Overnight Crème Brûlée Toast

This overnight crème brûlée French toast transforms breakfast into a heavenly experience with its caramelized sugar crust and custardy interior. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of crispy edges and soft center that will make weekend mornings something to look forward to all week long.

I first made this recipe when hosting a holiday brunch and was amazed at how everyone fell silent while eating it pure bliss on a plate. Now it appears at nearly every special occasion breakfast in our home from birthdays to Christmas morning.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: creates the rich caramel base without any saltiness overpowering the dish
• Brown sugar: gives depth and that signature crème brûlée flavor to the caramelized bottom
• Light corn syrup: ensures your caramel stays smooth and prevents crystallization
• Large eggs: provide structure and that classic custardy texture throughout the bread
• Half and half: creates the perfect balance between richness and lightness in the custard
• Vanilla extract: adds warmth and aromatic complexity to every bite
• Ground cinnamon: brings subtle spice that complements the sweetness beautifully
• Brioche or challah bread: their richness and slight sweetness make them perfect for absorbing custard while maintaining structure
• Granulated sugar: for creating that signature crackable brûlée top that makes this dish special

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Caramel Foundation:

Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, whisking constantly for about 3 minutes until completely smooth with no sugar granules remaining. Immediately pour this molten mixture into your baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the entire bottom. This caramel will transform into a delicious sauce that bathes each slice.

Arrange Your Bread Strategically:

Place your brioche or challah slices in a single layer over the caramel, slightly overlapping if needed to fit them all. Press down gently so the bread makes good contact with the caramel layer. Using thicker slices around 1 inch ensures they will hold up to the custard without becoming mushy.

Perfect Your Custard Mixture:

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously until they become frothy around the edges. Stream in the half and half while continuing to whisk, then add vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Whisk for an additional 30 seconds to ensure everything is thoroughly combined. The custard should be completely smooth with no streaks of egg visible.

The Overnight Magic:

Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread, making sure to saturate each slice. Press bread down gently with a spatula to help absorption. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This resting period allows the bread to fully absorb the custard while flavors meld together beautifully.

Baking to Golden Perfection:

Remove the dish from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature while your oven preheats to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The edges will become caramelized and slightly crisp while the interior remains custardy.

The Crème Brûlée Finish:

Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top of the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to slowly melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden amber crust. If you dont have a torch, place under a broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching very carefully to prevent burning.

My family fights over the corner pieces where the caramel gets extra thick and chewy. I always make sure to drizzle any remaining caramel from the pan over the tops of the slices before serving it takes this dish to a whole new level of decadence.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes customization with different flavor profiles. Try adding orange zest to the custard for a citrusy brightness or fold in chocolate chips between the bread layers for an even more indulgent treat. During fall, I love incorporating a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg and cardamom for a spiced version that pairs perfectly with apple compote.

Serving Suggestions

While this French toast is decadent on its own, pairing it with contrasting elements elevates the experience. Serve with fresh berries whose tartness cuts through the sweetness. A dollop of lightly whipped cream adds a cloud like element that melts into the warm caramel. For the ultimate indulgence, offer warm maple syrup on the side though many guests find it perfectly sweet without any additions.

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The caramelized sugar will soften, but the flavor remains delicious. Reheat individual portions in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating which makes the texture soggy and uneven. A quick pass with a kitchen torch over the top can restore some of that crackly caramelized sugar effect.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prepare this dish ahead?

Prepare the caramel base and custard, layer the bread, pour the mixture over, and refrigerate overnight.

→ What type of bread works best?

Use soft, rich options like brioche or challah to soak up the custard and stay tender.

→ How do I caramelize the top?

Sprinkle sugar evenly on top and use a kitchen torch or broiler to caramelize until golden.

→ Can I add toppings?

Yes, serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or whipped cream for extra flavor.

→ What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

Use your oven’s broiler instead, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.