Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a luxurious and indulgent breakfast dish that combines the creamy richness of crème brûlée custard with the comforting texture of French toast. Soaked overnight to absorb all the flavors, it is baked until golden and finished with a caramelized sugar topping for a perfect balance of creamy and crispy. Ideal for special occasions or weekend brunches, this recipe is as impressive as it is delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Cream Custard Mixture
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 5 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Bread and Topping
- 8 slices of thick-cut brioche or challah bread
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and whole milk until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the French Toast: Arrange the brioche slices evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread slices, making sure each piece is well soaked. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for at least 8 hours to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- Bake the French Toast: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the soaked bread for about 45 to 50 minutes until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Caramelize the Sugar Topping: Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the baked French toast. Use an oven-safe kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust. If a torch isn’t available, place the baking dish under the oven broiler on high for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve Warm: Allow the crème brûlée French toast to cool for a few minutes before serving so the caramelized sugar can harden properly, creating a delightful crackle when tapped. Serve with fresh fruit or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- Use day-old brioche or challah bread for best texture and absorption.
- The sugar caramelization step is essential for the authentic crème brûlée finish.
- Ensure the custard is fully set before caramelizing to avoid sogginess.
- Can be made gluten free by substituting gluten free bread.
- For a richer custard, use all heavy cream instead of mixing with milk.
