Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

Take your breakfast or brunch to the next level with Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast! This indulgent dish features thick slices of bread soaked in a rich custard, topped with a caramelized sugar crust for that classic crème brûlée experience. Best of all, it’s prepared the night before, making it perfect for entertaining or leisurely mornings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Caramel Base:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp corn syrup

For the Custard:

• 5 large eggs
• 1½ cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp orange zest (optional)
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Bread:

• 1 loaf brioche, challah, or French bread (cut into 1-inch thick slices)

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup, cooking until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth.
3. Pour the caramel mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 2: Arrange the Bread

1. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer over the caramel base. You may need to overlap them slightly or cut some pieces to fit.

Step 3: Make the Custard

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, orange zest (if using), and salt.
2. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is well-soaked.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

1. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully.

Step 5: Bake the French Toast

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
3. Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Step 6: Caramelize the Topping

1. Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top of the baked French toast.
2. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden-brown crust. Alternatively, place the dish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Step 7: Serve

1. Let the French toast cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve warm with fresh berries, whipped cream, or an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent touch.

Serving & Storage Tips

Serving:

• Pair this dish with a side of crispy bacon or sausage and fresh fruit for a complete breakfast.
• Offer coffee or mimosas alongside for a brunch-worthy experience.

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven.
• Freeze: Freeze baked French toast in individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Helpful Notes

1. Best Bread Choices: Brioche or challah provides the best texture and richness, but French bread works well too.
2. Custard Variations: Add a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier or Amaretto for a sophisticated twist.
3. Crunchy Topping: For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds over the caramel base before adding the bread.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

1. Ina Garten: “Using high-quality vanilla extract makes all the difference in enhancing the custard’s flavor.”
2. Martha Stewart: “Let the custard soak in fully for a creamy, tender texture that feels luxurious with every bite.”
3. Gordon Ramsay: “Caramelize the sugar with precision to achieve the perfect crispy topping without burning.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I prepare this the same day?

Yes, though the flavors are best when prepared overnight. Allow at least 2–3 hours for the bread to soak in the custard if you’re short on time.

2. What if I don’t have a torch for caramelizing?

Use your oven’s broiler, but watch carefully to avoid burning the sugar.

3. Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes! Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can replace dairy milk, though the flavor and richness will vary.

4. Can I add fruit to the dish?

Absolutely! Layer fresh or dried fruits like berries, bananas, or raisins between the bread slices before pouring the custard.

5. How do I make this less sweet?

Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the caramel base or skip the caramelized topping for a lighter version.

6. Can I make individual portions?

Yes, divide the ingredients into ramekins or smaller baking dishes for personal servings.

7. What if my bread floats in the custard?

Gently press the bread down with a spatula before refrigerating to help it soak evenly.

8. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, spread a thin layer of caramel sauce in the dish instead of making your own base.

9. What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or a simple arugula salad for balance.

10. Is this dish kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the sweet, caramelized topping, but you can skip the orange zest or alcohol for a family-friendly version.