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
Scale
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