(A decadent, custardy French toast that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings or brunches—prepared the night before!)
Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 6 hours to overnight chill)
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (about 16 oz) thick, crusty French bread (or brioche)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the brûlée topping)
Instructions
- Prep the Bread:
- Slice the French bread (or brioche) into 1-inch thick slices, then cut the slices in half to create triangles. Arrange the bread in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layering it evenly (you might have to stack some pieces, and that’s okay!).
- Make the Custard:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure it’s well combined, and the sugar has dissolved.
- Pour Over the Bread:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure every slice gets soaked. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to help it absorb the custard. If necessary, add more custard to any dry areas.
- Cover and Chill:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for at least 6 hours (overnight is best). This gives the bread time to soak up all that delicious custard.
- Preheat the Oven:
- The next morning (or after your chill time), preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the French Toast:
- Once preheated, remove the baking dish from the fridge. Bake, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown and puffed up, and the custard is set. You’ll see the top crisping up while the inside stays perfectly creamy.
- Brûlée Topping:
- Once baked, sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top. Using a kitchen torch, carefully brûlée the sugar by torching it until it’s golden and bubbly. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can broil it in the oven for 2-3 minutes—just watch carefully to avoid burning!
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice into pieces and serve with your favorite toppings—fresh berries, syrup, or whipped cream are great choices!
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Use day-old bread if you have it. It soaks up the custard better than fresh bread, which can become soggy.
- Let the dish chill overnight for best results—the longer it sits, the better the flavors meld.
DON’T:
- Skip the brûlée topping—it’s what makes this French toast extra special and adds that signature crunchy sugar layer.
- Overbake it. Keep an eye on the French toast while baking to avoid drying it out.
Pro Tips:
- If you want to add a little extra flavor, sprinkle some chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking, or swirl in some caramel or chocolate sauce after baking.
- To make this a more indulgent breakfast, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast takes your classic French toast to a whole new level, with a custardy, sweet, brûléed topping. Perfect for impressing guests, treating your family, or just enjoying a lazy, delicious morning. 🍞🍯🍓
