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This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is like a sweet hug in the morning! With creamy custard and a crunchy sugar topping, it’s perfect for a special breakfast.
The best part is how easy it is to prepare! Just mix, soak, and refrigerate. I love serving it with some fresh berries to brighten up the plate and the tummy!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brioche Bread: Brioche is rich and buttery, making it perfect for French toast. If you can’t find brioche, use challah or even regular white bread. Just make sure it’s thick enough for a nice soak!
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: Together, they give the dish its luxurious texture. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version or use almond milk for a dairy-free option, though it may alter the creaminess a bit.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the custard base. If you prefer a healthier option, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but be mindful that sweetness may vary.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and depth when caramelized on top. If you run out of brown sugar, make your own by mixing granulated sugar with a bit of molasses!
Vanilla Extract: I always opt for pure vanilla extract because it has a richer flavor. If you’re in a pinch, imitation vanilla works too but may not provide the same depth.
How Do I Ensure My French Toast Soaks Up the Custard Perfectly?
The soaking process is crucial for a flavorful French toast! Here’s how to do it right:
- Slice the brioche into thick pieces (about 1 inch). This thickness helps hold the custard without falling apart.
- Once you pour the egg mixture over the bread, gently press it down. This helps each slice soak up enough custard.
- Let it sit in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours to allow the bread to fully absorb the flavors. If you’re short on time, a couple of hours will do, but longer soaking enhances the taste.
Remember, a well-soaked French toast will have that delicious custard feel when cooked!
Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
What You’ll Need:
For The Toast:
- 1 loaf of brioche bread (about 14-16 ounces)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For The Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Whipped cream (for serving)
- Fresh strawberries or berries (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus a bit of patience while it soaks overnight in the fridge (or at least 4 hours). Baking takes another 40-45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to wake up and treat yourself to an indulgent breakfast!
Instructions:
First things first, let’s prep that bread! Slice your brioche into thick slices, about 1 inch each—these will soak up the delicious custard beautifully. Now, lay those slices in a single layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. It’s okay if some of the edges touch; they’ll get cozy in the fridge!
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. You want it to be nice and smooth, so keep whisking until everything is well combined. This custard is what will make your French toast so rich and dreamy!
Now comes the fun part: pour that yummy egg mixture evenly over your brioche slices. Make sure each piece gets a good soak—don’t be shy! You can gently press the bread down with your fingers to help it soak in, ensuring every bite will be deliciously custardy.
Cover up the baking dish with some plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a pinch, let it soak for at least 4 hours. This allows the bread to soak up all those wonderful flavors!
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Now it’s time to bake! Remove the dish from the fridge, and say goodbye to the plastic wrap. Bake the French toast for about 40-45 minutes, or until it’s all puffed up and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Once baked to perfection, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the French toast. Now for the crème brûlée magic! If you have a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the brown sugar until it’s melty and bubbly for that crunchy crust. If you don’t, don’t fret! Just place the dish under the broiler for a couple of minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
After that heavenly crust forms, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice it up, and serve warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries on top for the perfect breakfast treat. Enjoy every delicious bite of your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While brioche gives a rich flavor and texture, you can substitute it with challah, French bread, or even a thicker sandwich bread. Just make sure the bread is a bit stale for optimal absorption of the custard mixture.
How Do I Make This Dairy-Free?
You can make this dish dairy-free by using dairy alternatives! Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and whole milk with almond or oat milk. For the eggs, you can use a vegan egg replacement, such as flax eggs or chickpea flour, but the texture may vary slightly.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance! Assemble the dish completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add the brown sugar topping and caramelization step after baking!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick warm-up!
