Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake is an indulgent breakfast dish that brings together the creamy, caramelized goodness of crème brûlée with the comforting flavors of French toast. Imagine waking up to this rich, custardy bake that’s soaked overnight, ensuring each slice of bread is perfectly infused with vanilla and caramel notes. As it bakes, a golden, crispy top forms—reminiscent of the classic dessert—making each bite both soft and slightly crunchy.

Whether you’re preparing for a holiday brunch or a weekend treat, this make-ahead French toast bake is perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself. The best part? The preparation is easy, and the overnight soak means minimal effort in the morning. Not a fan of overly sweet breakfasts? Don’t worry—this dish strikes the perfect balance!

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap or foil
• Oven

Ingredients:

• For the Caramel Base:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp light corn syrup (optional, for extra caramelization)
• For the French Toast:
  • 1 loaf French bread (day-old or slightly stale is best), sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Prepare the Caramel Base:
   • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and light corn syrup (if using). Stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Pour this caramel mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2. Layer the Bread:
   • Arrange the slices of French bread in a single layer over the caramel in the baking dish. You may need to overlap the slices slightly to fit them all in.
3. Make the Custard:
   • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt until well combined.
4. Pour the Custard Over the Bread:
   • Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread slices, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Gently press the bread down into the custard to help it absorb the mixture.
   • Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 8 hours) to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
5. Bake the French Toast:
   • The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats.
   • Bake the French toast, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp and the custard is set.
6. Serve:
   • Let the bake cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Flip each piece onto a plate to reveal the caramelized bottom. Serve with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)

Cook Time:

• 45 minutes

Total Time:

• 1 hour (plus overnight soak)

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 30g

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake is an elegant and simple way to elevate your breakfast. It’s sweet, rich, and the perfect combination of creamy custard and crispy caramelized bread. Make ahead for easy mornings and serve with your favorite toppings!

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake

is an indulgent breakfast dish that brings together the creamy, caramelized goodness of crème brûlée with the comforting flavors of French toast.

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Equipment

• Kitchen Equipment Needed:
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap or foil
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp light corn syrup optional, for extra caramelization
• For the French Toast:
• 1 loaf French bread day-old or slightly stale is best, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon optional
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

 

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and light corn syrup (if using). Stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
• Pour this caramel mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
• Layer the Bread:
• Arrange the slices of French bread in a single layer over the caramel in the baking dish. You may need to overlap the slices slightly to fit them all in.
• Make the Custard:
• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt until well combined.
• Pour the Custard Over the Bread:
• Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread slices, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Gently press the bread down into the custard to help it absorb the mixture.
• Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 8 hours) to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
• Bake the French Toast:
• The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats.
• Bake the French toast, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp and the custard is set.
• Serve:
• Let the bake cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Flip each piece onto a plate to reveal the caramelized bottom. Serve with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
• Prep Time:
• 15 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)
• Cook Time:
• 45 minutes
• Total Time:
• 1 hour (plus overnight soak)
• Nutrition (per serving):
• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 30g
• This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake is an elegant and simple way to elevate your breakfast. It’s sweet, rich, and the perfect combination of creamy custard and crispy caramelized bread. Make ahead for easy mornings and serve with your favorite toppings!