Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
A delightful breakfast dish that combines the rich flavors of crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast, prepared the night before for an easy morning meal.
Ingredients
For the French Toast
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick Use day-old bread for better texture.
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half Substitute with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- 1 cup whole milk Substitute with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Add your favorite spices or orange zest for a unique twist.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Maple syrup, for serving Drizzle generously before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the French bread slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary.
Custard Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well-combined.
Soaking
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring every slice is thoroughly coated.
- Use a spatula or your hands to gently press the bread into the custard.
Refrigeration
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap.
- Dot the bread with small pieces of butter and sprinkle a light layer of sugar over the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed and golden.
Finishing Touch
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top of the bread.
- Use a kitchen torch or the broiler setting on your oven to caramelize the sugar until it is golden and crisp.
Serving
- Allow the French toast to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy!
Notes
Serve warm with maple syrup. Fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries can be added for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.