Description
Sweet morning magic happens with overnight crème brûlée French toast, a luxurious breakfast dish blending silky custard and caramelized edges. Rich French-inspired flavors promise a delightful start that will make weekend brunch feel like a gourmet celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf french bread
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Topping Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the French bread into thick, generous slices, ensuring uniform thickness for even soaking and baking.
- Whisk eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Arrange bread slices in a generously buttered baking dish, creating a single layer that covers the entire bottom surface.
- Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bread, ensuring each slice is thoroughly saturated and absorbs the liquid evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to deeply absorb the custard-like mixture.
- Prepare the caramel topping by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then gradually incorporate granulated sugar and maple syrup.
- Stir the caramel mixture continuously until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown consistency, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the soaked bread from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and pour the warm caramel sauce over the bread, distributing it evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans across the surface for added texture and nutty flavor, if desired.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges become crispy, with the center remaining soft and custardy.
- Remove from the oven and let the French toast rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the caramel to set slightly.
Notes
- Select a sturdy, day-old French bread to prevent sogginess and maintain structural integrity during the overnight soaking process.
- Experiment with alternative milk options like almond or oat milk for lactose-intolerant individuals, ensuring similar fat content for rich texture.
- Toast chopped pecans briefly before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex aromatic profile.
- Allow the dish to rest precisely 10 minutes after baking to achieve the perfect balance between crispy edges and creamy center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 532
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg