Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the perfect indulgent breakfast for special occasions, holiday mornings, or when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. This recipe combines the richness of classic French toast with a decadent caramelized topping, creating a luxurious breakfast that tastes just like crème brûlée. The best part? You can prepare it the night before, making your morning hassle-free!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep everything the night before and simply bake in the morning.
• Rich and Decadent Flavor: A luscious caramel base paired with a creamy custard and crispy brûlée topping.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Ideal for brunch gatherings, Christmas morning, Mother’s Day, or any celebratory breakfast.
• Minimal Morning Effort: No standing over a stove flipping slices of French toast—just bake and enjoy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• ½ cup unsalted butter – Adds richness to the caramel base.
• 1 cup brown sugar – Sweetens and caramelizes beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup – Helps create a smooth caramel sauce.
• 5 large eggs – Forms the custard base for the French toast.
• 1 ½ cups half-and-half – Ensures a creamy texture (substitute with whole milk if needed).
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
• 1 loaf brioche or challah, cut into thick slices – The best bread options for a soft, rich texture.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – For the signature crispy brûlée topping.

Optional Toppings: Maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth and well combined. Pour the caramel mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly over the bottom.

Step 2: Layer the Bread

Arrange the thick slices of brioche or challah over the caramel sauce in a single layer. Try to fit them snugly together without overlapping too much.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is well coated. Lightly press the bread down with a spatula to help absorb the custard.

Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all the delicious custard and flavors.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the French toast is golden brown and set.

Step 7: Create the Crème Brûlée Topping

Once baked, sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it turns golden and crisp. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes—just keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the French toast into portions and serve warm. Add your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Tips for the Best Crème Brûlée French Toast

• Choose the Right Bread: Brioche and challah are the best options for a rich, soft texture. Avoid thin or overly soft bread as it may become soggy.
• Let It Soak Overnight: The longer the bread soaks, the better the flavor and texture.
• Use a Torch for Best Results: A kitchen torch gives the brûlée topping its signature crispiness. A broiler works too, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Customize the Flavor: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for a deeper flavor, or mix in some orange zest for a citrusy twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Recipe Without Refrigerating Overnight?

While overnight soaking enhances the flavor and texture, you can still make this dish with a shorter soak time. Aim for at least 2-3 hours if you’re in a rush.

Can I Freeze Leftovers?

Yes! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for a quick breakfast treat.

What’s the Best Way to Reheat Crème Brûlée French Toast?

To maintain the crisp topping, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. If using a microwave, keep in mind that the topping may soften.

Can I Use Regular White Bread?

While you can use white sandwich bread, the texture won’t be as rich. Stick to brioche, challah, or even French bread for best results.

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