This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent breakfast dish that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself! With a buttery caramel base, custardy bread, and a crunchy brûlée-style topping, this recipe is guaranteed to wow your family or guests. The best part? All the prep happens the night before, so all you need to do in the morning is bake it to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Caramel Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
For the French Toast
- 1 loaf of 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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prep it the night before for a stress-free morning.
- Caramelized Perfection: The buttery caramel base adds an indulgent touch.
- Custardy Texture: The bread soaks up the creamy custard for a soft, rich bite.
- Versatile: Easily adapt to your taste with different toppings or bread choices.
How to Make Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
1. Make the Caramel Base
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth and bubbly.
- Pour the caramel mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2. Arrange the Bread
- Place the slices of French bread in a single layer over the caramel, slightly overlapping if needed.
3. Prepare the Custard
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
4. Refrigerate Overnight
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours).
5. Bake the French Toast
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the French toast cool for 5 minutes before serving. Invert slices onto plates to showcase the caramel topping.
- Dust with powdered sugar and add your favorite toppings like fresh berries or whipped cream.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas add a refreshing contrast.
- Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent touch.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle for added sweetness.
Tips for the Best Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better.
- Don’t Skip the Overnight Soak: This ensures the bread is fully infused with the creamy custard.
- Caramel Variation: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a sweet-salty twist.
- Make it Crunchy: Sprinkle sugar on top before baking for an added brûlée crunch.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) or microwave individual portions.
Final Thoughts
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the ultimate way to elevate your breakfast or brunch game. With its caramelized base, custardy center, and make-ahead ease, it’s a dish that feels fancy but is deceptively simple.
Let me know how yours turns out—and don’t forget to share your favorite toppings or creative twists! 🥞✨