Description
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe is a luscious and indulgent breakfast treat that combines rich custard-soaked bread with a caramelized sugar topping. Prepared the night before, it’s perfect for a stress-free morning and offers a delightful blend of creamy, sweet, and slightly spiced flavors, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Base
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
Bread Layer
- 12 slices thickly sliced bread, preferably day-old French bread
Custard Mixture
- 5 eggs
- 1 ½ cups half and half cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- dash of cinnamon
Instructions
- Melt Caramel Base: In a small saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Prepare Pan: Pour the melted caramel mixture onto a large greased jelly roll pan (18x13x1 inches) and spread evenly to cover the surface.
- Arrange Bread: Place the 12 slices of thickly sliced bread in a single layer over the caramel mixture to cover the pan completely.
- Mix Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half cream, salt, vanilla extract, and a dash of cinnamon until fully combined.
- Soak Bread: Spoon the custard mixture evenly over each piece of bread, ensuring all slices are well coated. Cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for at least 8 hours.
- Bake: Remove from refrigerator and bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes until golden and set.
- Serve: Remove from the pan and serve warm, topped with syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or any preferred topping.
Notes
- Use day-old or stale bread to absorb the custard better and prevent sogginess.
- French bread is recommended for its texture and ability to soak custard nicely.
- You can substitute half and half with heavy cream or whole milk for different richness levels.
- Letting the dish chill overnight is crucial for the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- Serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup for added flavor and presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
