Easy Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe -

Wake up to the creamy, decadent delight of crème brûlée in a French toast form — no effort needed, just indulgence!

If you love crème brûlée and French toast, then this recipe is for you! Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toastcombines the best of both worlds — the rich, custardy interior of crème brûlée and the crispy, caramelized crust of French toast. The best part? It’s all made the night before, so you can simply pop it in the oven in the morning and enjoy a restaurant-worthy breakfast or brunch without any stress.

Perfect for special occasions like Mother’s Day, Easter, or a weekend treat, this recipe will wow your guests and make any morning feel extra special. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients:

For the French Toast:

1 loaf of brioche bread (about 8-10 slices)
6 large eggs
1 ½ cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp cinnamon (optional)
¼ cup brown sugar
Pinch of salt

For the Crème Brûlée Topping:

1/2 cup brown sugar (for caramelizing the top)
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Fresh berries (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

Start by cutting the brioche bread into thick slices (about 1-inch each). Arrange the slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, overlapping them slightly to fit.

2. Make the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until fully combined. This is your custard mixture that will soak into the bread.

3. Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices in the baking dish. Use a spoon or your fingers to gently press the bread down into the custard to ensure every slice is soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).

4. Preheat the Oven

In the morning (or when you’re ready to bake), preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

5. Bake the French Toast

Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and uncover it. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the custard is set.

6. Crème Brûlée Topping

Once the French toast is baked, brush the top lightly with the melted butter and sprinkle brown sugar evenly across the surface. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and bubbly. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can also place the dish under a broiler for a couple of minutes until the sugar is caramelized.

7. Serve & Enjoy

Let the French toast cool for a couple of minutes, then cut into squares. Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

Serving & Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Crème Brûlée French Toast with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few fresh berries on the side for a beautiful, well-rounded dish.
For an extra indulgence, top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a brunch-dessert hybrid.

Storage:

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Freezing:

You can freeze the unbaked French toast before you soak it in the custard. Once frozen, wrap it in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Helpful Notes

Bread Choice: Brioche bread is perfect for French toast because of its rich, buttery texture. However, you can substitute with other types of bread like Challah or French bread, though the texture might differ slightly.
Make Ahead: This is a make-ahead recipe, so it’s perfect for busy mornings. Just soak the bread the night before and bake it in the morning. You can even prep it the night before and bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve.
Custard Variations: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or flavors. You can add a dash of nutmeg, orange zest, or even a little bit of maple syrup to the custard for extra flavor.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Ina Garten suggests adding a pinch of sea salt to the caramelized sugar to give the brûlée topping a nice contrast against the sweetness.
Rachael Ray recommends using stale bread if you have it on hand because it absorbs the custard mixture better without becoming too soggy.
Martha Stewart advises for an even more decadent version: add a layer of cream cheese or mascarponebetween the bread slices for a creamy, gooey surprise!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! You can substitute French bread, Challah, or even sourdough if you prefer. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up to soaking in the custard.

2. How do I make this gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free bread to make this recipe gluten-free. Look for a sturdy bread that will hold up well when soaked in the custard.

3. Can I use a different type of sugar for the brûlée topping?

Yes, you can use white sugar or turbinado sugar in place of brown sugar for a different flavor, but brown sugar creates a rich caramel flavor that complements the custard nicely.

4. Can I make this without the brûlée topping?

Yes, you can skip the brûlée topping if you prefer a softer finish. It’s still delicious without it!

5. Can I prepare the custard and bread in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the custard and bread the night before and let it soak overnight in the fridge. It’s best to bake it fresh the next morning for optimal texture.

6. How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftovers in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

7. Can I make this without heavy cream?

Yes, you can use whole milk or a milk substitute (like almond milk) for a lighter version. The texture may be a little different, but it will still taste great.

8. Can I add other fruits or toppings?

Absolutely! You can add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel for extra flair.

9. Can I use a broiler instead of a torch for the caramelized topping?

Yes, you can place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes to melt and caramelize the sugar. Just watch it carefully to avoid burning!

10. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and use plant-based milk and butter. Make sure to check that the bread is also dairy-free.

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the perfect combination of ease and indulgence, making it a must-try for breakfast or brunch. Its creamy, custardy interior and crispy, caramelized topping will have everyone coming back for seconds. Best of all, it’s made the night before, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying!

Find out more breakfast ideas and desserts here

Or you can check my friend\’s blog here!