Description

Indulge in our Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe, combining rich caramelized flavors with a creamy custard base. Perfect for a luxurious, make-ahead breakfast!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients List (with Measurements)

For the Caramelized Sugar Base:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup

For the French Toast:

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices
5 large eggs
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Caramelized Sugar Base

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Mix until smooth and well combined. Pour this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Arrange the Bread Slices

Place the bread slices in a single layer over the caramelized sugar base, cutting the slices as needed to fit snugly.

3. Mix the Custard

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.

4. Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each slice is fully coated. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to help it absorb the custard.

5. Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the custard.

6. Bake the French Toast

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

7. Cool and Serve

Allow the French toast to cool for a few minutes before serving. Invert slices onto plates so that the caramelized sugar base is on top. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.

Notes

Tips and Notes

Use Flavored Extracts: While vanilla is classic, you can experiment with other extracts like almond, hazelnut, or even a splash of orange liqueur to add a unique flavor twist to the custard.
Add Fresh Fruit: For a burst of freshness, consider adding sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries to the baking dish before soaking the bread. These fruits complement the caramelized sugar and add a pop of color to the dish.
Enhance the Caramel Flavor: For an even richer caramel flavor, you can replace the corn syrup with maple syrup or add a tablespoon of rum or bourbon to the caramel mixture. This adds depth to the dish and pairs beautifully with the sweet, creamy custard.
Use a Kitchen Torch: For an authentic crème brûlée experience, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top of the baked French toast and use a kitchen torch to caramelize it just before serving. This will create a crispy, caramelized crust similar to that of traditional crème brûlée.