Hello, Kitchies!
Imagine waking up to the scent of caramelized sugar, custardy bread, and the faint hint of vanilla wafting through your home. This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast transforms breakfast into a gourmet delight with minimal effort. It’s the perfect recipe for slow mornings, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to treat yourself to something special.
I first made this for a family brunch, wanting to surprise everyone with a touch of elegance without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? The preparation happens the night before, so you can sleep in while the oven does all the work! With a crackly caramel topping and soft, custardy bread beneath, this dish is a showstopper that tastes just as fancy as it sounds.
Whether paired with fresh berries, whipped cream, or enjoyed on its own, this French toast will have everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe!
Why This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a Must-Try
- Effortless Elegance: Prep the night before and bake in the morning.
- Rich and Indulgent: A decadent blend of caramel, custard, and buttery bread.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holidays, brunches, or treating yourself.
Cuisine
French-Inspired Breakfast
Tips for Success
- Use stale or day-old bread for the best texture—it absorbs the custard more effectively.
- Don’t skip the overnight step! It ensures the bread is fully infused with the custard.
- If you don’t have a broiler, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar topping.
Substitutions and Variations
- Substitute brioche with French bread or sourdough for a slightly different flavor.
- Add a splash of orange zest or almond extract to the custard for extra depth.
- Top with chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, for added crunch.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use reduced-fat milk and cream to lighten up the custard.
- Replace sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Opt for whole-grain bread to add fiber.
Categories
Breakfast, Brunch, Holiday Recipes
Tags
French Toast, Crème Brûlée, Overnight Recipe, Brunch Idea
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Yes! Brioche, challah, sourdough, or even croissants work beautifully.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: It’s not ideal to freeze as the custard may separate, but you can freeze baked portions if needed.
Q: Can I skip the caramel topping?
A: The caramel layer is essential for the crème brûlée effect, but you can omit it for a simpler French toast.
Q: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Substitute butter with coconut oil, milk with almond or oat milk, and heavy cream with coconut cream.
Q: Can I prepare this the same day?
A: While overnight soaking gives the best results, you can soak the bread for at least 2-3 hours if you’re short on time.
And there you have it—Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, a breakfast that combines elegance and comfort in every bite. Whether it’s a holiday morning or a special treat, this dish promises to wow everyone at the table. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us! 🍞✨
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Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Description
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast transforms breakfast into a gourmet delight with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Caramel Layer
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup
For the French Toast
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced thickly
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For Topping
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for caramelized topping)
- Optional: Fresh berries, whipped cream, or maple syrup
Instructions
Make the Caramel Base
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until smooth and bubbling.
- Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
2. Arrange the Bread
- Place the slices of brioche or challah in the baking dish on top of the caramel layer, slightly overlapping.
3. Prepare the Custard
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring they are well-soaked.
4. Chill Overnight
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
5. Bake the French Toast
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden and puffed.
6. Add the Crème Brûlée Topping
- Sprinkle granulated sugar over the baked French toast and broil for 1-2 minutes until the sugar caramelizes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the French toast cool slightly before serving. Serve with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
