Description
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent make-ahead breakfast casserole with a rich custard base, caramelized bottom, and golden top. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or indulgent weekends, this recipe combines brioche bread, heavy cream, and vanilla for a sweet treat that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
6 large eggs
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 ½ cups whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
1 loaf day-old brioche or challah bread, sliced thick
Instructions
1. In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir until smooth and bubbling. Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
2. Slice brioche or challah into 1-inch thick pieces. Layer them snugly over the caramel in the dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla, and salt. Pour evenly over the bread, pressing gently to ensure it soaks in.
4. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard.
5. In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F. Let the dish rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
6. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until golden and custard is set. Cool slightly before serving.
7. Serve warm with powdered sugar, berries, or maple syrup if desired.
Notes
This dish is best with day-old bread for maximum absorption.
Letting it sit at room temperature before baking improves even cooking.
For added flair, top with whipped cream or a brûléed sugar crust after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 175mg