Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

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Imagine waking up to a warm, custardy slice of French toast that tastes like your favorite crème brûlée dessert, kissed with caramel and crisp around the edges. This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast delivers all of that indulgent flavor without any of the morning fuss. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a holiday even on a regular weekend.

What makes this dish so special is the prep-ahead magic. It soaks overnight, letting the flavors of rich vanilla custard and buttery caramel infuse deep into thick slices of bread. When baked, it emerges with a golden, crackly top and a soft, almost custard-like center. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just want to treat yourself, this one is guaranteed to impress.

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What Kind of Bread Should I Use for Crème Brûlée French Toast?

The best bread for this dish is something sturdy yet absorbent. Brioche and challah are top choices—they soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart. Day-old or slightly dry bread works best, as it can handle the overnight soak without getting mushy.

Ingredients for the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Butter: Used to create that luscious caramel base that soaks into the bread.

Brown Sugar: Adds depth and molasses sweetness to the caramel layer.

Corn Syrup: Keeps the caramel silky and helps with browning.

Vanilla Extract: Infuses the custard with that classic crème brûlée aroma.

Eggs: The foundation of the custard; they give structure and richness.

Half-and-Half: Ensures a creamy, velvety custard base that doesn’t curdle.

Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.

Brioche or Challah Bread: Thick-cut slices soak up the custard and bake up golden.

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How To Make the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Step 1: Make the Caramel Base

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

Step 2: Layer the Bread

Slice your brioche or challah bread into 1-inch thick slices. Lay them in a single layer over the caramel, slightly overlapping if needed. You can trim to fit, but make sure every inch is covered.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully combined. This creates a rich, creamy custard.

Step 4: Pour and Soak

Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices, making sure all pieces are thoroughly soaked. Press down gently with your hands or a spatula to help the bread absorb the mixture. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the dish and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and set, and the caramel is bubbling around the edges.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Use a spatula to scoop out portions, making sure to get some of that glorious caramel from the bottom. A drizzle of maple syrup is optional—but delightful.

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Serving and Storing the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Serve this decadent French toast straight from the oven while it’s still warm and the caramel is bubbling. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re hosting brunch, place the baking dish right on the table and let everyone scoop their own portion.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before covering and refrigerating. It keeps well for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or place the entire dish back in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make this?

You can prep this up to 24 hours in advance. It’s best when it soaks overnight, but if you’re tight on time, 6 hours will still yield delicious results.

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. Baked leftovers can also be frozen for up to one month.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Absolutely. Substitute the half-and-half with full-fat coconut milk or a barista blend almond milk for best results. The texture may be slightly less rich but still tasty.

What toppings go well with it?

Fresh fruit, maple syrup, whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a touch of sea salt to enhance the caramel.

Can I make it less sweet?

Yes, reduce the brown sugar slightly or use a less sweet bread like sourdough. You can also skip the syrup topping when serving.

Is this kid-friendly?

Very! The soft texture and caramel flavor make it a hit with little ones, especially when served with fun toppings.

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Want More Breakfast Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, try these next to keep your mornings delicious:

• Heart-Shaped Sugar Donuts for a cute and fluffy sweet treat.
• Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites for a fruity, protein-packed breakfast.
• Cinna Bun Cake if you love gooey cinnamon rolls but want it in sliceable form.
• Lemon Oatmeal No Bake Cookies for a zesty make-ahead option.
• Bacon, Egg, and Hash Brown Casserole for a savory balance to your breakfast table.

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Tried it and loved it? Drop a comment below! Did you use brioche or challah? Add a unique topping? I’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own. Got questions or variations? Share them and let’s inspire each other to make mornings extra special.

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