Introduction

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a luxurious twist on a breakfast classic, combining rich custard-soaked bread with a crisp caramelized sugar topping. Perfect for a special morning, this recipe allows the bread to soak up the creamy custard overnight, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.

A close-up of a two-layer grilled cheese sandwich on a white plate, each slice of bread toasted to a rich golden brown with a slightly crisp texture on top. Between the layers is melted, creamy white cheese oozing out slightly from the edges. The sandwich sits in a pool of shiny amber syrup that glistens under the light, highlighting the moistness of the bread and cheese. The background features a blurred white marbled texture that adds a clean and simple look to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick
5 large eggs
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the French bread slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring every slice is thoroughly coated. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press the bread into the custard.
Step 4: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Dot the bread with small pieces of butter and sprinkle a light layer of sugar over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed and golden.
Step 6: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top of the bread. Use a kitchen torch or the broiler setting on your oven to caramelize the sugar until it is golden and crisp.
Step 7: Allow the French toast to cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use day-old French bread for best results, as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the half-and-half and milk with almond or coconut milk.
Add fresh berries or sliced bananas as a topping for extra flavor and freshness.
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, use your oven’s broiler carefully on a high rack to caramelize the sugar.

Storage

Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the caramelized topping crunchy.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a grilled cheese sandwich cut into a square shape with two toasted golden-brown bread slices, each slice showing a crisp and slightly darker edge. Between the slices is a thick layer of melted, creamy white cheese that oozes slightly at the edges. The sandwich sits on a white plate with a shallow pool of golden syrup spreading around its base, adding a shiny texture that reflects light. The background is a soft white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than French bread?

Yes, you can substitute with brioche or challah for a richer taste. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the custard without falling apart.

How do I make this recipe ahead of time without soggy bread?

Soaking the bread overnight in the refrigerator helps it absorb the custard fully while keeping it firm. Baking immediately after soaking and caramelizing the sugar topping ensures a crisp texture and luscious custard inside.