Go Back
To make Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, you will need: - 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, sliced into thick pieces - 4 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - A pinch of kosher salt - 1/2 cup brown sugar (for caramelizing the topping) - Fresh berries, for garnish (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) - Whipped cream, for serving (optional) Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Here are my tips: - Bread: Use fresh brioche or challah. Their rich texture absorbs the custard well. - Eggs: Use large, fresh eggs. They create a better custard and add flavor. - Milk and Cream: Choose whole milk and heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture. - Vanilla: Always opt for pure vanilla extract. It has a deeper flavor than imitation. - Sugar: Use granulated sugar for the custard and brown sugar for the topping. Brown sugar adds a nice caramel flavor. You can still enjoy this recipe with a few swaps. Here are some ideas: - Bread: If you can't find brioche or challah, use French or Texas toast bread. - Milk: You can use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. - Cream: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a lighter texture. - Eggs: For a vegan option, use a flax egg or silken tofu blended until smooth. - Sugar: You can use coconut sugar instead of granulated or brown sugar. These substitutions let you customize the dish while keeping it delicious! For the full recipe, check the details above. To start, you need to prepare the bread. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Use butter or cooking spray for this. Then, slice the brioche or challah bread into thick pieces. Arrange these slices in the dish, overlapping them slightly. Next, make the egg mixture. In a spacious mixing bowl, crack four eggs. Add two cups of whole milk, half a cup of heavy cream, and half a cup of granulated sugar. Also, include two teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Whisk it all together until smooth. Now, soak the bread. Pour the egg mixture over the sliced bread. Make sure you coat every piece well. Use a spatula to press down gently on the bread. This helps it absorb the custard. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least four hours, but overnight is best. This soaking time makes the bread soft and flavorful. When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the dish out of the fridge and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This helps warm it up a bit. Now, it's time to bake. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the custard should set in the center. For the best results, soak the bread long enough. Letting it sit overnight allows all the flavors to blend. If you are short on time, four hours is still fine, but longer is better. Pressing down on the bread helps it soak up more custard. Make sure each piece is covered well to avoid dry spots. After baking, you will caramelize the topping. First, sprinkle a generous layer of brown sugar over the top. To caramelize, use a kitchen torch for best results. Hold the torch a few inches above the sugar. Move it around until it bubbles and turns amber. If you don’t have a torch, you can use the broiler. Place it under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning. This adds a sweet, crispy layer that makes the dish special. For the full details, check the Full Recipe. To make the best Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, start by soaking the bread well. Lay the thick slices of brioche or challah in a baking dish. Whisk the egg, milk, cream, and sugar together. Pour this mix over the bread, making sure every piece gets soaked. Press down gently with a spatula. Cover the dish tightly and let it chill in the fridge overnight. This soaking time makes the bread soft and custardy. Serve this French toast warm for the best taste. Add fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries on top. A drizzle of maple syrup can enhance the flavor. Pair it with whipped cream for a rich touch. You can also serve it with a side of crispy bacon or sausages for a savory contrast. This dish shines at brunch or a special breakfast. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last few minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the toast soggy. Enjoy your delicious breakfast again! {{image_4}} You can get creative with flavors in your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast. Here are some ideas: - Chocolate: Add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the egg mixture. This creates a rich, sweet taste. - Nuts: Stir in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture. They add a nice bite. - Fruits: Include fruits like bananas or apples for a fruity twist. They bring natural sweetness and moisture. - Spices: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor profile. Just a little will go a long way. While brioche and challah are classic choices, you can use other breads too: - French bread: This bread adds a chewy texture that holds up well. - Sourdough: It brings a tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweet custard. - Whole wheat bread: For a healthier option, whole wheat adds fiber and a nutty taste. - Gluten-free bread: If you're gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free bread. It works well in this recipe. You can adapt this recipe to fit different diets: - Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free too. - Dairy-free: Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk or coconut milk. Use a dairy-free cream for a rich taste. - Egg-free: You can use a flaxseed mixture as a substitute. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. - Lower sugar: Replace granulated sugar with a sugar substitute or reduce the amount. The flavor will still shine through. Feel free to mix and match these ideas to make your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast unique! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftover French toast, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, it stays fresh and tasty. You can freeze French toast for later use. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use the oven for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but it may lose some crispiness. Enjoy your delicious Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast just like fresh! Yes, you can. Use a mixture of silken tofu or flaxseed meal with water. This will create a custardy texture. Blend one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water per egg. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. This egg substitute works well in custard recipes. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps the bread soak up all the flavors. I recommend letting it sit overnight. The longer it sits, the richer the taste. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. If you can’t find brioche or challah, use French bread or sourdough. Both options work well. They soak up the custard nicely. You can also try gluten-free bread for a friendly option. Just ensure it’s thick enough to hold the mixture. In this article, I covered how to make Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast. We discussed the key ingredients needed, tips for picking the best ones, and helpful substitutes. I gave clear steps on cooking and how to soak properly. Tricks for preparing ahead and serving were included too. Finally, remember that adding flavors or using different breads can enhance your dish. Store leftovers wisely to maintain flavor, and don't hesitate to play with dietary choices. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Indulge in the ultimate breakfast treat with this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe! Layered with thick slices of brioche soaked in a rich custard, this dish is topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust. Perfect for brunch or a special occasion, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time. Click through for the full recipe and impress your guests with this deliciously decadent breakfast!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, sliced into thick pieces

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

A pinch of kosher salt

1/2 cup brown sugar (for caramelizing the topping)

Fresh berries, for garnish (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)

Whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Bread: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange the thick slices of brioche or challah in the dish, overlapping them slightly to fit them all in snugly.

    Make the Egg Mixture: In a spacious mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.

      Soak the Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the arranged slices of bread, ensuring every piece is generously coated. With a spatula, gently press down on the bread to encourage absorption of the custard mixture.

        Cover and Refrigerate: Tightly cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the bread to soak up the flavors and become custardy.

          Bake the French Toast: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the baking dish out of the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes to take the chill off.

            Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.

              Caramelize the Topping: Once baked, carefully remove the French toast from the oven. Sprinkle a generous layer of brown sugar evenly over the top. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it bubbles and achieves a deep amber color. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, place it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

                Serve: Allow the French toast to cool for a few minutes before slicing with a sharp knife. Serve warm, garnished with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: For an extra touch, drizzle some maple syrup over the top just before serving, and arrange the berries artfully around the French toast slices on each plate for a beautiful presentation.