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Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast

A decadent, make-ahead French toast casserole topped with a caramelized brown sugar and butter crust, mimicking the crisp shell of a classic crème brûlée.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Soaking Time 8 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, French Inspired
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Caramel Topping
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar dark brown sugar preferred
  • 2 tbsp light corn syrup or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
French Toast Soak
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 0.5 cup milk any kind
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • Pinch salt
The Bread
  • 1 loaf Challah, Brioche, or Stale French Bread cut into thick 1-inch slices

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla until smooth and thick. Pour and spread evenly over the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange the 1-inch bread slices over the caramel mixture, snuggling them tightly together to fill the pan.
  3. Whisk together eggs, cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. Pour evenly over the bread, ensuring all slices are saturated.
  4. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours, or up to 24 hours.
  5. The next morning, remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set (knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean).
  7. Cool for 5-10 minutes. For a presentation with the caramel on top, carefully invert the casserole onto a large serving platter. Serve immediately.

Notes

If not inverting, you can simply scoop the French toast and drizzle the caramel sauce over each serving. It may be messy, but it's delicious! Serve with powdered sugar and fresh berries.