Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Indulge in the decadent and irresistible Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast that is not only delicious but also easy to make. Perfect for brunch gatherings, holidays, or a special breakfast treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Rich and creamy flavors reminiscent of a classic crème brûlée dessert.
- Minimal prep time the night before for a stress-free morning.
- Ideal for meal prep, making it a convenient option for busy mornings.
Ingredient Notes:
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the dish.
- Brown sugar: Provides a caramel-like sweetness to the French toast.
- Light corn syrup: Helps in achieving a gooey and indulgent texture.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together for a custard-like consistency.
- Half-and-half: Creates a creamy base for the French toast.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm and aromatic flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of spice to complement the sweetness.
- Salt: Balances the flavors.
- Brioche or challah: Best bread choices for a rich and buttery texture.
- Granulated sugar (for caramelizing): Forms a crunchy and sweet caramelized topping.
- Optional: Maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream for serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Melt the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup in a saucepan.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and arrange the bread slices on top.
- Whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread slices, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, sprinkle granulated sugar on top and broil until caramelized.
- Serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.
Helpful Tips:
- Use day-old bread for better absorption of the custard.
- Allow the French toast to sit at room temperature before baking for even cooking.
- Substitute brioche or challah with any sturdy bread like French baguette.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Let the French toast bake until the custard is set but still slightly soft in the center.
- Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this indulgent French toast with a side of crispy bacon, fresh fruit salad, and a mimosa for a complete brunch experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the texture and flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use whole milk instead of half-and-half? Yes, but it may result in a slightly less creamy texture.
- How can I prevent the bread from becoming too soggy? Use stale bread and ensure it is evenly soaked in the custard.
- Can I make this recipe without overnight refrigeration? Yes, but the flavors may not develop as deeply.
- Can I use a kitchen torch instead of broiling for the caramelized topping? Yes, for a more controlled and precise caramelization.
Conclusion:
Treat yourself to the luxurious Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast and impress your loved ones with this show-stopping breakfast dish. Don’t forget to share your experience and feedback with us!
PrintOvernight Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 9 hours 5 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this decadent Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, where brioche or challah slices are soaked in a rich custard overnight, then baked until golden and caramelized to perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 loaf brioche or challah, thickly sliced
For Caramelizing:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Optional: Maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard: In a saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup, then pour into a baking dish. Whisk eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Dip bread slices in custard, layer in the dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven, sprinkle granulated sugar on top, and bake until golden and set.
- Finish: Caramelize the sugar with a kitchen torch, and serve with desired toppings.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use brioche bread.
- Adjust sweetness to preference.
- Serve with a side of fresh berries for added freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg