Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Indulge in a luscious Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast that combines the rich, creamy custard of classic crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast. Soaked overnight for a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this decadent breakfast is easy to prepare and ideal for brunches or special mornings.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Total Time: Overnight soaking plus 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Primary Ingredients
- 6–8 thick slices Brioche or Challah bread (day-old preferred)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for caramelizing)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: Whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl until smooth and fully combined to form the custard base for your French toast.
- Soak the Bread: Arrange 6-8 thick slices of brioche or challah bread in a single layer inside a greased baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring each slice is completely coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to let the bread absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Bake the French Toast: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the soaked bread for 45 to 55 minutes until the custard is set and the top turns golden brown.
- Create the Caramelized Crust: Once baked, sprinkle a thin and even layer of granulated sugar over the surface. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden crust reminiscent of classic crème brûlée. If you don’t have a torch, briefly broil the dish, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the French toast cool slightly before slicing to preserve the creamy interior and crispy topping. Optionally, garnish with fresh berries, powdered sugar, or toasted almonds for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better absorption without sogginess.
- Chill the soaked bread overnight to intensify creaminess and flavor melding.
- Using a kitchen torch to caramelize sugar provides the best crust texture and flavor.
- Flip the bread halfway through soaking if possible for an even custard soak.
- Allow resting before slicing to achieve clean pieces and maintain custard integrity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx.)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
Keywords: Overnight French Toast, Crème Brûlée French Toast, baked French toast, custard soaked bread, decadent breakfast, brunch recipe