Go Back
To make Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, you need some simple ingredients that pack a big flavor. Here’s what you'll need: - 1 loaf of brioche bread, sliced 1-inch thick - 4 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping) - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing) - Fresh berries (for garnish) - Mint leaves (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a special role. The brioche bread gives a rich taste and soft texture. Eggs, milk, and cream create a creamy custard that soaks into the bread. Sugar and vanilla add sweetness and warmth. Cinnamon and salt balance the flavors perfectly. Brown sugar on top gives that crunchy, caramelized finish. Lastly, berries and mint make your dish look beautiful and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions on how to combine these ingredients for a delicious meal. - First, grease the baking dish with unsalted butter. - Next, arrange the brioche slices in the dish. Make sure they overlap a little. - In a large bowl, whisk together: - 4 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Whisk until it is smooth and well mixed. - Pour the custard over the bread slices. Make sure every piece soaks well. - Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight. This helps the bread soak up the custard. - The next day, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Take off the cover and sprinkle 1/2 cup of brown sugar over the top. - Bake for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the top is golden brown. - For a nice finish, use a torch to caramelize the brown sugar on top until crispy. If you lack a torch, broil it in the oven for 2-3 minutes. - Serve warm, and garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves. This dish is truly a flavorful delight! For the complete instructions, check out the Full Recipe. Soaking the bread is key to a rich flavor. I recommend soaking the brioche for at least eight hours. This allows the bread to absorb all the custard. You want even absorption for the best texture. Press down gently on the bread after pouring the custard. This helps each slice soak up the mixture. If you skip this step, some bread may not soak well. Baking gives this dish its perfect golden brown top. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before placing the dish inside. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes. You want the top to be golden, not burnt. For that caramelized topping, sprinkle brown sugar evenly on top. You can finish it with a torch for a crisp layer. If you don’t have a torch, broil it for 2-3 minutes. Just watch closely so it doesn’t burn. For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_2}} You can make Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast even better. Adding fruit or nuts gives it a nice twist. Fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, add sweetness and color. You can slice bananas or peaches too. Nuts, like pecans or walnuts, add crunch and flavor. Just chop them up and sprinkle them on top before baking. Using different types of bread also changes the taste. While brioche is soft and rich, you can use challah for a similar texture. Sourdough gives a tangy flavor, while whole wheat adds a nutty taste. Each bread type brings its own charm to the dish. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free bread. Many brands offer tasty bread that works well in this recipe. Just make sure it has the right texture for soaking. For dairy-free alternatives, use almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk and cream. You can also replace heavy cream with coconut cream. These swaps keep the dish creamy while making it dairy-free. Enjoying this dish can be easy for everyone! To keep your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This helps avoid drying out. You can keep it for up to three days. When reheating, use the oven for the best texture. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This warms it through and keeps the edges crisp. If you have leftovers, you can freeze them. Cut the French toast into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the oven again. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. This method keeps your French toast tasty and warm. Enjoy your delicious treat! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. Can I make this recipe without overnight refrigeration? You can skip the overnight step, but it won’t be as good. The bread needs time to soak in the custard. If you rush it, the texture will be off. What’s the best way to reheat French toast? The best way is to use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps it warm and crisp. You can use a microwave too, but it may make it soggy. Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, you can use other types of bread. Challah and sourdough work well too. Just make sure the bread is thick and sturdy. This helps it soak up the custard without falling apart. How do I know when it’s done baking? Check for a golden brown top. You can also insert a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done. The custard should be set but still soft. Best toppings for Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast. Some great toppings are fresh berries, whipped cream, or maple syrup. You can also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. A bit of mint can add a nice touch too. Can I make this recipe in smaller batches? Yes, you can! Just cut the ingredients in half and use a smaller dish. This makes it easy to serve fewer people. You can also try different flavors in each batch for fun. This blog post shared a simple way to make Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to perfect your dish. Remember to soak the bread well for best results. Don't forget to explore fun variations and easy storage tips. With these insights, you can create a delicious breakfast. Enjoy impressing your family with this treat!

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Wake up to the deliciousness of Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast! This easy breakfast treat blends fluffy brioche with a rich custard and a sweet caramel topping, turning your mornings into a flavorful delight. Perfect for impressing family or friends, it requires minimal prep and allows you to enjoy a cozy breakfast without hours in the kitchen. Click through now to discover the full recipe and make your breakfast extraordinary!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 loaf of brioche bread, sliced 1-inch thick

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing)

Fresh berries (for garnish)

Mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with unsalted butter to prevent sticking.

    Layer the Bread: Place the sliced brioche bread in the greased baking dish, arranging it in a single layer and slightly overlapping the slices.

      Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well-combined.

        Combine: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the brioche slices, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard.

          Chill: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours) to allow the bread to absorb the custard.

            Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap or foil from the dish.

              Add the Caramelized Topping: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the soaked bread.

                Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.

                  Finish with a Torch (optional): For a brûlée effect, after baking, carefully torch the brown sugar on top until it caramelizes and becomes crispy. If you don’t have a torch, you can broil it in the oven for about 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

                    Serve: Once done, let it cool slightly. Cut into pieces and serve warm, garnished with fresh berries and mint leaves.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 9 hours (including overnight soaking) | Servings: 6-8

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve each portion dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup for an extra layer of flavor and sweetness.