Description
Start your day with a slice of decadent sweetness. This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast features caramelized edges, a custardy center, and a delightful crunch. Prepare it the night before for an easy and impressive breakfast treat, perfect for holidays or brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 5 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 loaf brioche or challah, cut into thick slices
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
- Optional Toppings: Maple syrup, Fresh berries, Powdered sugar, Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the caramel base by melting the butter in a saucepan. Stir in the brown sugar and light corn syrup until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
- Layer thick slices of brioche or challah bread over the caramel in a single layer.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices, ensuring every piece is soaked.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for at least 8 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove plastic wrap and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top.
- Use a kitchen torch or the broiler to caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a crisp layer.
- Slice into portions and serve warm, with optional toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better custard absorption.
- Ensure each bread slice is fully soaked in the custard mixture.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap when chilling to prevent drying.
- Monitor baking time closely; adjust as needed for golden perfection.
- Grease your baking dish generously to prevent sticking.
- Avoid overbaking to prevent the French toast from drying out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 220mg