Dreamy Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast Recipe
Lazy weekend mornings call for decadent overnight creme brulee french toast that feels like pure culinary magic.
Sweet aromas will dance through your kitchen, promising an indulgent breakfast experience.
Soft bread soaks in a luxurious custard mixture, creating layers of rich flavor.
Maple syrup and vanilla hints mingle with creamy egg mixture, tempting every breakfast lover.
Minimal morning prep means maximum enjoyment for you and your guests.
Crispy caramelized edges and silky interior make this dish impossible to resist.
One bite transports you to a cozy Parisian café, ready to savor each delightful moment.
Why You’ll Love Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast
Creme Brulee French Toast Ingredients List
Main Ingredients:
Bread Base:Custard Components:Finishing Touches:Seasoning and Binding:Serving Accompaniments:How To Make Creme Brulee French Toast Overnight
Step 1: Prepare Bread Base
Select a beautiful brioche loaf and slice it into thick, generous pieces. Arrange these slices in a single layer across a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish, allowing the edges to slightly touch and nestle together.
Step 2: Create Luxurious Custard Mixture
Whisk together the following ingredients in a large mixing bowl until smooth and fully incorporated:Ensure the mixture is silky and well-blended, creating a rich foundation for the French toast.
Step 3: Soak Bread in Custard
Gently pour the custard mixture over the bread slices, making certain each piece becomes thoroughly saturated. Use your fingers to softly press the bread, helping it absorb the luscious liquid.
Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8-12 hours. If time is limited, allow a minimum of 4 hours for flavor absorption.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the dish from refrigerator and discard plastic wrap. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the toast rises and turns a beautiful golden brown.
Step 6: Create Caramelized Topping
Sprinkle brown sugar evenly across the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it becomes a crispy, bubbly crust. Alternatively, place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Allow the dish to cool briefly. Slice and serve warm, topping with fresh whipped cream and a handful of seasonal berries. Savor each decadent bite of this transformative breakfast experience.
Helpful Tips For Creme Brulee French Toast Success
Fun Variations On Creme Brulee French Toast
Perfect Pairings With Creme Brulee French Toast
Storing Creme Brulee French Toast The Smart Way
Your Creme Brulee French Toast Questions Answered
Brioche is the ideal choice due to its rich, buttery texture that absorbs the custard perfectly and creates a luxurious, soft result.
While whole milk and heavy cream provide the best richness, you can substitute with 2% milk or half-and-half, but the texture might be slightly less creamy.
Overnight soaking is recommended for maximum flavor absorption, but you can soak for a minimum of 4 hours if you’re short on time. The longer it soaks, the more delicious and custardy it becomes.
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Indulgent Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 60-65 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Silky French overnight creme brulee toast brings Paris breakfast magic right to kitchen counters. Sweet caramelized edges and creamy custard center promise delightful morning indulgence you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf brioche bread (about 14–16 ounces / 397–454 grams)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
Spices and Flavoring:
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
- Whipped cream (for serving)
- Fresh strawberries or berries (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Slice brioche into 1-inch thick pieces, arranging them in a single layer within a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, allowing edges to slightly overlap.
- Create a silky custard by vigorously whisking eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until completely smooth and uniform in texture.
- Gently cascade the custard mixture over the bread slices, ensuring thorough and even coverage by pressing bread down slightly to maximize absorption.
- Encase the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, enabling bread to deeply infuse with the custard’s rich flavors.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and remove plastic wrap from the chilled dish, positioning it in the center rack for 40-45 minutes until the toast rises and develops a golden-brown complexion.
- Distribute brown sugar uniformly across the baked surface, then caramelize using either a kitchen torch or broiler, watching carefully to achieve a crisp, bubbling crust without burning.
- Allow the caramelized toast to rest for several minutes, then slice and plate, adorning with fresh whipped cream and seasonal berries for a luxurious breakfast experience.
Notes
- Bread Selection Matters: Choose day-old brioche or challah for the best texture and absorption of the custard mixture.
- Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Ensure your baking dish is greased well and consider using a wire rack underneath for better air circulation.
- Dairy Alternatives: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use egg substitutes like silken tofu for a dairy-free and vegan-friendly version.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dish up to 24 hours in advance, which makes it perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions without morning stress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
Mia Thompson
Pastry Chef & Content Creator
Expertise
Education
Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.
National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.
Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.