Looking for a show-stopping breakfast or brunch dish? This Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast Bake is the answer! Combining the rich, custardy texture of French toast with the sweet, caramelized topping of creme brulee, this casserole is a decadent treat that’s perfect for special occasions or lazy weekend mornings. The best part? You prepare it the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is bake and enjoy. Let’s dive into this indulgent recipe!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
This Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast Bake is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly delicious. The combination of creamy custard, soft bread, and a caramelized sugar topping creates a dish that’s rich, sweet, and utterly satisfying.
Second, it’s easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a restaurant-quality breakfast ready with minimal effort. Plus, the overnight soak allows the bread to absorb all the custardy goodness, making it extra flavorful.
Finally, it’s perfect for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or a special family breakfast, this dish is sure to impress your guests. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or brioche (cut into 1-inch slices)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, for topping)
Equipment Used
- 9Ă—13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in a greased 9Ă—13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the Oven: In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and melted butter. Spread this mixture evenly over the soaked bread.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Nutritional Information
This Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast Bake is a rich and indulgent treat. Per serving (1/8 of the dish), it contains approximately:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 12g
- Sugar: 30g
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Chill Time: Overnight
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling)
Variations
- Fruit-Infused: Add a layer of sliced bananas, berries, or apples between the bread slices.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds over the topping for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add chocolate chips to the custard mixture for a decadent twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of bread?
Yes! Challah or sourdough bread works well for a different texture.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Pro Tips By Elisa
- Use stale bread for better absorption of the custard mixture.
- Let the dish sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking for even cooking.
- For an extra caramelized topping, broil the baked dish for 1-2 minutes (watch closely to avoid burning).
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast Bake warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s perfect for holiday brunches, special occasions, or a cozy weekend breakfast!
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Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast Bake: A Decadent Breakfast Treat
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients Â
- 1 loaf French bread or brioche cut into 1-inch slices
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar for topping
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted, for topping
InstructionsÂ
- Prepare the Bread: Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the Oven: In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and melted butter. Spread this mixture evenly over the soaked bread.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.