Crème Brûlée French Toast is an elegant and indulgent twist on the classic French toast breakfast. Combining the creamy custard flavor of crème brûlée with the soft, slightly crispy texture of French toast, this overnight version is designed to soak up all the delicious flavors and save you time in the morning. With a caramelized crust that resembles the crunchy layer of traditional crème brûlée, this recipe is sure to impress family, friends, or guests at any breakfast or brunch gathering. Best of all, you can assemble everything the night before, making your morning preparation effortless.
Ingredients
For the Caramel Layer
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – adds a rich flavor base.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed – creates the caramelized layer.
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup – helps prevent the caramel from crystallizing, giving a smooth texture.
For the French Toast Custard
- 1 loaf French bread (or brioche) – thick-sliced, about 10-12 slices; absorbs the custard well without falling apart.
- 5 large eggs – creates a rich custard with a smooth consistency.
- 1 ½ cups whole milk – ensures the French toast is creamy.
- 1 cup heavy cream – adds a silky, luxurious texture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – balances the custard’s richness.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – enhances the custard’s depth of flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – optional but adds a warm spice note.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Layer
- Melt the butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup until fully combined and smooth.
- Cook until bubbly: Allow the mixture to bubble gently, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat once it has reached a smooth consistency.
- Spread in a baking dish: Pour the caramel mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring it coats the bottom evenly. This layer will transform into the delicious caramelized base for your French toast.
Step 2: Prepare the French Toast
- Arrange the bread slices: Place the bread slices in a single layer over the caramel layer in the baking dish. You may need to overlap the slices slightly, but try to keep them relatively even to soak up the custard.
- Whisk the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Ensure the mixture is well-blended for a smooth, creamy custard.
- Pour the custard over the bread: Slowly and evenly pour the custard mixture over the bread slices. Use a spoon to gently press the bread down, helping it absorb as much custard as possible.
- Cover and refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 6-8 hours) to let the bread fully absorb the custard.
Step 3: Bake the French Toast
- Preheat the oven: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring to room temperature: Let the dish sit out for about 20 minutes to remove some of the chill from the fridge.
- Bake: Remove the cover and bake the French toast for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Step 4: Caramelize the Top (Optional)
- Add a sugar topping: If you’d like an extra caramelized, crunchy layer, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar (about 2-3 tablespoons) over the top of the French toast after baking.
- Broil for a crispy layer: Turn on your oven’s broiler setting and broil the top of the French toast for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. This will give you a layer of caramelized sugar, similar to a classic crème brûlée.
Tips for Perfect Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Use day-old bread: Slightly stale or day-old bread absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- Choosing the right bread: French bread or brioche works best as it holds up well with the custard and has a nice crumb.
- Press the bread down: When you pour the custard, gently press the bread down to ensure each piece soaks up as much custard as possible.
- Adjust sweetness: This recipe is naturally sweet from the caramel layer, but if you prefer a lighter sweetness, reduce the sugar in the custard by a couple of tablespoons.
- Customize toppings: Serve with fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for added flavor.
- Add flavor twists: For a festive touch, try adding orange zest, a dash of nutmeg, or almond extract to the custard.
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 10 servings)
- Calories: ~380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 23g
Why This Recipe Works
This Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe combines the silky texture of custard with the familiar flavors of French toast, creating an indulgent breakfast or brunch dish. The brown sugar and corn syrup layer on the bottom melts into a rich, caramelized layer that contrasts with the soft, custardy bread above it. Baking the French toast in one dish makes it easy to serve, while the overnight soak ensures that each bite is filled with rich flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Crème Brûlée French Toast with:
- A light dusting of powdered sugar
- A dollop of whipped cream
- Fresh berries or sliced fruit
- A drizzle of maple syrup or caramel sauce (for those who want extra sweetness)
This overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast will delight anyone who tries it, making it an ideal recipe for holidays, brunch parties, or simply a cozy weekend breakfast. The time saved in the morning gives you the flexibility to relax or attend to other breakfast dishes if desired. Make this dish once, and it’s sure to become a family favorite!