Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the best of both worlds: the comforting, familiar taste of French toast with the luxurious feel of crème brûlée. The overnight preparation allows the bread to soak in all the rich custard, and baking it the next day results in a perfectly puffed, golden toast. The finishing touch—caramelizing the sugar on top—is what makes it truly special, giving each bite that signature crispy, sweet crust. This is the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you’re enjoying a gourmet dessert in the morning

Ingredients

1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick

5 large eggs

1 cup half-and-half

1 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Maple syrup, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the baking dish: Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the French bread slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary.

Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well-combined.

Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring every slice is thoroughly coated. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press the bread into the custard to ensure it soaks up the mixture.

Refrigerate overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.

Bake the French toast: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Dot the bread with small pieces of butter and sprinkle a light layer of sugar over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed and golden.

Caramelize the sugar topping: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top of the bread. Use a kitchen torch or the broiler setting on your oven to caramelize the sugar until it is golden and crispy.

Serve: Allow the French toast to cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 9 hours (including overnight refrigeration)

Variations

Brown Sugar Substitute: For a deeper flavor, substitute some or all of the granulated sugar in the custard with brown sugar. It will add a rich, caramelized flavor to the French toast.

Fruit Topping: You can customize the dish with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas when serving.

Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers of this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. The caramelized sugar topping may lose its crispness, but the custard-filled French toast will still be delicious.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can use any type of thick, hearty bread, such as brioche, challah, or even whole wheat bread. Just make sure it’s sliced thickly enough to soak up the custard.

2. Can I make this recipe without a kitchen torch?

If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can use your oven’s broiler. After baking the French toast, sprinkle sugar on top and place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to ensure the sugar doesn’t burn.

3. Can I freeze this overnight French toast?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked French toast after assembling it. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free substitutes like almond milk or coconut milk for the milk and half-and-half. However, I recommend using a dairy-free bread as well to ensure the dish stays dairy-free.

5. Can I make this ahead of time and bake it the same day?

Yes, you can prepare everything in the morning and bake it later in the day, but I find that refrigerating it overnight allows the bread to absorb more of the custard, resulting in a richer flavor. However, if you’re short on time, it can be baked the same day after letting it sit for at least an hour.

Conclusion

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is an absolute showstopper for breakfast or brunch. The creamy custard-soaked bread, finished with a golden, crispy sugar topping, makes every bite a delicious indulgence. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something luxurious, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy!

Print