Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Save this recipe on:

There’s something magical about waking up to a dish that’s already been prepared the night before. That’s the beauty of Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast – it takes all the stress out of breakfast or brunch and turns it into something effortlessly elegant. With its custardy base, caramelized topping, and rich flavor, this make-ahead breakfast brings a gourmet touch to your morning table without any last-minute fuss.

Perfect for holidays, weekend gatherings, or when you simply want to treat yourself, this French toast casserole mimics the silky, rich flavors of classic crème brûlée in every bite. It features thick slices of bread soaked in a luscious cream and egg mixture, with a buttery brown sugar base that becomes delightfully gooey as it bakes. The top turns golden and crisp, offering that satisfying crème brûlée finish.

Why You’ll Love This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

This recipe isn’t just about convenience—though the overnight prep is a serious win. It’s about comfort and indulgence. Every bite of this dish is like a warm hug, with creamy notes of vanilla and caramel dancing across your taste buds. The custard is silky and rich, and the texture contrast between the soft bread and the caramelized edges makes it irresistible.

You’ll also love that it’s versatile. You can dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of maple syrup. And because it bakes in a single dish, cleanup is a breeze.

Can I Use Any Type of Bread for Crème Brûlée French Toast?

Good question! While technically you can use any bread you have on hand, certain types really elevate the final texture and flavor. Brioche and challah are top choices for their richness and ability to absorb the custard without getting too soggy. French bread also works well if you want something with a bit more chew. Day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal, as it soaks up the custard better without falling apart. Avoid sandwich bread if you can—it tends to break down too quickly and won’t give you that luxurious finish you’re aiming for.

Ingredients for the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

To make this breakfast feel like dessert, you’ll need a few rich and indulgent ingredients that work together to create a custard-like bake. These components soak into the bread overnight, transforming your casserole into a luxurious treat that tastes like it’s straight from a bakery. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Eggs
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Day-old brioche or challah bread

Butter creates that golden caramel layer on the bottom and adds a richness throughout the dish. Brown sugar pairs with the butter to create a sticky, toffee-like flavor base. Corn syrup gives the topping its glossy, slightly chewy texture. Eggs are essential for the custard, helping it firm up while baking. Heavy cream and whole milk add silkiness and a creamy texture that mimics crème brûlée. Vanilla extract enhances the custard flavor, while a pinch of salt balances out all the sweetness. And the star of the show: thick slices of day-old brioche or challah bread, which soak up all that goodness without falling apart.

How To Make the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Step 1: Make the Caramel Layer

In a small saucepan, melt the butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbling. Pour this into a greased 9×13 baking dish, spreading it evenly to coat the bottom.

Step 2: Layer the Bread

Slice your brioche or challah into thick pieces, about 1-inch thick. Arrange the slices over the caramel layer, fitting them snugly but not overlapping too much. If you need to cut some in halves or quarters to fill gaps, go for it.

Step 3: Mix the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure all pieces are saturated. You can gently press the bread down to help it soak up the custard.

Step 4: Chill Overnight

Cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This gives the bread time to absorb all the flavors and results in a perfect custard-like texture when baked.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Then bake uncovered for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the caramel layer to thicken.

How to Serve and Store This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

This indulgent breakfast bake is best served warm straight from the oven, when the caramel layer is still gooey and the top is lightly crisped. A dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries can really elevate the presentation, but it’s plenty decadent on its own. If you want to go over the top, drizzle it with a little maple syrup or top it with a dollop of whipped cream.

This recipe serves about 6 to 8 people, depending on portion sizes. It’s perfect for weekend guests, holiday mornings, or potluck brunches.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 300°F until heated through. The texture stays surprisingly lovely even after reheating.

What to Serve With Crème Brûlée French Toast?

Fresh Fruit Salad

The light and refreshing contrast of fruit balances the richness of the French toast. Try a mix of berries, melons, and citrus.

Crispy Bacon or Sausage Links

A salty, savory side like bacon or sausage helps cut through the sweetness of the dish and makes the meal feel more complete.

Greek Yogurt Parfaits

Serve layered yogurt with granola and fruit for added protein and a creamy counterpoint to the baked toast.

Scrambled Eggs

Simple and classic, eggs round out the breakfast without overwhelming the flavor profile.

Breakfast Potatoes

A little starch and seasoning from roasted or skillet potatoes can add a nice contrast in both texture and flavor.

Iced Coffee or Lattes

Serve with your favorite coffee drink to enhance the indulgent feel of the meal. Vanilla or caramel lattes pair especially well.

Mimosa or Sparkling Juice

For brunch occasions, a glass of something bubbly can turn breakfast into a celebration.

Want More Breakfast Ideas?

If you can’t get enough of rich and cozy breakfast casseroles, here are some more that you’ll definitely want to try:

• Sausage Egg and Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole for a savory, cheesy morning delight.
• Fluffy Banana Cottage Cheese Pancakes that are packed with protein and naturally sweet.
• Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup if you’re craving something warm and creamy in a bowl.
• Breakfast Roll Ups filled with all your favorites and easy to grab on the go.
• Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake if you love veggie-forward comfort food with a golden top.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add fresh fruit or maybe a splash of almond extract? Did you try baking it in ramekins for individual portions?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Print

Save this recipe on: