Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

Posted by My Name is Alice on

 


Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is an indulgent twist on classic French toast, blending the rich flavors of crème brûlée with the comforting, custardy texture of a baked breakfast dish. The best part? Since it’s prepared the night before, all you have to do in the morning is bake it! This makes it the perfect choice for holiday breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or anytime you want to treat yourself without the hassle of cooking from scratch in the morning.

The caramelized brown sugar base creates a rich, buttery layer that soaks into the bread, while the creamy custard ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Serve it with whipped cream, fresh berries, warm maple syrup, or even a side of crispy bacon for a perfectly balanced meal. Pair it with freshly squeezed orange juice or a steaming cup of coffee for an unforgettable breakfast experience.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

For the Caramel Layer:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – Creates a rich, buttery base for the caramelized topping.
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar – Provides deep caramel flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup – Ensures smooth, glossy caramel that doesn’t crystallize.

For the French Toast:

  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced ½ inch thick – These soft, egg-based breads soak up the custard beautifully.
  • 5 large eggs – The key ingredient in the custard, giving the dish its signature creamy texture.
  • ½ cup half-and-half – Adds richness to the custard.
  • ½ cup fat-free milk – Balances the richness while keeping the custard light.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness with warm, aromatic flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon orange liqueur (Grand Marnier) – Optional but adds a subtle citrusy depth.
  • ½ teaspoon salt – Helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

For the Crème Brûlée Topping:

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar – Used for caramelizing the top to get that signature brûlée crunch.

Instructions

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 until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Pour the caramel into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 2: Arrange the Bread

  1. Lay the sliced brioche or challah bread over the caramel layer, ensuring an even fit. If necessary, trim the slices to fit the dish.

Step 3: Make the Custard

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, salt, and Grand Marnier (if using).
  2. Pour the custard evenly over the bread, making sure each slice is well coated.
  3. Gently press the bread down so it absorbs the custard.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

  1. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the custard to fully soak into the bread.

Step 5: Bake the French Toast

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats.
  2. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown, puffed, and set in the center.
  3. Let the French toast cool slightly before serving.

Step 6: Create the Crème Brûlée Topping

  1. Sprinkle ¼ cup of granulated sugar evenly over the top of the baked French toast.
  2. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust. If you don’t have a torch, place the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the sugar melts and browns—watch it closely to avoid burning!

Pro Tips & Variations

  • Enhance the spice profile by adding ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the custard for a warm, seasonal flavor.
  • For a fruit-filled twist, layer thinly sliced apples or pears between the bread slices before pouring the custard.
  • Prefer a lighter version? Reduce the butter and brown sugar slightly or use whole grain bread for added fiber.
  • For a crunchier brûlée topping, sprinkle a mix of white and brown sugar before torching.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your overnight crème brûlée French toast with:

  • Fresh berries or banana slices for a natural sweetness.
  • A dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
  • Crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast.
  • A light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
  • Freshly brewed coffee or orange juice to complete the meal.

Final Thoughts

This overnight crème brûlée French toast is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast—rich, buttery, and caramelized to perfection. The custard-soaked brioche paired with the crispy, brûléed sugar topping makes every bite a dream. Whether you’re making it for a holiday brunch or a lazy weekend breakfast, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Make it once, and you’ll find yourself hooked on this decadent breakfast treat!