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Imagine waking up to the sweet scent of caramelized sugar and rich custard mingling in the air. That’s the magic of Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast — a dessert-like breakfast that transforms the classic French toast into something truly indulgent and special. I first came across this recipe while searching for a make-ahead brunch idea that would wow my guests, and boy, did it deliver! With its creamy custard base and a glorious crispy sugar topping, each bite feels like a little celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is perfect for anyone looking to make a delicious breakfast or brunch without spending the entire morning in the kitchen. Think of it as a festive centerpiece for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to lazy Sunday mornings. This recipe is not just quick and budget-friendly; it’s also a crowd-pleaser that even kids can’t resist!
"I made this for my family brunch last weekend, and it was a hit! The custard soaked right into the bread, and that caramelized sugar on top was to die for!" – Happy Chef
Preparing Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You’ll be layering slices of French bread in a baking dish, soaking them in a creamy custard overnight, and baking them to perfection the next morning. By the time you’re ready to serve, the only thing left to do is caramelize the top for that signature crunchy finish.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients for an irresistible breakfast:
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Maple syrup, for serving
This recipe is flexible too! If you don’t have half-and-half, full-fat milk will work, or you can even try almond milk for a dairy-free option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the French bread slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Gently press down to help the bread soak up the custard.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning.
- Remove the dish from the refrigerator, discard the plastic wrap, dot the top with butter, and sprinkle extra sugar over everything.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the dish is puffed and golden brown.
- Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly, then sprinkle a layer of sugar on top. Caramelize the sugar using a kitchen torch or under the broiler until golden and crisp.
- Drizzle with warm maple syrup and serve.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serving this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast could not be more satisfying! Pair it with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor, or serve it alongside crispy bacon for a savory contrast. A dusting of powdered sugar or a side of whipped cream elevates the dish even further. Don’t forget the warm maple syrup — it’s a must!
How to Store and Reheat
If you find yourself with leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop them back into the oven to restore that crispy topping. Simply warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To make this dish even better, consider letting the custard soak into the bread for a full 24 hours if you can. It enhances the flavors and ensures the bread absorbs every drop of goodness. Using day-old bread works best, as it will hold up better against the custard mixture.
Recipe Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun twists you can try:
- Add chocolate chips or fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries for extra flavor.
- Swap out the spices for a pumpkin spice blend in the autumn.
- For a hint of citrus, add some orange or lemon zest to the custard mixture.
FAQs
What’s the prep time for this recipe?
The prep time is around 15 minutes, plus overnight refrigeration for the bread to soak.
Can I freeze the baked French toast?
Yes! You can freeze leftovers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I use instead of granulated sugar for topping?
You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option.
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is bound to become a regular feature in your breakfast repertoire. Enjoy the indulgence without the morning stress; all it takes is a little planning ahead!
Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
A decadent twist on classic French toast, this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast features a creamy custard base and a crunchy caramelized sugar topping, perfect for impressing guests at brunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 855 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the French bread slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Gently press down to help the bread soak up the custard.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning.
- Remove the dish from the refrigerator, discard the plastic wrap, dot the top with butter, and sprinkle extra sugar over everything.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the dish is puffed and golden brown.
- Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly, then sprinkle a layer of sugar on top. Caramelize the sugar using a kitchen torch or under the broiler until golden and crisp.
- Drizzle with warm maple syrup and serve.
Notes
For best results, use day-old bread to help it absorb the custard. You can also let it soak for a full 24 hours for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 120mg