Overnight Crème Brûlée Toast

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast transforms ordinary breakfast into a luxurious experience that feels like dessert for breakfast. The magic happens overnight as thick slices of bread soak up a rich custard, then bake to golden perfection with a caramelized sugar topping that cracks like traditional crème brûlée.

My family requests this for every holiday morning now. I first created it when hosting a last minute brunch and needed something impressive that wouldn't keep me in the kitchen. The oohs and aahs when I brought it to the table convinced me this was a keeper.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: creates the rich caramel base without additional saltiness
• Brown sugar: adds depth with its molasses notes that white sugar simply cannot match
• Light corn syrup: prevents crystallization in the caramel for a smooth perfectly textured base
• Large eggs: provide structure and richness to the custard
• Half and half: delivers the perfect balance of cream and milk for luxurious texture
• Vanilla extract: adds warmth and complexity to both the custard and caramel flavors
• Ground cinnamon: brings subtle spice that complements the caramel notes beautifully
• Brioche or challah bread: offers the ideal texture soft enough to absorb custard but sturdy enough to maintain structure
• Granulated sugar: creates that signature crackable top that makes this truly special

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Caramel Base:

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly but not brown. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, whisking continuously for about 3 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened. You want the sugar completely dissolved with no grainy texture remaining. Pour this luxurious caramel immediately into your greased baking dish, tilting to create an even layer that will eventually become the glorious topping.

Layer the Bread:

Arrange your bread slices in a single layer over the caramel base. If using a standard loaf, you might need to cut some pieces to fill gaps. The key is creating a complete layer that will soak up the custard evenly. Press down gently to ensure the bread makes contact with the caramel layer but not so hard that it compresses completely.

Make the Custard:

In a large bowl, crack your eggs and whisk until the whites and yolks are fully combined. Pour in the half and half in a slow stream while continuing to whisk. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt, whisking until the mixture looks uniform with a slight froth on top. This gentle approach incorporates air while preventing the custard from becoming too foamy.

Refrigerate Overnight:

Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly saturated. Press down gently on each slice to help absorption. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours. This resting period allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in that perfect texture.

Bake to Perfection:

Remove the dish from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. You will know it is done when the center is set but still has a slight jiggle, and the edges have turned a deep golden brown with bubbling caramel visible around the sides.

Create the Crème Brûlée Topping:

Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top of the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch held about 2 inches from the surface to melt and caramelize the sugar until it turns amber and forms a crisp layer. If using a broiler instead, watch carefully as it can burn quickly, rotating the dish as needed for even browning.

Serve and Enjoy:

Allow the caramelized top to cool and harden for 2 to 3 minutes before cutting into portions. The contrast between the crackling sugar top, the custardy center, and the caramel bottom creates an incredible texture experience. Serve warm with fresh berries, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

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You Must Know

Feeds a crowd easily and economically perfect for holiday gatherings

Can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance making it ideal for busy mornings

Creates less mess than traditional French toast with no stovetop splatters

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other types of bread?

Yes, brioche or challah work best, but other sturdy breads like sourdough can substitute if sliced thickly.

→ How long should I refrigerate before baking?

Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the custard to absorb fully into the bread.

→ Can I skip the caramelization step?

The caramelized topping is key for the brûlée effect, but the dish is still delicious without it.

→ What are some serving suggestions?

Serve with fresh berries, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream for added flavor and texture.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time for a large crowd?

Yes, this dish is excellent for gatherings as it can be made the night before and baked fresh in the morning.