Imagine waking up to the rich, indulgent flavors of crème brûlée in the form of French toast…
That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe. It combines the sweet, custardy delight of crème brûlée with the warm, fluffy comfort of French toast. The best part? You prepare it the night before, and in the morning, you just bake it to golden perfection. It’s like waking up to a dessert that’s perfect for breakfast! 🍯🥖
This dish is perfect for lazy weekends, special occasions, or even a holiday breakfast when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something absolutely heavenly. The caramelized top, the custardy interior, and the hint of vanilla and cinnamon will make you feel like you’re dining at a gourmet restaurant.
Ingredients (Measured in Grams)
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices of brioche bread (about 400g), cut into thick slices
- 4 large eggs (about 200g)
- 250g whole milk
- 120g heavy cream
- 60g granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (about 15g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (about 3g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (about 1g)
- 50g unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish)
For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- 100g granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar (about 15g, for extra caramelization)
Instructions
1. Prepare the French Toast Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
- Make sure the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
2. Assemble the French Toast:
- Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter.
- Arrange the slices of brioche in the dish, stacking them slightly. Make sure the bread is snugly placed.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring that all the bread is well coated.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours). This allows the bread to absorb the custard mixture, making it deliciously tender.
3. Bake the French Toast:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- After the French toast has soaked overnight, remove the dish from the refrigerator.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown and the custard has set. The top should be lightly crispy.
4. Caramelize the Topping:
- After baking, remove the dish from the oven.
- Sprinkle the top evenly with granulated sugar and brown sugar.
- Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar by moving the torch evenly over the sugar until it turns golden and crispy. If you don't have a kitchen torch, you can place the dish under a broiler for 2–3 minutes, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast warm, and enjoy the crisp, caramelized top and the soft, custardy interior.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with syrup, or add fresh berries for extra sweetness and color.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, assuming 8 servings)
- Calories: ~330 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 160mg
(Nutrition information is approximate.)
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast 🍯
- Use thick bread: Brioche or challah bread works best because they absorb the custard mixture without falling apart. Avoid regular sandwich bread as it tends to become soggy.
- Let it soak overnight: For the best texture, let the bread soak in the custard mixture for at least 6 hours (or overnight). This helps the flavors meld and the bread to fully absorb the mixture.
- Don’t skip the sugar caramelization: The crème brûlée topping is what makes this French toast truly special. The crispy, caramelized sugar adds the perfect contrast to the soft interior.
- Add some fruit: Top with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to balance the richness of the French toast and add a fresh burst of flavor.
- Use a broiler for a quick caramelization: If you don't have a kitchen torch, the broiler will work just as well, but be sure to watch it carefully so the sugar doesn’t burn.
Extra Content From Me ✨
Variations and Flavor Ideas:
- Chocolate Chip Crème Brûlée French Toast: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the custard mixture for a chocolatey twist. The caramelized top pairs perfectly with the melty chocolate.
- Maple Pecan Topping: Top your French toast with toasted pecans and drizzle with maple syrup after caramelizing the sugar for a fall-inspired version.
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Use cinnamon rolls instead of brioche for a cinnamon roll-inspired crème brûlée French toast!
How to Store and Reheat:
- Store: Leftover French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, bake it in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Then, caramelize the sugar again for a crispy finish.
Why You’ll Love This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast ❤️
- Prepare it ahead of time for a no-hassle breakfast or brunch.
- Luxurious flavor of crème brûlée meets the comfort of French toast in one irresistible dish.
- Perfectly caramelized top adds a sweet, crispy contrast to the soft, custardy interior.
- Ideal for special occasions, family breakfasts, or holiday brunches.
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the perfect balance of indulgence and convenience. With minimal prep and a luxurious payoff, it will quickly become your favorite breakfast or brunch recipe. Give it a try — you won’t regret it!
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