Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe combines the creamy richness of a classic crème brûlée custard with the comforting texture of French toast. Bread slices soak overnight in a spiced custard mixture, then bake to golden perfection and topped with a crisp caramelized sugar crust. Served with maple syrup, this dish is a decadent and delightful breakfast or brunch treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick
Custard Mixture
- 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
Topping and Serving
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the French bread slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary to fit.
- Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, making sure each slice is thoroughly coated. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press the bread into the custard so it absorbs the liquid.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard thoroughly.
- Bake the French toast: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Dot the soaked bread with small pieces of unsalted butter and sprinkle a light layer of granulated sugar evenly over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed and golden brown.
- Caramelize the sugar topping: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top of the baked French toast. Using a kitchen torch or the broiler setting of your oven, caramelize the sugar until it turns golden and forms a crisp crust.
- Serve: Allow the French toast to cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle generously with maple syrup and enjoy this rich, creamy breakfast treat.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old French bread which absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- If you do not have a kitchen torch, use your oven’s broiler carefully to caramelize the sugar topping.
- You can substitute half-and-half with heavy cream for an even richer custard.
- Customize the spice blend by adding a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for a different flavor dimension.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
Keywords: Overnight French toast, Crème brûlée French toast, custard soaked French toast, baked French toast, breakfast casserole, caramelized sugar topping
