This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is an indulgent breakfast or brunch dish that combines the rich, creamy flavors of crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast. The best part? It’s assembled the night before, so all you need to do is pop it in the oven in the morning and enjoy the delicious, golden results. Perfect for lazy weekends, holidays, or special occasions!
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf French bread (day-old or slightly stale works best)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 tablespoon butter (cut into small pieces)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for brûlée effect)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread:
- Slice the loaf of French bread into thick slices, about 1-1.5 inches wide. Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, slightly overlapping them if needed.
2. Make the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure each piece is soaked. Use a spoon to gently press the bread down into the custard to help it soak in.
3. Cover and Refrigerate:
- Once the bread is soaked in the custard, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard and results in a richer flavor.
4. Bake the French Toast:
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the baking dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Dot the top of the soaked bread with small pieces of butter.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown on top and cooked through in the center.
5. Create the Crème Brûlée Effect:
- Once baked, remove the French toast from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top of the French toast. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden, crisp layer. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can also place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
6. Serve:
- Slice the French toast into portions and serve immediately.
- Optionally, top with fresh berries, whipped cream, syrup, or powdered sugar.
Tips for Success
- Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better and results in a richer French toast. If your bread is fresh, you can leave it out for a few hours to dry out a bit.
- Make Ahead: This is an overnight recipe, so make sure to assemble it the night before for a quick, hassle-free breakfast in the morning.
- Add Flavor: Feel free to mix in some orange zest or a splash of maple syrup to the custard for added flavor.
- Topping Ideas: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra warmth and spice, or drizzle with chocolate sauce for a decadent twist!
Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the ultimate breakfast indulgence, with its crispy, caramelized sugar topping and custardy interior. It’s perfect for brunch with friends and family or a special treat to start the day!