Name: Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-483766H13M15S
Total time: PT-483766H13M15S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: Bread: 1 loaf (about 12–14 slices) of stale French bread or brioche. Stale bread absorbs the custard better.; Eggs: 6 large eggs.; Milk: 2 cups (whole milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess).; Sugar: ¾ cup white sugar + ¼ cup for the caramelized topping.; Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons.; Salt: ½ teaspoon.; Butter: 2 tablespoons (for greasing the dish).

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Imagine waking up to a breakfast that tastes like dessert soft, custardy bread with a crispy caramelized sugar topping. That’s what this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast offers! I love this recipe because it’s easy to prepare the night before, and in the morning, all I do is bake it.

No fancy skills needed. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating your family, this dish turns ordinary mornings into something special. Let me walk you through every step, using simple words and clear instructions.

What Is Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast?

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a mix of two classic recipes: French toast and crème brûlée. The bread soaks in a sweet custard (like a creamy egg mixture) overnight. When baked, it becomes soft and rich, like custard.

The “crème brûlée” part comes from the crunchy sugar layer on top, which you melt with heat to create a caramelized crust. It’s perfect for lazy mornings because the fridge does most of the work while you sleep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No morning stress: Prep everything the night before.
Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults both adore the sweet, creamy flavor.
Customizable: Add fruits, spices, or different breads to match your taste.
Feels fancy: The caramelized sugar topping makes it look restaurant-quality.

Ingredients for Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

(Serves 6–8)
Here’s what you’ll need:

Bread: 1 loaf (about 12–14 slices) of stale French bread or brioche. Stale bread absorbs the custard better.
Eggs: 6 large eggs.
Milk: 2 cups (whole milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess).
Sugar: ¾ cup white sugar + ¼ cup for the caramelized topping.
Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons.
Salt: ½ teaspoon.
Butter: 2 tablespoons (for greasing the dish).

Optional: Powdered sugar, fresh berries, or maple syrup for serving.

Recommended Equipment

You don’t need special tools! Here’s what I use:

9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Measuring cups/spoons
Aluminum foil
Blow torch or oven broiler (for caramelizing the sugar)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

I cut the bread into 1-inch thick slices. If it’s fresh, I leave it out for 2–3 hours to dry slightly. Stale bread works best because it soaks up the custard without falling apart.

2. Make the Custard

In a bowl, I whisk together:

6 eggs
2 cups milk
¾ cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt

I mix until the sugar dissolves and the custard looks smooth.

3. Assemble the Dish

I grease the baking dish with butter. Then, I arrange the bread slices in one layer (slightly overlapping is okay). Slowly, I pour the custard over the bread, making sure every piece gets soaked. I press the bread down gently with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid.

4. Let It Rest Overnight

I cover the dish with foil and refrigerate it for at least 8 hours (or up to 24 hours). This rest time lets the bread soak up all the custard, so it bakes evenly.

5. Bake the French Toast

The next morning, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). I bake the dish covered with foil for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.

6. Caramelize the Sugar Topping

Once baked, I sprinkle ¼ cup sugar evenly over the top. Using a kitchen torch, I melt the sugar until it forms a shiny, crispy layer. If I don’t have a torch, I use the oven broiler for 1–2 minutes (watch closely to avoid burning).

Easy Variations to Try

Fruity Twist: Add sliced bananas, apples, or berries between the bread layers.
Spiced Custard: Mix 1 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg into the custard.
Chocolate Lover’s: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the bread before baking.
Savory Version: Skip the sugar and add cheese + herbs for a savory breakfast.

How to Store Leftovers

Let the French toast cool completely. I store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm slices in the microwave for 30 seconds or in a toaster oven to keep the sugar topping crispy.

Helpful Notes

Bread tip: Day-old bread works best. If using fresh bread, toast it lightly first.
Dairy-free? Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.
Serve with: Maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit for extra flavor.
No torch? The broiler works, but stay nearby it burns quickly!

Common Questions

1. Can I use another type of bread?

Yes! Brioche, challah, or even sandwich bread works. Just avoid very thin slices.

2. What if I forget to make it overnight?

Let it soak for at least 1–2 hours. It won’t be as creamy, but still tasty.

3. Can I skip the caramelized sugar?

Sure, but the sugar crust adds the “crème brûlée” magic. Try honey or maple syrup instead.

4. Is it safe to leave eggs overnight?

Yes! The custard cooks fully when baked, so it’s safe.

Serving Suggestions

I love pairing this French toast with:

Fresh berries or sliced bananas
Crispy bacon or sausage
A hot cup of coffee or orange juice

The History Behind the Recipe

French toast dates back to ancient Rome! Cooks reused stale bread by soaking it in milk and eggs. The “crème brûlée” twist became popular in modern kitchens, combining two comfort foods into one.

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is my go-to recipe for stress-free mornings. It’s creamy, crunchy, and always impresses guests. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own with fun add-ins.