Indulgent Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast for Brunch Bliss

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast transforms brunch into a luxurious affair, marrying rich custard with crispy caramelized sugar.

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Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: French

Keyword: brunch, crowd-pleaser, dessert, indulgent, make-ahead, Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 40

Refrigeration Time: 8

Total Time: 9

Servings: slices

Calories: 350kcal

Equipment

9x13-inch baking dish
Mixing Bowl
whisk
kitchen torch or broiler

Ingredients

For the Custard

5 large Eggs Essential for a rich and smooth custard base, binding all flavors together.
1 cup Half-and-Half Provides creamy texture; can be substituted with whole milk for a lighter option.
1 cup Whole Milk Adds necessary liquid to the custard; switch to non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version.
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic flavor notes.
2/3 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the custard and caramelizes beautifully for a crunchy finish.
1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Introduces gentle warmth and a hint of spice.
1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Adds depth to the custard flavor with its unique aroma.

For the Bread

French Bread Ideal for structure, absorbs the custard beautifully; using day-old bread enhances this absorption.

For Baking

1/4 cup Unsalted Butter Imparts richness and helps achieve a crispy top while baking.

Instructions

How to Make Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Generously butter a 9x13-inch baking dish, ensuring it's well-coated to prevent sticking. Layer your sliced French bread evenly in the dish for a solid foundation.
In a large mixing bowl, whip together the eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour the luscious custard over the layered bread, making sure each slice is fully immersed. Gently press down to help the bread soak up all that rich custard goodness.
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator, allowing the bread to soak overnight and absorb the flavors.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once heated, take off the plastic wrap, dot the top with pats of butter, sprinkle with a little extra sugar, and bake for 35-40 minutes until puffed up and golden brown.
After baking, let it cool for a few minutes. Evenly sprinkle a layer of granulated sugar on the top, then use a kitchen torch or the broiler to caramelize the sugar until it’s golden and crisp.
Slice your indulgent brunch masterpiece, drizzle with maple syrup, and if desired, top with fluffy whipped cream or fresh berries for an extra touch of delight.

Notes

Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added warmth. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Refrigerate pieces wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.

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