Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Imagine waking up to the smell of a freshly baked breakfast that’s as luxurious as it is comforting. This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast combines all the indulgence of the famous dessert with the cozy satisfaction of French toast. The beauty of this dish lies in its perfect balance of textures—crispy caramelized sugar on top, soft and custardy French bread in the middle, and just the right amount of sweetness in every bite. What makes it even better is that you can prep it the night before, so when morning comes, all you need to do is bake and enjoy. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday brunch, a weekend treat, or a special occasion, this breakfast is guaranteed to impress.
The process is simple but results in an unforgettable dish. The French bread soaks up a rich custard mixture overnight, allowing it to absorb all the flavors. Then, it’s baked to golden perfection with a sweet, buttery caramel topping. Finally, a classic crème brûlée-inspired sugar crust is torched until it’s perfectly crispy. It’s an indulgent dish that brings the joy of gourmet breakfast without the stress. Ready to indulge in a breakfast that feels like a special occasion? Let’s dive into the recipe.
Ingredients:
For the French Toast Base:
1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch slices.
5 large eggs.
1 cup half-and-half.
1 cup whole milk.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
⅔ cup granulated sugar.
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
¼ teaspoon salt.
For the Caramelized Topping:
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted.
½ cup brown sugar.
2 tablespoons maple syrup.
Extra granulated sugar for the topping.
Instructions:
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 3
Arrange the slices of French bread in a single layer, slightly overlapping.
Step 4
Pour the custard evenly over the bread, ensuring each slice is well-coated.
Step 5
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
Step 6
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Step 7
Stir in the brown sugar and maple syrup, cooking until smooth.
Step 8
Let it cool slightly before drizzling over the soaked bread.
Step 9
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
Step 10
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
Step 11
Sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the top.
Step 12
Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until a golden, crispy shell forms. If you don’t have a torch, place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes (watch closely).
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