How to Make Amazing Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent breakfast dish that combines the rich flavors of caramelized sugar, buttery bread, and a creamy custard base. Prepared the night before and baked to perfection in the morning, this recipe is perfect for holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, or a special weekend treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Convenience – Prep everything the night before for a stress-free morning.
• Rich and Decadent Flavor – The caramelized sugar topping creates a crème brûlée-like finish.
• Perfect for Brunch – A crowd-pleasing dish that looks and tastes impressive.
• Soft and Custardy Texture – Soaks overnight for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons white corn syrup

For the French Toast:

• 1 loaf French bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Prepare the Caramel Layer:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until smooth and combined.
3. Pour the caramel mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.

Assemble the French Toast:

4. Arrange the sliced French bread over the caramel layer in a single layer.
5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is coated.
7. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 6 hours).

Bake and Serve:

8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
9. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
10. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Invert each slice onto a plate to reveal the caramelized topping.
11. Serve warm as is, or with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chilling Time: 6-12 hours
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes (including chilling)

Variations

• Brioche or Challah Bread: Swap French bread for brioche or challah for an even richer texture.
• Nutty Caramel Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer for extra crunch.
• Pumpkin Spice Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Sprinkle chocolate chips between the bread slices before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30 seconds.
• Freezing: Freeze baked French toast in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, brioche, challah, or Texas toast work well for this recipe.

What if I don’t have corn syrup?

You can substitute honey or maple syrup for a similar caramel effect.

Can I make this without refrigerating overnight?

Yes, but allowing it to soak overnight gives the best texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the toast from getting soggy?

Use thick-cut bread and don’t over-soak it in the custard mixture.

Can I add fruit to this recipe?

Yes, sliced bananas, berries, or apples can be added between the bread layers.

Do I need to flip the French toast after baking?

No, but serving it inverted onto a plate will showcase the caramelized topping.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or coconut milk.

What toppings go well with this dish?

Fresh fruit, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup are all great choices.

Can I prepare this the same day?

Yes, let it soak for at least 30 minutes if you’re short on time, but overnight is best.

How do I make it extra crispy on top?

Broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a caramelized, crispy finish.

Conclusion

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a luxurious, make-ahead breakfast that combines the best of caramelized crème brûlée and classic French toast. Perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Serve it warm with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a restaurant-quality breakfast at home!

Print