Description
Indulge in the luxurious fusion of crème brûlée and French toast with this easy Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe. Perfect for holidays, brunch, or any special occasion, this dish combines caramelized sweetness and creamy custard, all prepared the night before for a hassle-free, decadent breakfast.
Ingredients
- Caramel Base:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- French Toast:
- 1 loaf French bread, brioche, or challah (slightly stale)
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Caramel Base: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until smooth. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Layer Bread: Slice bread into 1-inch pieces and arrange in a single layer over the caramel. Slight overlap is fine.
- Make Custard: Whisk eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl until smooth.
- Soak Bread: Pour custard over the bread slices. Press gently to ensure full absorption.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the dish sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the caramelized topping as a natural syrup.
Notes
- or extra flavor, add sliced fruits, nuts, or a pinch of cardamom to the custard.
- Ensure bread is slightly stale to prevent sogginess.
- For dairy-free, use almond or coconut milk and vegan butter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
