Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast combines rich custardy flavors with the classic comfort of French toast. Made by soaking challah or brioche bread overnight in a creamy egg mixture, then baked to golden perfection and optionally topped with a caramelized sugar crust for a delightful, indulgent breakfast or brunch treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Base
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
French Toast
- 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, sliced 1/2 inch thick
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Grand Marnier or orange liqueur (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar for caramelizing (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the caramel base: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and light corn syrup, stirring continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Pour this warm caramel mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange the bread: Layer the challah or brioche slices in a single layer over the caramel base in the baking dish. Trim the bread slices if necessary to fit the dish snugly.
- Mix custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half cream, vanilla extract, Grand Marnier (if using), and salt until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it absorbs the custard evenly.
- Chill overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the bread to soak thoroughly.
- Preheat and prepare to bake: The next day, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and let the dish sit at room temperature while the oven heats up.
- Bake the French toast: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the French toast is puffed up and golden brown.
- Optional caramelized topping: After baking, let the French toast rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle the top evenly with granulated sugar and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp for a brûlée finish.
Notes
- This recipe is best prepared with challah or brioche bread due to their soft, rich texture which absorbs the custard well.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the Grand Marnier or substitute with orange extract.
- The caramelized sugar topping is optional but adds a delightful brûlée crust enhancing both texture and flavor.
- Make sure to press the bread firmly into the custard to maximize absorption and flavor.
- Letting it sit at room temperature before baking ensures even cooking.
Keywords: Overnight French Toast, Crème Brûlée French Toast, Baked French Toast, Challa French Toast, Brioche French Toast, Breakfast Dessert
