Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast

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Golden, gooey, and decadently creamy—this Overnight Crème Brulee French Toast is a breakfast dream come true. Imagine thick slices of brioche soaked in a rich vanilla custard, kissed with a caramelized sugar crust, and dripping with syrupy sweetness. This dish transforms your morning routine into a brunch-worthy feast with minimal morning effort.

Perfect for holidays, special weekends, or when you want to impress without stress, this baked French toast is prepped the night before and baked to golden perfection the next day. The best part? That caramelized bottom layer that bubbles up to a crackly top, giving you all the joy of a classic crème brulee without the torch.

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What Kind of Bread Works Best for Overnight Crème Brulee French Toast?

Brioche or challah are top contenders. These rich, tender breads absorb the custard well without falling apart. You want a bread that will hold its shape after soaking overnight and develop a beautiful texture when baked. Slightly stale or day-old bread actually works best, as it soaks up more custard.

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Ingredients for the Overnight Crème Brulee French Toast

Brioche bread: The backbone of the dish, chosen for its buttery flavor and pillowy texture.

Heavy cream and whole milk: This combo creates the lush, creamy custard base that makes every bite melt in your mouth.

Eggs: Essential for setting the custard; they bring structure to the soft center.

Brown sugar: Used in the caramel base and the soaking custard, it adds depth and that classic crème brulee sweetness.

Vanilla extract: Infuses the custard with a warm, aromatic depth.

Unsalted butter: Forms the base of the caramel layer and helps brown the toast beautifully.

Maple syrup: Optional but lovely for serving, it complements the rich flavors and adds extra indulgence.

Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweet flavors.

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How To Make the Overnight Crème Brulee French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and bubbling. Pour this into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly to create the caramel base.

Step 2: Layer the Bread

Arrange thick slices of brioche over the caramel in a single layer. You can slightly overlap the slices, but make sure they fit snugly into the dish.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and a bit more brown sugar. Mix until fully combined and smooth.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Carefully pour the custard mixture over the brioche slices, ensuring every piece is fully soaked. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid.

Step 5: Chill Overnight

Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to fully soak up the custard for a deeply flavorful and moist result.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge while the oven heats. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and perhaps a dusting of powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy.

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How to Serve and Store Overnight Crème Brulee French Toast

This French toast is best served warm straight from the oven when the top is golden and slightly crisp. For a brunch-worthy finish, add a light drizzle of warm maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. A few fresh berries on the side add a refreshing contrast to the rich custard base.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30–45 seconds or in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. To keep the texture from becoming too soggy, avoid reheating more than once.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make this?

You can prep the French toast up to 24 hours ahead. Just cover it well and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake.

Can I freeze Overnight Crème Brulee French Toast?

Yes! After baking and cooling, slice into portions and wrap tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What can I use instead of brioche?

Challah, Texas toast, or thick-cut French bread are excellent alternatives that hold up well during soaking.

How do I make the top extra crispy?

Sprinkle a little extra brown sugar over the top before baking or broil the finished dish for 1–2 minutes—just watch it carefully to avoid burning.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of dairy, and opt for a dairy-free butter substitute. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

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Want More Breakfast Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Overnight Crème Brulee French Toast, you’ll probably enjoy these other flavorful breakfasts:

• Strawberry Shortcake Pancake Stack for a fruity, cake-like morning treat.
• Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins that deliver cozy spices in a handheld form.
• Easy Fluffy Blueberry Muffins that burst with juicy berries in every bite.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread for a chocolatey, nutty breakfast loaf.
• Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread if you’re craving something sweet and festive.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add fruit or go classic? Did you try a different type of bread?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other brunch smarter.

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