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This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a sweet morning dream! Soft bread soaked in a rich custard makes every bite feel like a treat. Plus, the caramelized sugar on top gives it that fancy touch!
Who wouldn’t love waking up to this special breakfast? It’s like having dessert for breakfast, and it’s super easy to prep the night before. Just pop it in the oven in the morning—what a way to impress!
I love serving this with some fresh fruit on the side for a little balance. The crisp topping and creamy center together are simply irresistible!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Challah or Brioche Bread: These breads are rich and soft, perfect for soaking up the custard. If you can’t find either, you can use French bread or a good-quality white sandwich bread. Sourdough may work, but it can add a tangy twist!
Heavy Cream: This gives the custard a rich and velvety texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can be substitutes, though it may not be as creamy. For dairy-free needs, almond or coconut cream is a good alternative.
Granulated Sugar: It sweetens the custard, but if you want to reduce sugar intake, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Just be mindful of the conversion ratios when substituting!
Eggs: Essential for creating a rich custard. For vegan options, a mixture of ground flaxseed and water (1 tablespoon flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg) can work, but it might change the texture slightly.
How Do I Make Sure the Bread Soaks Up the Custard Evenly?
Soaking the bread is crucial for the creamy texture you want. To help every slice absorb the custard, pour the mixture slowly and evenly over the bread, ensuring full coverage. If you notice the bread on top not soaking enough, you can gently press it down with a spatula or spoon.
- Arrange bread slices snugly in the dish for less gaps.
- Use a fork to poke small holes in each slice before soaking; this encourages absorption.
- After pouring the mixture, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before refrigerating.
Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
What You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, sliced (about 1-inch thick)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- Optional: Fresh berries or fruit for garnish
- Optional: Maple syrup for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful French toast takes about 15 minutes to prepare plus a lovely overnight soak in the fridge. You’ll bake it the next morning for about 45-50 minutes, making it perfect for a leisurely breakfast. Don’t forget about the quick broil at the end for that gorgeous caramelized top!
Instructions:
First things first, get your bread ready! Take the sliced challah or brioche and arrange it in a single layer in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. This hearty bread is perfect for soaking up all that rich, creamy custard you’ll be making.
Now, let’s whip up that custard mixture! In a large bowl, combine the eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk it all together until everything is well blended and smooth—this mixture is going to be the star of the show!
Next up, soak that bread! Pour your delicious custard evenly over the bread slices, making sure each piece gets a good soaking. This is where the magic happens! Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 4 hours. The longer it soaks, the more flavor and moisture the bread will absorb.
When morning rolls around, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and warm for baking your French toast to perfection!
Remove the plastic wrap from your baking dish and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly across the soaked bread. This layer is going to create that gorgeous, caramelized crust—yum! Now, place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the custard is set and bubbly.
For that extra crème brûlée flair, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. This will caramelize the brown sugar on top, creating a deliciously crunchy layer. Just keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn!
Once it’s done, let your French toast cool slightly before slicing into it. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of fresh berries or your favorite fruit on top, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup if you like. It’s a delightful and decadent way to start your day!
Enjoy this amazing breakfast treat—you deserve it! 🍞✨
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While challah and brioche are traditional choices due to their richness and texture, you can also use any thick-cut bread such as Texas toast, French bread, or even whole grain bread. Just be aware that different breads may absorb the custard differently, so you might need to adjust the soaking time slightly.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also re-crisp the top under the broiler for a minute for that crispy sugar layer!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Sure! To make this French toast dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream and milk with non-dairy alternatives, like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. You can also use a dairy-free cream cheese for added flavor and creaminess in the custard mixture.
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness of the Custard?
If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the custard mixture by 1/4 cup. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Just remember that it might affect the texture slightly, so adjust the baking time as needed!
