Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Golden, caramelized, and custardy in the best way possible—this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is what brunch dreams are made of. It tastes like dessert but serves up like a cozy breakfast casserole, perfect for slow weekends or holiday mornings. Think classic French toast meets crème brûlée with that dreamy burnt sugar crust and melt-in-your-mouth interior.

Unlike traditional recipes, this one is prepared the night before, allowing the custard to deeply soak into thick slices of bread. The next morning, it’s as simple as baking and dusting with powdered sugar. Whether you’re hosting guests or just want a sweet start to your Sunday, this recipe brings effortless indulgence to the table.

---

What Kind of Bread Works Best for Crème Brûlée French Toast?

The best bread is something sturdy that holds up to soaking overnight without turning mushy. Brioche and challah are top picks for their tender yet resilient crumb. French bread or thick-cut Texas toast also work well. The key is cutting generous slices—about 1 to 1.5 inches thick—to ensure they absorb the custard while keeping a light, fluffy center.

---

Ingredients for the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Heavy Cream: Essential for that rich, creamy custard base that gives this French toast its luxurious texture.

Whole Milk: Lightens the custard just enough without compromising creaminess.

Large Eggs: Help set the custard and provide structure.

Granulated Sugar: Used in the custard and for caramelizing the base layer—mimicking the burnt sugar top of crème brûlée.

Brown Sugar: Adds depth and molasses-like warmth to the caramel sauce layer.

Unsalted Butter: Melts into the sugars to create the caramel base in the baking dish.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the dessert-like flavor of the dish.

Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the richness.

Thick-Cut Bread (like brioche or challah): The foundation for absorbing all that luscious custard overnight.

Powdered Sugar (optional): For that perfect finishing dusting right before serving.

---

How To Make the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Step 1: Make the Caramel Base

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter with brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts bubbling gently. Pour this rich caramel mixture into the bottom of your greased baking dish.

Step 2: Arrange the Bread

Place thick-cut slices of brioche or challah in a single snug layer over the caramel. You can slightly overlap if needed, but aim for even coverage so each piece absorbs the custard equally.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Make sure it’s well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Pour and Soak

Slowly pour the custard over the arranged bread slices, pressing gently to help the bread soak it up. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours).

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

In the morning, remove the dish from the fridge and let it come to room temperature while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until puffed and golden with bubbling caramel at the edges.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Let it cool slightly before slicing. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top and serve warm. A drizzle of maple syrup or fresh berries makes a lovely bonus.

---

How to Serve and Store This French Toast

This overnight crème brûlée French toast is best served warm straight from the oven when the top is caramelized and the custard is set but soft. A dusting of powdered sugar adds visual appeal, and it pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to preserve the texture. The microwave works in a pinch, but you may lose some of that delightful caramel crispness.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this French toast?

Yes, you can freeze the baked French toast once cooled. Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and slightly crisp on top.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

You can, though it will be slightly less rich. The result will still be delicious, just not as indulgent.

What if I forget to soak it overnight?

You can soak it for at least 2 hours if you’re short on time, but overnight soaking is ideal for the best flavor and texture.

Can I use gluten-free bread?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s a sturdy loaf. Some gluten-free breads fall apart easily, so test it with a quick soak before committing.

Should I cover it while baking?

No need—bake it uncovered to allow the top to caramelize and the custard to set properly.

What toppings go well with this?

Fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, or even a spoonful of jam all work beautifully without overpowering the dish.

---

Want More Breakfast Ideas?

If you loved this overnight crème brûlée French toast, here are a few more deliciously indulgent morning treats you might enjoy:

• Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread for a moist and cozy slice of sweetness.
• Baked Apple Cider Donuts that bring fall flavors to your morning table.
• Classic Buttermilk Pancakes when you’re craving the ultimate fluffy stack.
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins for something seasonal and rich.
• Blueberry Crumble Breakfast Cake loaded with juicy berries and buttery crumbs.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 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 go classic or add some flair? Maybe a little cinnamon or a splash of bourbon in the custard?

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

---

Print