Step 5: Preheat the Oven
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the dish inside to ensure even baking.
Step 6: Add the Butter and Sugar
Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and dot the top of the bread with small pieces of unsalted butter. This helps create a rich, golden crust. Then, sprinkle the top with a little extra sugar—this will caramelize during baking, giving your French toast that signature brûlée effect.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the French toast for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is puffed up, golden brown, and crispy around the edges. The custard should be fully set, and the top should have a nice, golden hue.
Step 8: Add the Crème Brûlée Touch
Once your French toast is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. For the pièce de résistance, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top and place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely as the sugar caramelizes and forms a crunchy, golden topping that mimics the iconic crème brûlée finish.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once the sugar has melted into a crisp, golden layer, it’s time to dig in! Serve your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast with a drizzle of maple syrup, and, if desired, fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. This dish is perfect as is, but feel free to add any toppings that make your brunch extra special.
Tips for the Perfect Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Use Day-Old Bread: Day-old or slightly stale French bread works best for this recipe, as it soaks up the custard without becoming too soggy. If your bread is fresh, lightly toast it before soaking to help it hold its shape.
- Let It Soak: Don’t rush the overnight step. The bread needs time to absorb the custard fully, which is what creates that soft, custardy center.
- Don’t Skip the Broil: The brief broil at the end is essential for achieving the signature caramelized sugar top. Keep a close eye on it—this step only takes a minute or two!
- Make It Ahead for a Stress-Free Morning: One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish the night before, refrigerate, and bake it fresh the next morning. It’s perfect for busy mornings or when you want to enjoy a leisurely brunch with little effort.
- Serving Suggestions: While maple syrup is a must, you can also serve this with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices. For an extra indulgent treat, try whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Variations You Can Try
- Berries & Cream: Top your French toast with a handful of fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a sweet, fruity finish.
- Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the sugar before broiling to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Citrus Twist: For a fresh twist, sprinkle some orange zest into the custard mixture. It will give the dish a bright, citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the caramelized sugar.
- Spiced Up: Experiment with adding a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, or allspice to the custard for a deeper, more warming flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free bread to make this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast gluten-free. Just be sure to choose a bread that will hold up to the custard soak.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover French toast! Simply let it cool completely, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or toaster for a quick breakfast.
Can I make this without the broiling step?
While broiling is what gives the French toast its signature crispy, caramelized topping, you can skip this step if you prefer. The dish will still be delicious, just without the crispy brûlée finish.
Final Thoughts: A Show-Stopping Breakfast Treat
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is truly a show-stopping dish that combines the best of both worlds: the rich custardy texture of French toast and the indulgent, caramelized finish of crème brûlée. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a lazy Sunday brunch, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
1 loaf of French bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
5 large eggs
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for the topping
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup unsalted butter
Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange slices of French bread in a single layer in the dish, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- In a large bowl, combine eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, 2/3 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until everything is beautifully blended together.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices, making sure all the bread is soaked.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap.
- Dot the top of the bread with small pieces of the butter and sprinkle with a little sugar.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the toast is puffed up and golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle the top with additional sugar and briefly broil until the sugar caramelizes.
- Serve with a side of maple syrup and any suggested sides.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best results, as it soaks up the custard better without getting too soggy.
- The bread should be soaked for a minimum of 8 hours overnight, so don’t skip the refrigeration step.
- For an extra crispy finish, broil the top for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This dish can be served with fresh berries, whipped cream, or extra maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
