Indulge in a rich and comforting twist on a breakfast classic! This Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole combines the elegance of a creamy vanilla custard with the cozy flavor of baked French toast. Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any time you want to serve something special with minimal morning effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Overnight magic – Prep it the night before for a stress-free morning.
- Caramelized topping – A buttery brown sugar layer mimics classic crème brûlée.
- Velvety custard – Every bite is soaked with a smooth vanilla custard.
- Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for gatherings or lazy mornings.
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes or slices (slightly stale works best)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or use vanilla bean paste for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Crème Brûlée Topping:
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, diced
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the cubed bread evenly in the pan.
2. Mix the Custard:
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. Pour the custard evenly over the bread, pressing gently to make sure all cubes soak it up.
3. Chill Overnight:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Add the Topping:
Before baking, combine the diced butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Use your fingers or a fork to make coarse crumbs, then sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
5. Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy and the custard is set.
6. Serve:
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a dusting of powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit.
Tips & Variations
- Use Brioche or Challah – For an extra rich and tender casserole.
- Make it Crunchy – Sprinkle coarse sugar on top in the last 10 minutes of baking for a brûlée-style crust.
- Go Gourmet – Swap vanilla extract for scraped vanilla bean for an elevated flavor.
- Customize the Topping – Add chopped pecans, almonds, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! Challah, brioche, or croissants all work beautifully. Use day-old or slightly dry bread for the best texture.
Can I bake it right away?
You can, but it’s best to let it soak for at least 30 minutes—or ideally overnight—for the best flavor and texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Can I make it lighter?
Substitute half-and-half or more whole milk for the heavy cream if you’d like a lighter custard.
How do I know it’s done baking?
The top should be golden and slightly crisp. Insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean with no wet custard clinging to it.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply want to treat your loved ones to something special, this Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is the perfect way to start the day. With its golden, caramelized top and creamy custard base, this luxurious breakfast bake is guaranteed to impress!