If you’re looking for a show-stopping breakfast that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare, this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the perfect dish. With its rich custard, caramelized sugar topping, and soft-yet-crispy texture, this make-ahead breakfast is ideal for holidays, brunch gatherings, or simply treating yourself to a decadent morning meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare everything the night before for a stress-free morning.
- Decadent Flavor: A creamy vanilla custard soaks into thick slices of French bread, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Crispy Caramelized Topping: Just like classic crème brûlée, this French toast features a crunchy, caramelized sugar crust.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and fully combined.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Arrange the slices of French bread in a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish, slightly overlapping if needed. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring each slice is well-coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to absorb all the rich flavors.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Step 4: Create the Crème Brûlée Topping
Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the baked French toast. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it turns golden brown and crispy. If you don’t have a torch, place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the French toast sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it as-is, or top with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence.
Tips for the Best Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Use day-old bread for the best texture—it absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy.
- Don’t skip the overnight soak to ensure a rich, custardy interior.
- Caramelize the sugar right before serving to maintain the perfect crunch.
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast brings the elegance of a French dessert to your breakfast table. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s sure to impress your family and guests. Enjoy!
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