection, along with some pro tips and serving tricks to impress your guests.Tips for Making the Best Crème Brûlée French Toast
1. Use the Right Bread
- The choice of bread is crucial for texture and flavor.
- Best options: Brioche, challah, or French bread—these absorb the custard well without becoming soggy.
- Slice the bread into 1-inch thick pieces for the perfect balance of softness and structure.
2. Let It Soak Overnight
- For a rich and creamy texture, allow the bread to soak in the custard overnight (at least 8 hours).
- Place the bread slices in a single layer to ensure even soaking.
- Flip the bread halfway through the soaking process if needed to evenly distribute the custard.
3. Make a Caramel Base
- The caramel layer at the bottom gives the dish its signature brûlée flavor.
- Melt butter and brown sugar together, then pour it into the baking dish before adding the bread.
- As it bakes, the caramel melts and creates a rich, sticky, and sweet layer.
4. Bake It Covered, Then Uncover
- Bake covered with foil for the first 30 minutes to allow the custard to set without burning the top.
- Uncover for the last 15 minutes to create a golden-brown, crispy top.
- For extra caramelization, sprinkle granulated sugar over the top and broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
5. Avoid a Soggy Bottom
- To prevent a soggy texture, use day-old or slightly stale bread.
- If the custard seems too wet after baking, return it to the oven (uncovered) for an additional 5–10 minutes.
Serving Tricks
1. Serve with Toppings
Elevate the dish with a variety of toppings to balance the sweetness:- Fresh berries – Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries add a tart contrast.
- Whipped cream – Lightens up the richness of the dish.
- Powdered sugar – A light dusting gives it a classic French toast presentation.
- Maple syrup or honey – For added sweetness and shine.
- Toasted nuts – Almonds, pecans, or walnuts give a crunchy texture.
2. Slice and Serve Smartly
- Let the French toast sit for 5 minutes after baking to allow the caramel layer to firm up.
- Use a sharp knife to cut clean squares or triangles.
- Serve directly from the baking dish to preserve the caramelized edges.
3. Add a Drizzle of Sauce
- A drizzle of salted caramel or vanilla sauce makes the dish even more indulgent.
- For a fresher take, serve with a side of fruit compote or lemon curd.
4. Make It Ahead and Freeze
- Prepare the French toast up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
- To freeze, bake it fully, let it cool, and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Pro Tip:
For a more complex flavor, add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of orange zest to the custard. A touch of Grand Marnier or bourbon in the custard also enhances the rich, caramelized taste.Key Highlights:
High in fat due to butter, cream, and eggs.Moderate protein from eggs and milk.
High sugar content from caramelized topping and added sugar.
High carbohydrate content due to bread and sugar. Crème Brûlée French Toast is rich, luxurious, and surprisingly simple to make. With these tips and tricks, you’ll achieve a perfectly crispy, creamy, and flavorful dish every time.
