Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast – A Heavenly Breakfast

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe is the ultimate breakfast indulgence. 🍞🍯 If you love the rich, creamy flavor of crème brûlée, you’re in for a treat. This dish combines the silky, custard-like texture of crème brûlée with the comforting, satisfying flavor of French toast, creating a breakfast that’s both luxurious and simple to make.

It’s perfect for busy mornings when you want to enjoy something special, or for a special occasion brunch. Plus, it’s made the night before, which means all you have to do in the morning is bake and enjoy! 😍✨

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are some of the reasons why this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a must-try:

✅ Effortless Preparation – Prepare the night before and bake in the morning!

✅ Sweet & Rich Flavor – The sweet custard base creates a deliciously creamy texture.

✅ Perfect for Brunch or Special Occasions – A crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to serve.

✅ No Need for Syrup – The caramelized top gives this French toast all the sweetness it needs.

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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what you need to make this indulgent French toast:

For the French Toast:

• 1 loaf of challah bread – Or French bread, brioche, or any sturdy bread 🍞
• 6 large eggs – For the custard base 🍳
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream – For a rich and creamy texture 🥛
• 1 cup whole milk – To balance the richness 🥛
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the custard base 🍬
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds a warm, comforting flavor 🍦
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – A hint of spice 🌟
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Optional, but adds depth 🌰

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup brown sugar – For the signature crunchy, caramelized top 🍮
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – To melt over the top for richness 🧈

Optional Add-ins:

• Fresh berries – Add some fruit on top for a fresh twist 🍓🍇
• Powdered sugar – For a light dusting after baking 🍩

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How to Make Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1️⃣ Slice the challah bread into thick slices (about 1-inch thick). This type of bread works best because it absorbs the custard mixture beautifully without falling apart.

2️⃣ Arrange the bread slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. You can stack the bread in rows or overlap them for a more rustic look. 🍞

💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer your French toast a little thicker or chunkier, you can cut the bread into cubes for a fun variation!

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Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is fully combined, and the sugar has dissolved.

2️⃣ Pour the custard mixture over the bread slices, making sure each piece is soaked in the creamy mixture. Press the bread down gently with a spatula to ensure all of it is covered. 🍞🥄

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re worried about uneven soaking, you can cover the baking dish with plastic wrap, gently press down on the bread, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before refrigerating.

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Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight

1️⃣ Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This allows the bread to soak up all the custard and ensures a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. 🕐

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can let it sit for just 30 minutes to an hour, but overnight yields the best results.

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Step 4: Add the Caramelized Topping

1️⃣ The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the fridge and uncover it.

2️⃣ In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and melted butter together until it forms a smooth paste. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the French toast. 🍮

💡 Pro Tip: You can sprinkle a little more cinnamon or nutmeg on top for added flavor!

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1️⃣ Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and caramelized, and the custard is set.

2️⃣ Once it’s done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This will allow the caramelized topping to set and become perfectly crunchy. 🔥🍽️

💡 Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the French toast toward the end of baking to avoid burning the sugar topping. If it’s getting too dark, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking until done.

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Serving Suggestions

Once your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is baked and ready, here are a few fun ways to serve it:

🍓 With Fresh Fruit: Top with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast to the rich custard.

🍯 Drizzle with Syrup: If you prefer extra sweetness, drizzle a little maple syrup over the top.

🍌 Banana & Nut Topping: For an added treat, serve with sliced bananas and chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.

🥯 Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy texture to each bite.

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Storage & Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 🧊
• For longer storage, freeze portions in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. ❄️

Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. 🔥
• Microwave: Heat individual portions for 20-30 seconds, but be aware the caramelized topping won’t stay crunchy. 🍽️

💡 Pro Tip: If you want to keep the caramelized topping crispy, it’s best to reheat in the oven rather than the microwave.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Make This Without Challah Bread?

Yes! While challah bread gives this French toast a soft, rich texture, you can use any thick, sturdy bread. Brioche, French bread, or even Texas toast will work.

2️⃣ Can I Make It Vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the eggs with a flax or chia seed mixture, and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or another non-dairy alternative.

3️⃣ How Can I Make the Topping Even Crunchier?

For a crunchier topping, try using a sprinkle of turbinado sugar or even a light dusting of granulated sugar before baking. This will create a thicker caramelized layer. 🔥

4️⃣ Can I Make It in a Smaller Size?

Yes! You can halve the recipe and bake it in a smaller 8×8-inch dish. Just adjust the baking time accordingly. 🍽️

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Conclusion – A Breakfast to Remember

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence. 🥰 Whether you’re serving it for a special brunch, holiday breakfast, or just a cozy weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

With its rich, custardy texture and crispy caramelized top, it’s everything you love about crème brûlée, but in French toast form. Try it out today, and let me know how it turns out! 😍🔥