Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

If you’re searching for a show-stopping breakfast or brunch recipe that combines decadence and simplicity, look no further than Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast. This dish is the epitome of luxury with its caramelized topping and creamy custard base, making it perfect for special occasions or holiday mornings. The best part? It’s prepared the night before, leaving you stress-free and ready to enjoy a memorable morning meal.

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Chill Time: 8 hours (overnight)
• Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes

 

Ingredients:

For the French Toast:

• 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick
• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Base:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup

 

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This forms the caramel base.
3. Pour the caramel into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to coat the bottom.

Step 2: Arrange the Bread

1. Lay the slices of French bread over the caramel layer in the dish. Arrange them tightly in a single layer, cutting slices to fit if necessary.

Step 3: Make the Custard

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, sugar, and salt. Add cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
2. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring every piece is soaked.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

1. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully.

Step 5: Bake

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 minutes.
3. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Step 6: Serve

1. Let the French toast cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. To serve, carefully invert the slices onto plates to showcase the caramel topping. Enjoy as is or with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.

Tips for Success

• Bread Choice: Use day-old or slightly stale French bread for the best texture. This helps the bread soak up the custard without becoming overly mushy.
• Customizations: Add a teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of rum extract to the custard for a unique twist.
• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the dish up to 12 hours in advance. Beyond that, the bread might become too soggy.

 

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a recipe that’s as indulgent as it is convenient. With its rich caramel base, creamy custard, and golden finish, it’s bound to impress family and guests alike. By preparing it the night before, you can wake up to a ready-to-bake dish that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunches, this French toast recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.