Overnight French Toast Crème Brûlée (Printer-Friendly Version)

Custardy French toast soaks overnight, topped with crisp caramelized sugar for a luxurious brunch experience.

# Required Ingredients:

→ French Toast Base

01 - 450 grams French bread, sliced 2.5 cm thick
02 - 5 large eggs
03 - 240 milliliters half-and-half
04 - 240 milliliters whole milk
05 - 5 milliliters vanilla extract
06 - 135 grams granulated sugar
07 - 1.25 milliliters ground cinnamon
08 - 1.25 milliliters ground nutmeg

→ Crème Brûlée Topping

09 - 56 grams unsalted butter
10 - Extra granulated sugar for caramelization

→ For Serving

11 - Maple syrup, as desired

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Butter a 23x33 cm baking dish and arrange sliced bread in a single layer. Whisk eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined.
02 - Pour custard mixture evenly over bread, ensuring full coating. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to develop flavor and texture.
03 - Preheat oven to 175°C. Remove baking dish from fridge, dot butter evenly over soaked bread, and sprinkle lightly with sugar. Bake 35-40 minutes until golden and slightly puffed.
04 - Allow to cool briefly, then sprinkle a generous layer of sugar evenly over surface. Broil for 1-2 minutes until crisp and golden, or use a kitchen torch to caramelize evenly.
05 - Drizzle warm maple syrup over caramelized toast and serve immediately.

# Handy Cooking Tips:

01 - Use day-old bread for optimal custard absorption and texture.
02 - Let ingredients reach room temperature before mixing for smoother custard.
03 - Press bread slices gently into custard to ensure even soaking.
04 - Allow French toast to rest 5 minutes after caramelizing so topping sets.