Indulge in a decadent breakfast or brunch with this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, a perfect combination of custardy French toast topped with a crispy, caramelized sugar layer for that signature crème brûlée flair. It’s an easy, make-ahead dish that will impress guests or be the highlight of your weekend mornings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it the night before and just pop it in the oven the next morning for an effortless yet impressive breakfast.
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Decadent and Indulgent: The custard-soaked French bread and caramelized sugar topping offer a rich, dessert-like breakfast experience.
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Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The subtle spices of cinnamon and nutmeg paired with vanilla and a touch of maple syrup create a warming, comforting dish.
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Impressive Yet Easy: With minimal prep time and a few simple ingredients, you’ll be able to create a sophisticated breakfast or brunch with ease.
Ingredients
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1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick
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5 large eggs
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1 cup half-and-half
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1 cup whole milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
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1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
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Maple syrup, for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the French bread slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary.
2. Make the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well-combined.
3. Soak the Bread:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring every slice is thoroughly coated. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press the bread into the custard, ensuring each slice absorbs the mixture.
4. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the custard mixture.
5. Bake the French Toast:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Dot the bread with small pieces of butter and sprinkle a light layer of sugar over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed and golden.
6. Caramelize the Sugar Topping:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top of the bread. Use a kitchen torch or the broiler setting on your oven to caramelize the sugar until it is golden and crisp.
7. Serve:
Allow the French toast to cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy!
Notes
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Flavor Variation: For a deeper flavor, substitute brown sugar for some or all of the granulated sugar in the custard.
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Leftovers: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven.
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Toppings: Customize with fresh fruit like berries, banana slices, or a dollop of whipped cream when serving.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
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Servings: 6-8 servings
Variations
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Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and a vegan butter substitute. You can use a flax egg or egg replacement for the eggs.
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Add Fruit: Add fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or bananas, either in the custard mixture or as a topping before baking.
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Spicy Option: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1 minute.
FAQs
Can I make this in a smaller dish?
Yes, you can adjust the recipe for a smaller dish. Just scale down the ingredients accordingly. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time based on the size of your dish.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers before or after baking. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I use regular bread instead of French bread?
French bread works best for its dense and airy texture, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with any hearty bread, such as challah or brioche.
Can I make this recipe without the caramelized sugar topping?
Yes, the French toast will still be delicious without the caramelized sugar topping. You can just serve it with syrup or fresh fruit.
Conclusion
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the perfect indulgent treat for any special occasion or when you’re craving something rich and comforting. With its custardy base, crispy caramelized top, and a touch of maple syrup, this dish will make any morning feel like a celebration. Prep it the night before, bake it in the morning, and enjoy a delicious breakfast with minimal effort!
Print
Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Description
Indulge in this rich and custardy overnight French toast, finished with a caramelized sugar topping that gives it a crème brûlée flair. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or brunch!
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 well-combined.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring every slice is thoroughly coated. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press the bread into 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). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Dot the bread with small pieces of butter and sprinkle a light layer of sugar over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed and golden.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top of the bread. Use a kitchen torch or the broiler setting on your oven to caramelize the sugar until it is golden and crisp.
Allow the French toast to cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy!
Notes
For a deeper flavor, substitute brown sugar for some or all of the granulated sugar in the custard.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
Customize the dish with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream when serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
