Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French toast is the ultimate breakfast indulgence! The custard-soaked bread is rich and tender, while the caramelized sugar topping provides that signature crème brûlée crunch. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: prep it the night before, let the flavors meld, and bake it to perfection in the morning. It’s the kind of dish that will wow your family or guests without requiring much time or effort in the kitchen!

Ingredients

1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick
5 large eggs
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Maple syrup, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

Directions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish

Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the slices of French bread in a single layer, slightly overlapping them if needed.

2. Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

3. Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each slice is fully coated. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press the bread into the custard, ensuring the bread absorbs the mixture.

4. Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard mixture, making it perfectly custardy when baked.

5. Bake the French Toast

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Dot the top of the bread with small pieces of butter and sprinkle a light layer of granulated sugar over the top.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed and golden brown.

6. Caramelize the Sugar Topping

Once the French toast is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the top of the bread. Use a kitchen torch or set the oven to broil to caramelize the sugar. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the sugar is golden and crisp.

7. Serve

Allow the French toast to cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy the perfect breakfast or brunch!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (includes overnight refrigeration)
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 9 hours (including overnight refrigeration)

Variations

Brown Sugar: For a deeper flavor, substitute brown sugar for some or all of the granulated sugar in the custard.
Fruit Toppings: Add fresh fruit like berries, bananas, or apples to the top of the French toast before baking for an extra burst of sweetness.
Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream to make it even more indulgent.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. To maintain the crisp sugar topping, you can briefly broil the top for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this without overnight refrigeration?

While the overnight refrigeration allows the bread to fully absorb the custard for a softer, more custardy texture, you can bake it right away if you’re short on time. It will still be delicious but might be a bit less custardy.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can substitute the French bread with challah, brioche, or any other bread that is sturdy enough to soak up the custard. Brioche will add an extra layer of richness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread to make this dish gluten-free. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can use the broiler setting on your oven to caramelize the sugar. Just be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.

Can I freeze this French toast?

Yes, you can freeze the baked French toast after it’s been cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

Can I double this recipe for a larger group?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish, such as a 12×16-inch pan. Be sure to adjust the baking time slightly as needed.

How do I prevent the custard from leaking out?

Make sure to press the bread gently into the custard mixture and allow the bread to soak up the custard properly overnight. This will help keep everything intact during baking.

Can I add some spice to the sugar topping?

For a twist, you can add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom to the sugar before caramelizing it for an extra burst of flavor.

Conclusion

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the ultimate decadent breakfast or brunch dish, combining the richness of crème brûlée with the comfort of French toast. It’s easy to make, especially with the overnight soak, and it’s sure to impress your family or guests. Whether you serve it with syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream, this recipe will make any morning feel like a celebration!

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This indulgent Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast features creamy, custard-soaked French bread with a caramelized sugar topping that gives it a delightful crème brûlée twist. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or brunch, this make-ahead recipe ensures a stress-free yet flavorful morning.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (includes overnight refrigeration)
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 9 hours (including overnight refrigeration)
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the slices of French bread in a single layer, slightly overlapping them if needed.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, pressing gently to ensure the bread absorbs the mixture.
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator, discard the plastic wrap, and dot the top with butter. Sprinkle granulated sugar over the top.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Once baked, sprinkle a layer of granulated sugar on top of the French toast. Use a kitchen torch or broiler to caramelize the sugar for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp.
Allow the French toast to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy!