Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

Introduction

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a luxurious twist on a breakfast classic. This custardy, rich dish soaks French bread overnight, then bakes to golden perfection with a caramelized sugar topping. It’s perfect for a special morning treat that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread (sliced into 1-inch thick pieces)
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for the topping)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (scattered on top before baking)
• Maple syrup (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the sliced French bread in a single layer inside the dish.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, ensuring all the pieces are thoroughly soaked.
4. Step 4: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb all the flavors fully.
5. Step 5: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and remove the dish from the refrigerator.
6. Step 6: Scatter the unsalted butter pieces over the soaked bread and sprinkle a little extra granulated sugar on top.
7. Step 7: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed up and golden brown on top.
8. Step 8: For a caramelized finishing touch, sprinkle additional sugar over the top and broil for a few minutes until the sugar melts and forms a golden crust. Watch closely to prevent burning.
9. Step 9: Serve warm with maple syrup on the side for drizzling.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old French bread for best texture—it soaks up the custard without becoming too soggy.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute half-and-half and whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk.
• Add fresh berries or sliced bananas before baking for added fruitiness.
• If you don’t have a broiler, you can sprinkle the sugar on top before baking and it will create a slightly crunchy topping, though not caramelized.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The caramelized sugar topping may lose its crispness but the flavor remains delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, brioche or challah work wonderfully as well due to their rich texture, but avoid very soft or thin breads that may become too mushy.

How long can I soak the bread overnight?

It’s best to soak the bread for at least 6 hours and up to 24 hours. Longer soaking ensures the custard flavor is fully absorbed, but more than 24 hours may cause the bread to become overly soggy.

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 105 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: Overnight soak plus 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe transforms classic French toast into a decadent custard-soaked breakfast treat. Slices of French bread are soaked overnight in a creamy mixture of eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, vanilla, and warm spices before being baked to golden perfection. A finishing touch of caramelized sugar on top mimics the classic crème brûlée texture, providing a delightful contrast of crispy and creamy. Serve warm with maple syrup for an indulgent morning meal.

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Ingredients

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French Toast Base

• 1 loaf French bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces

Custard Mixture

• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Topping

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, scattered on top before baking
• Additional granulated sugar for topping and caramelizing
• Maple syrup, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the sliced French bread pieces in a single layer inside the dish.
2. Make the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until smooth and well combined.
3. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices in the prepared baking dish, ensuring all pieces are well soaked.
4. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard and flavors thoroughly.
5. Preheat the Oven: The next morning, remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Add Butter and Sugar: Scatter pieces of unsalted butter over the soaked bread, then sprinkle a little extra granulated sugar evenly on top to prepare for caramelization.
7. Bake the French Toast: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bread is puffed up, set, and golden brown on the edges.
8. Caramelize the Sugar: For a classic crème brûlée finish, sprinkle additional granulated sugar on top of the baked French toast and place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully until the sugar melts and caramelizes to a crisp, golden crust.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with maple syrup on the side for drizzling.

Notes

• Use a sturdy French bread or baguette for best results; day-old bread works well to absorb custard without becoming too soggy.
• To avoid over-browning, keep a close eye on the dish while broiling the sugar topping.
• For a richer flavor, substitute half-and-half with heavy cream.
• Can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead by soaking overnight; just broil and serve fresh on the day of serving.
• Ensure the bread slices fit snugly in the baking dish to prevent the custard from pooling too much.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Keywords: Crème brûlée French toast, overnight French toast, baked custard French toast, breakfast casserole, sweet breakfast recipes