Overnight Crème Brûlée Toast

This overnight crème brûlée French toast combines the caramelized goodness of classic crème brûlée with the comfort of French toast for a make-ahead breakfast masterpiece that will transform your morning routine.

I first prepared this recipe for a holiday brunch with my in-laws, and the kitchen filled with the most intoxicating aroma of caramelizing sugar and warm cinnamon. Now it has become our Christmas morning tradition, with everyone lingering at the table longer than usual.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Forms the base of our caramel layer creating that signature crème brûlée flavor
• Brown sugar: Provides deep molasses notes that plain white sugar simply cannot deliver
• Light corn syrup: Ensures our caramel sauce stays silky smooth and never crystallizes
• Large eggs: Work as the binding agent creating that perfect custardy texture
• Half and half: Strikes the ideal balance between richness and lightness for the custard
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and subtle floral notes throughout
• Ground cinnamon: Provides warm spice notes that complement the caramel perfectly
• Salt: Enhances all flavors while balancing the sweetness
• Brioche or challah bread: With their buttery egg-rich composition absorb custard beautifully
• Granulated sugar: Creates that signature crackling top layer just like traditional crème brûlée

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create Caramel Foundation:

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring continuously for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture darkens slightly and the sugar completely dissolves. Pour immediately into your greased baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the entire bottom surface before it sets.

Arrange Bread Layer:

Place your thickly sliced brioche or challah pieces in a single layer atop the caramel base. Gently press the bread down so it makes good contact with the caramel layer. If needed, tear some pieces to fill any gaps between slices as you want complete coverage.

Prepare Custard Mixture:

In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk vigorously until the whites and yolks are fully incorporated. Pour in the half and half, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes a consistent pale yellow color with no streaks of egg white visible. This thorough mixing ensures a silky smooth texture.

Soak Overnight:

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure to coat all exposed surfaces. Use a fork to gently press the bread down, helping it absorb the liquid. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture while flavors meld and develop.

Bake to Perfection:

Remove the dish from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The edges will caramelize beautifully from the sugar mixture below.

Create Signature Topping:

Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly across the top of the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to slowly melt and caramelize the sugar until it forms a beautiful amber crust. If using a broiler instead, watch carefully as it can burn quickly, rotating the dish as needed for even browning.

Serve Warm:

Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the caramelized top to set properly. Cut into squares and flip each piece so the caramel bottom becomes the top. The caramel will drizzle down the sides creating an irresistible presentation.

The corn syrup is my secret ingredient for this dish. While many people shy away from it, this small amount prevents the caramel from crystallizing and creates that perfect silky texture. The first time I made this without it, my caramel seized into a grainy mess. That two tablespoons makes all the difference between good and extraordinary French toast.

Make-Ahead Magic

This recipe actually improves with time as the bread fully absorbs the custard mixture. While 8 hours is the minimum, you can prepare this up to 24 hours ahead. The longer soak time allows the flavors to develop more fully and ensures even the driest bread becomes perfectly saturated. If making further in advance, you can freeze the unbaked dish for up to one month then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Perfect Bread Choices

The bread you select dramatically impacts the final texture of this dish. Brioche and challah work exceptionally well due to their eggy richness and sturdy structure. Day-old bread is actually preferable as it absorbs more custard without falling apart. If you only have fresh bread, lightly toast the slices for about 5 minutes in a 300°F oven before assembling. This removes excess moisture and creates the optimal texture for soaking.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this French toast reaches new heights with thoughtful accompaniments. Fresh berries provide a tart contrast to the sweet caramel. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream creates a delightful temperature contrast against the warm toast. For purists, a small pitcher of warm maple syrup allows guests to add just the right amount of additional sweetness. For a more substantial brunch, pair with savory bacon or sausage to balance the menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, brioche and challah are recommended, but you can use any thick, sturdy bread like sourdough or a French loaf for similar results.

→ How far in advance can this be prepared?

You can prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance. The overnight refrigeration step is essential to achieve the best texture and flavor.

→ What is the best way to caramelize the sugar topping?

Use a kitchen torch for the most even caramelization. Alternatively, place the dish under a broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

→ Can this be made dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat instead of half-and-half.

→ What toppings go well with this dish?

Maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or even a dollop of yogurt are excellent options to complement the dish.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.