Description
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe is a decadent and creamy breakfast or brunch dish. It features thick slices of brioche or challah bread soaked overnight in a rich custard, then baked to a golden perfection with a caramelized sugar topping, reminiscent of classic crème brûlée.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 large eggs
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Optional toppings: maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream
Instructions
- Slice the bread into thick, 1-inch pieces. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. If using, whisk in the cinnamon.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices in the baking dish, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours, or up to 24 hours).
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar evenly over the top of the bread slices.
- Pour the melted butter over the top of the bread.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed, golden brown, and the custard is set. The top should be caramelized.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Using day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard more effectively.
- For an extra custardy interior, you can add an extra egg yolk to the custard mixture.
- If you prefer a crispier top, you can briefly broil the French toast for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This recipe can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal (will vary based on bread and exact ingredients)
- Sugar: Approximately 30-40g
- Sodium: Approximately 300-400mg
- Fat: Approximately 25-35g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Trans Fat: Less than 1g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
- Fiber: Approximately 2-4g
- Protein: Approximately 10-15g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 150-200mg
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