Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake: Decadent

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If you love French toast but want an easier way to prepare it, this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake is the perfect solution! Rich, buttery, and caramelized to perfection, this dish features a custard-soaked bread base that’s baked to golden, crispy goodness. Made ahead of time, it’s ideal for holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, or lazy weekends when you want something indulgent with minimal morning effort.

Why You Will Love Making This Recipe

  1. Make-Ahead Convenience – Prepare the night before and simply bake in the morning.
  2. Rich & Buttery Flavor – The caramelized brown sugar topping creates a delicious crème brûlée effect.
  3. Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for feeding a group at breakfast or brunch.
  4. Minimal Morning Effort – No need to flip individual slices of French toast!
  5. Customizable – Add berries, nuts, or spices to make it your own.

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Ingredients

  • 1 loaf French bread (sliced into thick pieces)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup

Equipment Used

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Plastic wrap
  • Spatula

Directions & Instructions

  1. Prepare the Caramel Base – In a saucepan, melt butter and mix in brown sugar and maple syrup until smooth. Pour this mixture into the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  2. Layer the Bread – Arrange slices of French bread over the caramel mixture in a single layer.
  3. Make the Custard – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Soak the Bread – Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down slightly to ensure it absorbs the liquid.
  5. Refrigerate Overnight – Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  6. Bake – The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until golden and set.
  7. Serve – Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with powdered sugar or fresh berries.

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Nutritional Information

Per serving:

  • Calories: 380
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Sugar: 28g

Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.

Prep Time and Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 8 hours (overnight)
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 9 hours

Variations

  • Nutty Crunch – Add chopped pecans or almonds for extra texture.
  • Berry Bliss – Layer in raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a fruity twist.
  • Chocolate Indulgence – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between the bread slices.
  • Pumpkin Spice – Mix in pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired version.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! Brioche, challah, or even croissants work well for this recipe.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

3. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes! Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Pro Tips By Elisa

  • Use Stale Bread – Slightly dry bread absorbs the custard better, preventing sogginess.
  • Don’t Skip the Overnight Step – The long soak allows flavors to deepen and develop.
  • Broil for Extra Crispness – For an extra caramelized top, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.
  • Serve with Whipped Cream – It adds a light, creamy contrast to the rich dish.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake with:

  • Fresh Berries – Adds a refreshing, tart contrast.
  • Whipped Cream – For extra indulgence.
  • Crispy Bacon or Sausage – A savory side balances the sweetness.
  • Drizzle of Caramel or Maple Syrup – Enhances the caramelized flavors.

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake

Elisa
Wake up to this rich, caramelized Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake! Buttery, sweet, and perfect for special mornings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Plastic wrap
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf French bread sliced into thick pieces
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Caramel Base – In a saucepan, melt butter and mix in brown sugar and maple syrup until smooth. Pour this mixture into the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  • Layer the Bread – Arrange slices of French bread over the caramel mixture in a single layer.
  • Make the Custard – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Soak the Bread – Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down slightly to ensure it absorbs the liquid.
  • Refrigerate Overnight – Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  • Bake – The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until golden and set.
  • Serve – Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with powdered sugar or fresh berries.

Notes

Use Stale Bread – Slightly dry bread absorbs the custard better, preventing sogginess.
Don’t Skip the Overnight Step – The long soak allows flavors to deepen and develop.
Broil for Extra Crispness – For an extra caramelized top, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.
Serve with Whipped Cream – It adds a light, creamy contrast to the rich dish.
Keyword Recipe Ideas Dessert