Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

If you are looking for an unforgettable breakfast or brunch centerpiece this crème brûlée French toast transforms simple bread into a rich custard-soaked treat with a crackly caramelized top. Prepare it the night before and wake up to a dish that feels luxuriously decadent yet is surprisingly easy.

My family begs for this every Christmas morning and I love that it feels fancy with barely any morning work

Ingredients

• French bread: sliced thick soaks up custard without turning mushy look for a loaf with a crisp crust and soft center
• Large eggs: form the base of the custard plus they provide structure and richness check eggs are fresh by submerging in water
• Half-and-half: brings creaminess to the custard opt for real dairy not fat-free versions for the best texture
• Whole milk: balances decadence so the French toast is not too heavy quality dairy will make a difference
• Vanilla extract: gives warm aromatic notes pure extract will create the best flavor
• Granulated sugar: sweetens both the custard and forms the signature brûlée top use superfine if you want an ultra-smooth topping
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: add warmth and complexity so the flavor goes beyond plain custard French toast freshly grated nutmeg is especially nice
• Unsalted butter: dotted on top before baking keeps things rich and golden choose European-style if you can for extra flavor
• Maple syrup: is a classic drizzle that ties the dish together real syrup is worth it here for its deep caramel notes

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish

Generously butter a nine by thirteen inch baking dish making sure to coat all corners and sides so nothing sticks and the bottom develops a bit of crispness Arrange your bread slices in a single layer even if you need to tuck them or overlap slightly

Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl whisk together your eggs half-and-half milk vanilla sugar cinnamon and nutmeg It should be completely smooth with all the sugar dissolved and no streaks of egg

Soak the Bread

Pour the custard slowly and evenly over every piece of bread taking time to ensure each slice is fully coated Use your hands or a flexible spatula to gently press the bread down so it absorbs as much custard as possible

Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap making sure no air can get in Place in the coldest part of your refrigerator overnight This gives the bread time to absorb the custard and amplifies its creamy texture

Bake the French Toast

The next morning preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Remove the dish from the fridge peel off the wrap Dot small butter pieces over the bread and sprinkle with a light layer of sugar on top Bake for thirty five to forty minutes until the toast is puffed golden at the edges and set in the center

Caramelize the Sugar Topping

Take the dish out and let it cool for five minutes Sprinkle a fresh even layer of granulated sugar over the top Use a kitchen torch to melt and brown the sugar until crisp or slide under your oven broiler watching closely so it does not burn This is what gives a true crème brûlée finish

Serve

Let the dish cool just briefly so the caramel hardens Cut into generous slices Drizzle with warm maple syrup or add whipped cream if desired and serve while the contrast of creamy custard and crackly sugar is at its peak

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My favorite part is using a torch to caramelize the sugar It always draws a crowd at the table and turns breakfast into a little bit of theater This recipe is now synonymous with birthdays in our house because of those crispy caramel shatters

Storage Tips

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to two days Reheat portions uncovered in the oven at a moderate temperature to regain the texture of the sugar crust Microwaving will soften the topping so the oven is preferred

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of French bread brioche or challah also works wonderfully and will yield an even richer result Dairy alternatives like a rich coconut cream can swap for half-and-half and milk with subtle flavor changes Brown sugar adds more caramel notes in place of some of the white sugar

Serving Suggestions

A scattering of berries or sliced stone fruit looks gorgeous and adds acidity to balance richness For elegant touches add a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream or a shower of orange zest on top Serve alongside crisp bacon and fresh fruit for a balanced brunch spread

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This beloved recipe ensures impressive results every time — slice in and savor the contrast of creamy custard with a caramel glass top.

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I achieve the caramelized sugar topping?

Sprinkle granulated sugar over the baked French toast, then use a kitchen torch or broil briefly until crisp and golden.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, soak the bread overnight in custard. Bake and caramelize the sugar topping just before serving.

→ What bread works best for this French toast?

Thick-sliced French bread is ideal, as it absorbs the custard and holds texture after baking.

→ Can I substitute any ingredients?

Try using brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or add fresh fruit or whipped cream for garnish.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness to the topping.