Nora
Imagine waking up to the aroma of caramelized sugar, buttery bread, and a warm custard that’s been soaking overnight. This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a breakfast dream that combines the decadence of crème brûlée with the comfort of a homey French toast bake. Golden, slightly crisp on top, and custardy inside, it’s a treat you’ll look forward to every single bite.
Perfect for holidays, weekend brunches, or a special breakfast-in-bed, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy mornings. Since you prepare it the night before, all you need to do is bake and enjoy. Whether you serve it with fresh berries, maple syrup, or just a dusting of powdered sugar, this dish never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Prep-ahead convenience – Assemble it the night before for an effortless morning.
- Luxurious flavor – The buttery caramel and creamy custard make each bite melt in your mouth.
- Crowd-pleaser – Ideal for family brunches, holiday mornings, or special occasions.
- Customizable – Top with seasonal fruits, nuts, or whipped cream for your perfect twist.
Do I Need to Use a Special Bread for This Recipe?
Yes! Bread choice is key to achieving the best texture. Brioche or challah works wonderfully because they are slightly sweet and soft but sturdy enough to hold the custard overnight. If you prefer a more rustic taste, a thick-sliced French loaf also works well.
Ingredients for the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Each ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose to deliver the perfect custardy texture and caramelized flavor.
- Brioche or Challah Bread – Rich, tender, and sturdy enough to soak in the custard overnight without falling apart.
- Butter – Creates that classic caramelized bottom for the crème brûlée effect.
- Brown Sugar – Essential for the sweet, caramelized topping.
- Eggs – Provide structure and transform the milk mixture into a custard.
- Whole Milk & Heavy Cream – Combine to create a rich, creamy base for the custard.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon – Brings a cozy hint of spice to the dish.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
How to Make the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base
Melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of your baking dish.
Step 2: Arrange the Bread
Slice the brioche or challah into thick slices and arrange them in a single layer on top of the caramel mixture. Slightly overlapping pieces is fine.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring every slice is well coated.
Step 4: Chill Overnight
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until golden and slightly puffed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Allow it to cool slightly, then invert or scoop portions onto plates so the caramelized bottom is visible. Serve warm with optional powdered sugar, syrup, or fresh fruit.
Serving and Storing Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
This recipe comfortably serves 6 to 8 people, making it ideal for family brunches or holiday gatherings. Once baked, let it rest for a few minutes to allow the caramel to settle before serving. The golden, custardy slices are best enjoyed warm.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to revive the soft, custardy texture without drying it out.
What to Serve With Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Here are some delicious accompaniments to elevate your breakfast spread:
1. Fresh Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing tartness to balance the sweetness.
2. Maple Syrup
Classic and rich, it complements the caramelized crust perfectly.
3. Whipped Cream
A light, airy topping for extra indulgence.
4. Candied Pecans
Crunchy and buttery, they provide a satisfying contrast in texture.
5. Bacon or Breakfast Sausage
Savory sides pair perfectly to balance the sweet flavors.
6. Greek Yogurt with Honey
A creamy, tangy side that keeps the meal balanced.
7. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
Its citrus brightness is a refreshing way to complete the meal.
Want More Breakfast Ideas?
If you love this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, you’ll enjoy these other comforting and flavorful breakfast recipes from my collection:
- Nutella French Toast Casserole – A chocolatey twist for any sweet tooth.
- Fluffy Pancakes: A Breakfast Delight – Light, airy, and perfect for weekend mornings.
- Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins – Soft, gooey, and loaded with cinnamon flavor.
- Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole – Hearty and savory, great for a complete morning meal.
- Soft & Moist Carrot Muffins – A lightly spiced treat that pairs perfectly with coffee.
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I’d love to hear how your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast turns out. Did you add extra toppings or keep it classic? Leave a comment to share your delicious twist!
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Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 6 large eggs
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced thick
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and stir in brown sugar until smooth. Spread evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on top of the caramel, slightly overlapping if needed.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour over the bread evenly.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the custard to soak in.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove dish from the fridge and let sit for 20 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, invert or scoop servings, and enjoy warm with syrup or fruit.