Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

If you’re looking for a decadent breakfast or brunch dish that will impress your family and guests, look no further than this Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole. This dish takes the classic French toast to the next level by combining it with the rich, creamy goodness of crème brûlée.

The result is a perfect blend of crispy, caramelized sugar on top and a soft, custardy interior. 😍✨

Whether it’s a special holiday morning or just a lazy weekend brunch, this casserole will become a staple in your breakfast routine. Let’s dive into the details and make this irresistible treat at home! 🥐🍯

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🌟 Why You’ll Love Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

✅ Decadent Flavor – A perfect mix of rich vanilla, creamy custard, and crispy caramelized sugar.

✅ Simple to Make – Minimal effort required, and you can prepare it the night before!

✅ Perfect for Brunch – An elegant dish that’s sure to wow your guests.

✅ Make Ahead Option – Prep the casserole the night before, so you only need to bake it in the morning.

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole:

For the French Toast Base:

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (stale bread works best for the casserole) 🍞
• 6 large eggs – These create the rich custard base 🥚
• 2 cups whole milk – For a creamy, luscious filling 🥛
• 1 cup heavy cream – Extra creaminess and richness 🧴
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the custard 🍬
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – For that signature crème brûlée flavor 🍦
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice 🌿
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the sweetness and flavor 🧂

For the Caramelized Topping:

• ½ cup granulated sugar – To create that crispy, brûléed topping 🍬
• 1 tablespoon butter – Optional, for a rich, golden finish 🧈

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💡 Substitutions & Variations

✔️ Bread: Brioche and challah are ideal for their softness and sweetness, but you can use other bread types, such as sourdough or a baguette.

✔️ Milk & Cream: You can swap whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

✔️ Sweetener: Swap out granulated sugar for brown sugar to add a hint of molasses flavor or use maple syrup for a natural sweetener.

✔️ Add-ins: Add some chopped fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas for an extra burst of flavor.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by cutting your loaf of brioche or challah bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh, toast it lightly in the oven or on the stovetop for a few minutes until it’s slightly dry. This step helps the bread absorb the custard without becoming soggy.

💡 Pro Tip: Use stale bread if possible! It soaks up the custard better and holds its shape when baking.

🔥 Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well-combined and smooth.

💡 Pro Tip: For an extra rich flavor, you can add a teaspoon of brown sugar or a splash of amaretto for a subtle twist!

🔥 Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Then, arrange the bread cubes evenly in the dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure every piece of bread is soaked.

💡 Pro Tip: Gently press the bread cubes down into the custard to ensure they are all coated.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Allowing the casserole to soak overnight is ideal because it gives the bread time to absorb the custard and flavors fully.

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🔥 Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the casserole has had time to soak, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set. For a crispy top, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.

💡 Pro Tip: For a custardy, creamy interior, don’t overbake it. The center should still jiggle slightly when you shake the dish.

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🍯 Step 5: Make the Caramelized Topping

While the casserole is baking, prepare the caramelized topping. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the granulated sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar has melted and turned a light golden brown.

Pour this melted sugar mixture over the casserole just before serving for a perfectly crisp, brûléed topping.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is perfect on its own, but here are some fun ways to serve it:

• Top with Fresh Fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries pair beautifully with the sweet custard.
• Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream: For extra decadence, add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives it a fancy touch.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• In the Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 1 month. To freeze, cover the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.

🔥 Reheating:

• In the Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
• In the Microwave: Microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds on high.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I make this Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Simply bake it the next morning when you’re ready to serve. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for busy mornings! 🕒

2️⃣ Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While brioche and challah are traditional for their sweetness and fluffiness, any hearty bread such as sourdough or French bread will work too. Just be sure to use stale bread for the best results. 🍞

3️⃣ Can I add fruit to the casserole?

Yes! You can add sliced bananas, berries, or even caramelized apples for a delicious fruity twist. Simply layer the fruit with the bread before pouring the custard over. 🍓🍌

4️⃣ What’s the best way to get a crispy topping?

To achieve the signature crispy, brûléed topping, make sure to add the sugar and butter mixture just before serving. You can also place the casserole under the broiler for a minute or two to get that perfect crispness. 🔥

5️⃣ Can I make this casserole without heavy cream?

If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. 🥛

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🍽️ Conclusion – A Showstopper Brunch Dish!

This Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is a must-try recipe that combines the best of French toast and crème brûlée in one irresistible dish! 🧀🍯 The creamy custard, rich vanilla flavor, and crispy caramelized sugar topping will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a weekend breakfast, this dish is sure to impress. Try it out today, and let us know how much you loved it!