Go Back

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Indulge in the ultimate breakfast treat with this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast! Made with rich brioche or challah bread soaked in a creamy custard of eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla, this dish is baked to perfection with a caramelized topping that adds a delightful crunch. The best part? It preps the night before, making mornings effortless yet luxurious. Serve warm with fresh berries and whipped cream for a heavenly start to your day!

Ingredients
  

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces

4 large eggs

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)

Fresh berries (for garnish, optional)

Whipped cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Bread: In a baking dish, arrange the slices of brioche or challah in a single layer, overlapping slightly if necessary.

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

      Combine: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure to saturate each piece. Gently press down the bread with a spatula if necessary to ensure all pieces soak in the custard.

        Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 8 hours) to allow the bread to soak and the flavors to meld.

          Preheat the Oven: The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

            Bake: Remove the plastic wrap and drizzle the melted butter over the soaked bread. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly across the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.

              Brûlée the Top (optional): For an authentic crème brûlée finish, you can use a kitchen torch to caramelize the brown sugar on top for about 1-2 minutes, until it forms a crispy crust. Alternatively, return it to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes under the broiler, watching closely to prevent burning.

                Serve: Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 9 hours | Servings: 6-8