Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Indulge in a luxurious breakfast or brunch with this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast. Combining the caramel richness of crème brûlée with the comforting fluffiness of French toast, this make-ahead dish is perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to a decadent morning feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The caramel base creates a rich, buttery layer that mimics crème brûlée’s signature flavor.
• Preparing the dish the night before allows the custard to fully soak into the bread for a soft and flavorful texture.
• Ideal for holidays or special occasions with minimal morning prep.
• Easily customizable with your favorite toppings, from powdered sugar to fresh berries.
• A crowd-pleasing recipe that’s simple to assemble but delivers gourmet results.

Ingredients

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

For the Caramel Base:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup

For the French Toast:

• 1 loaf French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch slices
• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Topping (Optional):

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries
• Maple syrup

Directions

Prepare the Caramel Base

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup until the mixture becomes smooth and bubbly, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Assemble the French Toast

3. Arrange the slices of French bread or brioche over the caramel base, slightly overlapping them as needed to fit.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
5. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly soaked.

Chill Overnight

6. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.

Bake and Serve

7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
8. Bake the French toast uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
9. Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar, and top with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 8 hours
• Baking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 9 hours
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Variations

• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel base for added texture.
• Citrus Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the custard for a bright, zesty flavor.
• Chocolate Lover’s: Mix in mini chocolate chips between the bread layers for a rich, chocolaty treat.
• Savory-Sweet: Use slightly stale sourdough bread for a tangy twist to balance the caramel’s sweetness.
• Vegan Option: Replace eggs with a flaxseed mixture, use almond or oat milk, and substitute vegan butter for the caramel.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of bread?

Yes, challah or sourdough bread works wonderfully, as they soak up the custard without becoming soggy.

2. Do I have to refrigerate it overnight?

Refrigerating overnight ensures maximum flavor and texture, but you can let it sit for at least 2 hours if you’re short on time.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute almond milk or coconut milk for the dairy and use dairy-free butter for the caramel base.

4. How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be golden brown, and the custard should be set but still slightly soft in the center.

5. Can I prepare the caramel base ahead of time?

Yes, make the caramel and pour it into the dish. Let it cool, then assemble the rest of the dish as directed.

6. Can I halve the recipe?

Yes, use a smaller baking dish and reduce the ingredients by half for fewer servings.

7. What toppings work best?

Fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or even a dollop of yogurt complement this dish beautifully.

8. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, but homemade caramel adds a richer, fresher flavor to the dish.

9. Is this suitable for kids?

Absolutely! The sweetness and soft texture make it kid-friendly, especially with a drizzle of maple syrup.

10. Can I serve this cold?

While it’s best served warm, it’s still delicious chilled or at room temperature.

Conclusion

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast combines indulgence and convenience for the ultimate breakfast or brunch dish. With its caramelized base, custardy bread, and endless topping possibilities, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for special occasions or lazy weekend mornings. Try it today and savor the sweet decadence!

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