Indulging in a rich, creamy breakfast doesn’t have to mean waking up early or spending hours in the kitchen. This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe takes the classic French toast to a whole new level, infusing it with the flavors of a crème brûlée dessert. With a custardy base, caramelized top, and soft, pillowy French bread, this dish offers an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that will make breakfast feel like a gourmet treat.
This recipe is perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any occasion that calls for a touch of decadence without the hassle. Since the bulk of the work is done the night before, you can simply pop the French toast in the oven the next morning and enjoy a beautiful, golden-brown creation with minimal effort.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Ease of Preparation: Since it’s prepared the night before, all you need to do is put it in the oven the next morning—no fuss!
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of creamy custard, caramelized sugar, and the subtle warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg gives this dish a beautiful balance of flavors.
- Perfect for Entertaining: This dish can be made in a large baking dish, making it ideal for serving a crowd at brunch or holiday gatherings.
- A Unique Take on French Toast: This recipe transforms regular French toast into a dessert-like breakfast, adding a fun twist with the brûléed sugar topping.
Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering French toast, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
- 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
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Maple syrup, for serving
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Slice the loaf of French bread into 1-inch thick pieces. Arrange the slices in a single layer in a greased baking dish, overlapping slightly if necessary.
- For the best results, use slightly stale bread; it will absorb the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
Step 2: Make the Custard
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices in the baking dish, ensuring that each piece is soaked in the custard.
Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, resulting in a rich, custardy texture.
Step 4: Prepare to Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Take the baking dish out of the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes while the oven preheats.
Step 5: Bake the French Toast
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Remove from the oven and let the French toast cool slightly.
Step 6: Brûlée the Sugar
- Sprinkle a layer of granulated sugar over the top of the French toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden crust. If you don’t have a torch, you can briefly place the French toast under the broiler until the sugar melts and caramelizes.
- Be careful not to burn the sugar, as it can happen quickly.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve the French toast warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, and enjoy the indulgent, dessert-like experience of crème brûlée for breakfast.
Success Tips
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale French bread works best for this recipe as it absorbs the custard without becoming overly soggy.
- Chill Overnight: Letting the dish sit overnight allows the custard to penetrate the bread thoroughly, resulting in a rich texture.
- Caramelize the Sugar Carefully: When brûléeing the sugar, watch closely to avoid burning. A kitchen torch is ideal, but if using a broiler, keep the French toast under it briefly.
- Adjust the Topping: If you’re a fan of sweeter breakfasts, sprinkle a bit more sugar on top for an extra crunchy brûlée layer.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place the French toast in an oven-safe dish and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For an added crispiness, you can brûlée the sugar topping again before serving.
Notes
- Bread Choice: While French bread is recommended, you can use other types of bread like brioche or challah, which add extra richness to the dish.
- Flavor Variations: For a unique twist, consider adding a splash of orange zest or almond extract to the custard.
- Sugar Topping: You can also experiment with brown sugar or even coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile in the brûlée topping.
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe without refrigerating it overnight?
Yes, but refrigerating it overnight allows the bread to soak up the custard, resulting in a softer and creamier texture. If you’re short on time, let it sit for at least an hour before baking.
2. What can I substitute for whole milk and half-and-half?
You can use any milk or cream combination, depending on how rich you’d like the custard. For a lighter version, use 2% milk. For a richer result, use more half-and-half or even heavy cream.
3. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, breads like brioche or challah are great alternatives and add even more flavor to this French toast.
4. How can I make this dish more decadent?
Consider adding a layer of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
Conclusion
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the perfect marriage of a classic breakfast staple and a beloved dessert. With its custardy interior, caramelized sugar topping, and ease of preparation, it’s bound to be a hit with family and friends alike.