Overnight Crème Brûlée Toast

This overnight crème brûlée French toast transforms breakfast into a special occasion without any morning hassle. The magical combination of caramelized sugar base and custardy bread creates something between a bread pudding and traditional French toast that will make your kitchen smell like a pastry shop.

I first made this for a Christmas morning breakfast when I needed something special but couldn't spend the holiday in the kitchen. My family now requests it for every celebration, and I've been perfecting the caramelization technique ever since.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Creates the rich caramel base and prevents the finished dish from being too salty
• Brown sugar: Provides that deep molasses flavor that makes the caramel sauce especially decadent
• Light corn syrup: Ensures the caramel stays smooth and prevents crystallization
• Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the custard mixture
• Half and half: Creates the perfect balance between creamy richness and light texture
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the custard
• Ground cinnamon: Provides subtle spice that complements the caramel notes
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness
• Brioche or challah bread: Offers the perfect texture that absorbs custard while maintaining structure
• Granulated sugar: For creating that signature crème brûlée crack on top

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Caramel Base:

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to foam. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, whisking constantly for about 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Pour immediately into your baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. This caramel layer will bubble up during baking to create pockets of sweet goodness throughout the dish.

Layer the Bread:

Arrange your sliced brioche or challah in a single layer over the caramel base. For the most impressive presentation, cut your slices about 1 inch thick and place them slightly overlapping. If necessary, trim some pieces to fill any gaps so the entire caramel layer is covered. The bread quality matters tremendously here as it forms the foundation of your dish.

Make the Custard:

Whisk the eggs vigorously in a large bowl until frothy, about 1 minute. Stream in the half and half while continuing to whisk. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt, whisking until completely incorporated. The custard should be smooth with no visible egg streaks. Pour this mixture slowly and evenly over the bread, pressing down gently on each slice to help absorption.

Refrigerate Overnight:

Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours, though 12 hours yields the best results. This resting time allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and the flavors to meld together. The magic happens during this wait as the bread softens and the caramel begins to infuse from below.

Bake to Perfection:

Remove the dish from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off. Preheat your oven thoroughly to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil to prevent burning while allowing the center to finish cooking.

Create the Crème Brûlée Topping:

Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top of the baked French toast, focusing on creating a thin, even layer. Use a kitchen torch in slow, sweeping motions to caramelize the sugar until it bubbles and turns amber. If using a broiler instead, watch vigilantly as it can burn in seconds. The caramelized sugar creates that distinctive crackly top that makes this dish extraordinary.

Serve with Flair:

Allow the French toast to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let the caramel topping set slightly. Cut into portions and carefully transfer to plates, making sure to scoop up the caramel sauce from the bottom of the dish to drizzle over each serving. Add your choice of toppings for an extra special touch.

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The corn syrup is my secret ingredient here. I once tried to make this without it, thinking it was unnecessary, but discovered it prevents the caramel from hardening into tooth breaking candy at the bottom of the pan. That small amount makes all the difference between a perfect caramel sauce and a potential dental emergency.

The Perfect Bread Matters

Brioche and challah are ideal for this recipe because of their buttery richness and tender crumb structure. Day-old bread works even better as it absorbs more custard without falling apart. If you can only find fresh bread, slice it and leave it out for a few hours to dry slightly before assembling. Regular sandwich bread simply will not create the same luxurious texture that makes this dish so special.

Make It Your Own

While the classic version is heavenly, you can personalize this dish in countless ways. Add a layer of thinly sliced apples between the caramel and bread for an autumn version. Incorporate orange zest into the custard for a bright citrus note. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese between bread slices for an even more decadent variation. For adult gatherings, consider adding a tablespoon of Grand Marnier or bourbon to the custard mixture for sophisticated depth.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

This rich French toast pairs beautifully with contrasting elements on your brunch table. Serve alongside a platter of fresh fruits to cut through the sweetness. Crispy bacon provides the perfect salty counterpoint to the caramelized sugar. For beverages, skip overly sweet options and choose something with acidity or bitterness such as freshly squeezed orange juice, strong black coffee, or even a mimosa for special occasions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, brioche and challah are preferred for their richness, but thick-sliced white bread or sourdough can work too.

→ How long can this dish be refrigerated before baking?

You can refrigerate it for up to 12 hours, making it ideal for overnight preparation.

→ Can I make this without a kitchen torch?

If you don’t have a torch, use your oven’s broiler to caramelize the sugar topping.

→ What are some suggested toppings?

Fresh berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or maple syrup all complement this dish wonderfully.

→ Can this be made dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with dairy-free alternatives and use almond or oat milk in place of half-and-half.