Description
Looking for a show-stopping easy breakfast recipe or brunch idea that feels like a treat but requires minimal effort in the morning? This Decadent Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is everything you want in a weekend or holiday breakfast: rich, buttery brioche soaked in vanilla custard, layered over a luscious brown sugar caramel, and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for easy entertaining, make-ahead meals, and indulgent breakfast ideas, this dish blends classic French toast with the elegance of crème brûlée.
Ingredients
0.5 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1 loaf brioche or challah bread sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
5 large eggs
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
powdered sugar for dusting
maple syrup or caramel sauce for drizzling
fresh berries for garnish
Instructions
1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup until bubbly and smooth. Pour into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Arrange brioche slices over the caramel, overlapping slightly if necessary.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, milk, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon until fully blended.
4. Pour the custard over the bread, pressing the slices down gently to ensure full saturation.
5. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours).
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove dish from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
7. Bake covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden and set.
8. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with syrup, and top with fresh berries.
Notes
Use slightly stale brioche or challah for the best custard absorption and texture.
Let the dish rest after baking for clean slices and a better caramel finish.
Add a splash of orange liqueur or bourbon to elevate the flavor for adults.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: crème brûlée French toast, overnight breakfast, easy brunch recipe, make-ahead French toast