Description
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe combines the rich, custard-like texture of classic crème brûlée with the comforting familiarity of French toast. Prepared by soaking thick slices of French bread overnight in a fragrant custard mixture and finished with a caramelized brûlée topping, this dish delivers a sophisticated breakfast or brunch treat that’s both creamy and crispy.
Ingredients
Scale
French Toast Base
- 1 loaf of French bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Maple syrup, for serving
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 the topping
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add richness to the dish.
- Arrange the Bread: Lay the slices of French bread in a single layer inside the buttered dish, slightly overlapping if necessary to fit all slices.
- Mix Custard Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, vanilla extract, 2/3 cup sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Whisk the Custard: Whisk all the ingredients together until well blended and smooth to ensure even flavor and consistency.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure every slice is soaked completely.
- Press to Soak Evenly: Gently press down the bread slices to encourage thorough soaking of the custard into the bread.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb all the custard.
- Preheat the Oven: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) in preparation for baking.
- Remove Cover: Take off the plastic wrap from the dish to prepare for baking.
- Add Butter and Sugar Topping: Dot the top of the custard-soaked bread with small pieces of butter then sprinkle a little granulated sugar evenly over the surface.
- Bake: Bake the dish for 35-40 minutes until the French toast is puffed up, golden, and cooked through.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the baked French toast from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes to set.
- Sprinkle Additional Sugar: Evenly scatter more granulated sugar over the top to prepare for caramelizing.
- Broil to Caramelize: Place the dish under a broiler briefly until the sugar melts and caramelizes, forming a crisp, brûlée-like crust.
- Serve: Serve immediately with warm maple syrup and optional sides like fresh berries or whipped cream for an indulgent breakfast experience.
- Enjoy: Savor the comforting and luxurious flavors of crème brûlée transformed into a delightful French toast.
Notes
- Use a sturdy French bread or brioche for best texture and absorption.
- Ensure the bread slices are fully soaked overnight for a custardy interior.
- Be careful when broiling the sugar topping to avoid burning; watch closely.
- Maple syrup and fresh berries are excellent accompaniments to enhance flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half-and-half and milk with coconut milk or almond milk, but results may vary.
