Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

If you love the creamy sweetness of classic crème brûlée and the cozy comfort of French toast, this recipe brings the two together in the most delicious way. Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is rich, custardy, and topped with a caramelized sugar crust that makes every bite feel indulgent.

The best part? You can prepare everything the night before, let it rest in the fridge, and simply bake it the next morning. That makes it perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or a special family breakfast when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread (cut into 1-inch thick slices; slightly stale works best)
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
• Maple syrup, for serving
• Optional toppings: fresh berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, caramel sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dish

• Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Arrange bread slices in a single layer, overlapping slightly if necessary.

Step 2: Make the Custard

• In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Mix until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

• Pour custard mixture evenly over bread slices.
• Press bread down gently to absorb liquid.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).

Step 4: Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove plastic wrap.
• Dot the bread with butter cubes and sprinkle lightly with sugar.
• Bake for 35–40 minutes, until puffed and golden.

Step 5: Caramelize the Topping

• Let the French toast cool for 2–3 minutes.
• Sprinkle extra sugar evenly over the top.
• Place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, until sugar melts and forms a crisp, golden crust.

Step 6: Serve

• Slice and serve warm.
• Add maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings.

Tips for Success

• Use day-old bread for better texture.
• Don’t skip the overnight rest—this makes it custardy and rich.
• Watch the broiler closely while caramelizing sugar.
• Add flavors like orange zest, almond extract, or bourbon for a twist.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with crispy bacon or sausage for balance.
• Pair with fresh fruit or a light salad.
• Perfect for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or Mother’s Day.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for best texture.

Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 11 g
• Carbs: 55 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Sugar: 28 g

FAQs

Can I make this without refrigerating overnight?
Yes, but the texture won’t be as creamy. If you’re short on time, let it soak for at least 1–2 hours.

Can I freeze it?
Yes! Bake first, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.

What’s the best bread to use?
French bread, brioche, or challah are perfect choices because they’re sturdy and soak up custard well.