Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast -

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a luxurious breakfast dish that combines the rich, custardy essence of crème brûlée with the classic comfort of French toast. Ideal for a leisurely morning or a festive brunch, this recipe is designed for preparation the night before, making your morning routine smooth and delightful. With its caramelized sugar topping and velvety texture, it's a treat that transforms a regular morning into a special occasion.

Ingredients

For the French Toast:

1 loaf French bread, sliced
6 large eggs
1 ½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Fresh berries, for serving (optional)

Preparation

Step 1:

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2:

Arrange the sliced French bread in the dish in a single layer, overlapping slices slightly if necessary to fit.

Step 3:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until thoroughly combined.

Step 4:

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure all pieces are well soaked. Gently press the bread to ensure it absorbs the liquid.

Step 5:

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture.

Step 6:

The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 7:

For the topping, mix brown sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 8:

Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator, uncover it, and spread the topping evenly over the soaked bread.

Step 9:

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.

Step 10:

Let the French toast cool slightly before serving.

Step 11:

Dust with powdered sugar and accompany with fresh berries if desired.

Step 12:

Serve warm and enjoy the rich, custardy delight of this decadent French toast.

COOKING Note

Ensure the bread is thoroughly soaked with the custard mixture for the best texture, and allow it to rest overnight to fully absorb the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this delectable French toast with a side of fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of indulgence.

Tips

For a more flavorful dish, use high-quality bread such as brioche or challah.
To achieve a more pronounced crème brûlée flavor, sprinkle additional granulated sugar over the top before baking and briefly broil to caramelize.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight soaking)

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Total Time: About 8 hours (including refrigeration)

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving
Protein: 9-12g per serving
Sodium: 300-400mg per serving

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a sumptuous dish that offers the perfect blend of ease and elegance. With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and caramelized topping, it's a delightful way to start the day or celebrate a special occasion. This recipe not only delivers on taste but also convenience, making it a superb choice for anyone looking to impress with minimal morning effort.