Table of Contents
Introduction
There’s something magical about waking up to the aroma of a breakfast that feels like dessert. Imagine a dish that combines the creamy, custardy richness of crème brûlée with the comforting warmth of French toast. That’s exactly what this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast delivers—a breakfast so indulgent it feels like a treat reserved for special occasions. But here’s the best part: it’s incredibly easy to make!
This recipe is perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends when you want to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply prep it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and watch as it transforms into a golden, caramelized masterpiece. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s sure to win hearts, whether you’re serving it for brunch, a holiday breakfast, or just because.
If you loved our Classic Overnight French Toast Casserole, you’re going to adore this elevated version. The addition of a luscious crème brûlée-inspired custard takes this dish to a whole new level of decadence. So grab your baking dish, and let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that’s guaranteed to make your mornings sweeter!
What is Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Have you ever wondered what happens when two iconic desserts—crème brûlée and French toast—collide? You get this heavenly creation: Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast! The name might sound fancy, but don’t let it intimidate you. This dish is essentially a marriage of creamy custard-soaked bread and a caramelized sugar topping that mimics the crackly crust of crème brûlée.
Why is it called “overnight”?
Well, because the magic happens while you sleep! The bread soaks up a rich custard mixture overnight, ensuring every bite is soft, creamy, and bursting with flavor. And let’s be honest, anything that lets you prep ahead and sleep in a little longer is a winner in our book.
As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but we’d argue this dish can win over anyone—kids, friends, or even your toughest food critic. Ready to give it a try? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Decadent and Indulgent: This dish is the ultimate breakfast treat. The creamy custard and caramelized sugar topping create a luxurious texture and flavor that feels like dessert for breakfast.
- Budget-Friendly: Making this at home is a fraction of the cost of ordering a fancy brunch at a restaurant. Plus, it uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients like bread, eggs, milk, and sugar.
- Customizable Toppings: While the dish is delicious on its own, you can elevate it with toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s a versatile recipe that lets you get creative!
If you’re a fan of our Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake, you’ll appreciate how this recipe takes a similar approach but adds a sophisticated twist. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or treating yourself to a cozy morning, this dish is a must-try.
How to Make Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Quick Overview
This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. With just 15 minutes of prep the night before, you’ll wake up to a dish that’s creamy, caramelized, and utterly irresistible. The custard-soaked bread bakes to perfection, and the sugar topping adds a delightful crunch.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus overnight soaking)
Servings: 6-8
Key Ingredients for Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
- 1 loaf of French bread or brioche, cut into thick slices
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, 1/2 cup of sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure each slice is well-coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat and Prep: In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Add the Topping: Drizzle the melted butter over the bread, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm with your favorite toppings.
What to Serve with Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
- Whipped cream or vanilla yogurt
- Crispy bacon or sausage links
- A hot cup of coffee or a mimosa for the adults
Top Tips for Perfecting Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Use stale bread for better absorption of the custard.
- For extra richness, substitute half-and-half for the milk.
- Don’t skip the overnight soak—it’s key to achieving the perfect texture.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use all milk, but the custard won’t be as rich.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Cover leftovers with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
There you have it—a breakfast recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast will surely become a family favorite. don’t forget to share your creations with us in the comments below—we’d love to hear how it turned out! Happy cooking!