Overnight French Toast Crème Brûlée

This Overnight French Toast with Crème Brûlée Twist transforms the classic breakfast treat into an elegant dish perfect for special occasions and relaxed weekend mornings. By soaking the bread overnight in a rich custard, it achieves a tender, flavorful interior, while the caramelized sugar topping delivers a satisfying crunch. It’s a great recipe to prepare ahead, making busy mornings feel luxurious without the stress.

I first made this recipe for a holiday brunch, and the crunchy crème brûlée topping amazed everyone. It quickly became a tradition I look forward to every year.

Ingredients

• French bread: sliced into 1-inch thick pieces because its firm texture holds up well to soaking without falling apart. Day-old bread is best for absorption.
• Eggs: Five large eggs provide the rich base for the custard, ensuring a creamy texture.
• Half-and-half and whole milk: One cup half-and-half and one cup whole milk blend to give a luxurious creaminess that’s not too heavy.
• Vanilla extract: One teaspoon vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the custard flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Two thirds cup granulated sugar sweetens the mixture gently, balancing with the spice and caramel topping.
• Ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg: A quarter teaspoon ground cinnamon and a quarter teaspoon ground nutmeg bring subtle spice notes to enhance the custard.
• Unsalted butter: For the caramelized topping, a quarter cup unsalted butter dotted over the bread before baking adds richness and keeps the bread moist.
• Extra granulated sugar: Extra granulated sugar is needed to create the signature crunchy crème brûlée layer.
• Maple syrup: For serving, warm maple syrup beautifully complements both the custard and caramel flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the French Toast Base:

Butter a 9 by 13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking, then arrange the sliced French bread in a single even layer. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully blended and smooth.

Soak and Refrigerate Overnight:

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread making sure each piece is fully coated. Press the bread gently to help it absorb the liquid evenly. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow soaking allows the bread to become custardy while developing flavor.

Bake the French Toast:

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Take the dish out of the fridge. Dot small pieces of unsalted butter over the top of the soaked bread to add pockets of richness. Sprinkle a light, even layer of granulated sugar over everything to create the crust. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the surface is a lovely golden brown and the bread looks slightly puffed.

Caramelize the Sugar Topping:

Allow the baked French toast to cool for a few minutes so it settles. Then sprinkle a generous layer of sugar evenly on top. Place the dish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes watching carefully until the sugar melts and forms a crisp golden crust. Alternatively, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar evenly and avoid burning.

Serve and Enjoy:

Drizzle warm maple syrup over the French toast and serve immediately for the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures.

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Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the crisp topping, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes rather than the microwave. For longer storage, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a dairy-free version, half-and-half and milk can be swapped with almond, oat, or coconut milk. Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil to keep the rich flavor and texture. Vanilla extract can be substituted with almond extract for a different aromatic touch.

Serving Suggestions

Fresh berries such as strawberries or blueberries add a refreshing contrast and pop of color. Whipped cream or mascarpone provides extra creaminess that pairs wonderfully with the crunchy caramel top. To balance the sweetness, serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage. Toasted pecans or almonds give added crunch and texture. A citrus salad with oranges and grapefruit cuts through the richness and brightens the plate. Coffee or freshly brewed espresso perfectly complements the sweet caramel flavors. For a celebratory brunch, pair with mimosas or fresh orange juice.

Pro Tips

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread for optimal custard absorption without becoming soggy.
• Always let your eggs and dairy come to room temperature before mixing the custard to help it blend smoothly.
• Do not skip the caramelizing step with the broiler or kitchen torch: it’s essential for the signature crisp top and elevates the entire dish.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I make this without soaking overnight?

Yes, soaking bread for at least 30 minutes can work, but overnight soaking ensures the custard fully penetrates the bread for a tender interior.

→ What type of bread works best?

Thick-cut French bread, brioche, or challah provide the ideal texture, holding custard well without becoming too mushy.

→ How to avoid soggy toast?

Use slightly stale bread, soak evenly but not excessively, and bake until the center is set but still soft.

→ Can I substitute dairy ingredients?

Yes, use plant-based milks like almond or oat, and replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

→ How do I get the perfect caramelized topping?

Sprinkle sugar evenly over the baked toast and caramelize under a broiler for 1-2 minutes or use a kitchen torch for an even crisp crust.

→ What are great serving ideas?

Pair with fresh berries, whipped cream, crispy bacon, or citrus salad to complement the creamy and crunchy textures.