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Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
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Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a luscious, make-ahead breakfast that combines the creamy richness of classic crème brûlée with the comforting appeal of French toast. Thick-cut brioche or challah bread is soaked overnight in a rich custard made with eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla, then baked to perfection and topped with a crunchy caramelized sugar crust. This indulgent yet easy recipe is perfect for a special brunch or cozy weekend mornings, with customizable flavors and family-friendly ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

  • 1 loaf thick-cut brioche or challah bread (about 1-inch thick slices)

Custard Mixture

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Sugar Topping

  • ½ cup dark brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) until smooth and well combined to create the rich custard base.
  2. Assemble the French Toast: Slice the thick-cut brioche or challah bread into even 1-inch thick pieces. Arrange the slices in a single layer in a greased baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure each slice is fully soaked. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the covered dish from the refrigerator and uncover it. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center, achieving a creamy texture without drying out.
  4. Caramelize the Sugar Topping: Evenly sprinkle ½ cup dark brown sugar over the surface of the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, amber-colored crust. Alternatively, place under a hot broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the French toast to cool for a few minutes so the caramelized sugar hardens. Cut into squares and serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh berries, powdered sugar, or maple syrup for an extraordinary breakfast experience.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread for better custard absorption without becoming mushy.
  • Do not skip the heavy cream to achieve the signature creamy richness.
  • Wrap the baking dish tightly before refrigerating to prevent drying.
  • Caramelize sugar carefully using a torch or broiler to avoid bitterness from burning.
  • Slice bread evenly for uniform baking and attractive presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Overnight French Toast, Crème Brûlée French Toast, Make-Ahead Breakfast, Custardy French Toast, Caramelized Sugar Topping, Brioche French Toast

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/overnight-crme-brle-french-toast/