Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is a decadent and effortless breakfast dish perfect for brunch or special mornings. Featuring a rich caramel sauce base with layers of day-old bread soaked in a creamy custard mixture, it bakes into a golden, custardy delight topped with optional sanding sugar and sliced almonds for a delightful crunch. Prepare it the night before to enjoy a stress-free, indulgent breakfast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp white corn syrup
French Toast Casserole
- Day-old bread cut into one-inch cubes, about a nine-inch loaf of French bread or other firm white bread
- 1 1/2 cups half and half
- 5 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Garnish (Optional)
- Sanding sugar
- Sliced almonds
Instructions
- Make the caramel sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, salted butter, and white corn syrup. Cook and stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture becomes smooth and silky, forming a rich caramel sauce.
- Prepare the baking dish: Pour the warm caramel sauce into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish, evenly spreading it across the bottom to form a luscious base layer for the casserole.
- Layer the bread cubes: Arrange the one-inch bread cubes evenly over the caramel layer in the baking dish, ensuring the bread is well distributed.
- Mix the custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the half and half, eggs, and vanilla extract vigorously until the mixture is frothy and thoroughly blended, ensuring a smooth custard.
- Combine and refrigerate: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, allowing it to soak through. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least eight hours or overnight to let the bread absorb the custard fully.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the refrigerated casserole uncovered on the center rack and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, optionally sprinkle sanding sugar and sliced almonds over the top for added texture and sweetness before serving warm.
Notes
- Day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- If desired, use a firmer bread like brioche or challah for added richness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half and half with a plant-based milk and use a suitable butter alternative.
- Sanding sugar provides a sparkling, crunchy topping resembling traditional crème brûlée caramelization.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before making it perfect for holiday mornings or brunch gatherings.
Keywords: overnight French toast casserole, crème brûlée French toast, brunch casserole, caramel French toast bake, baked French toast, holiday breakfast recipe
