Indulge in a decadent breakfast or brunch with this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast. Thick slices of French bread are soaked in a rich, custardy mixture overnight, then baked to golden perfection and topped with a crisp, caramelized sugar layer. It’s elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough for a relaxing weekend morning.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is the ultimate “set it and forget it” brunch dish. By soaking the bread overnight, you wake up to a ready-to-bake, indulgent treat. The combination of creamy custard, buttery bread, and a crackly sugar topping makes every bite irresistible—and perfect for feeding a crowd without stress.
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
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Bread and Baking Dish
Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping if needed. Don’t worry about perfection—custard will bind everything beautifully.
2️⃣ Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. Ensure the sugar fully dissolves for a silky custard.
3️⃣ Soak the Bread
Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices. Press gently with a spatula or your hands to fully saturate each slice. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
4️⃣ Bake the French Toast
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and discard the plastic wrap. Dot the bread with butter and lightly sprinkle sugar over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes until puffed and golden.
5️⃣ Caramelize the Sugar Topping
Let the baked French toast cool slightly. Sprinkle an even layer of sugar over the top. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize until golden and crisp. If you don’t have a torch, place under the broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
6️⃣ Serve
Let the French toast cool a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and, if desired, top with fresh berries or whipped cream.
Tips for Perfection
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs custard best without becoming soggy.
- Even Sugar Layer: Keep the brûlée sugar layer thin for quick, even caramelization.
- Customize Spices: Swap nutmeg for cardamom or allspice if desired.
- Reheat Leftovers: Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) to preserve the crisp sugar topping.
FAQs
Can I use another type of bread? Yes! Brioche, challah, or sourdough work beautifully. Avoid soft sandwich bread—it may become mushy.
Can I make it dairy-free? Substitute milk and half-and-half with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use plant-based butter. Flavor may vary slightly.
How far in advance can I prep? Prepare and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze it? Yes, freeze after baking but before caramelizing the sugar. Wrap tightly, thaw overnight, then reheat and brûlée.
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the perfect blend of indulgence and convenience—fancy enough to impress, yet simple enough for a relaxed weekend. Prepare it the night before, and enjoy a stress-free, show-stopping brunch!