Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast | Elegant Make-Ahead Brunch

Hi, I’m Sarah Jansen, a traveler and food blogger. Some recipes feel like little luxuries, and this is one of them. Whenever I travel, I love indulging in breakfast classics with a twist—and this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast combines everything I adore: the comfort of French toast with the elegance of a silky custard and caramelized topping. Even better, it’s a make-ahead recipe that chills overnight, so in the morning you simply bake, caramelize, and serve. Ideal for brunches, holidays, or when you want to impress with ease.

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a rich, custard-soaked breakfast casserole layered with caramelized sugar for that signature “brûlée” crunch. Thick slices of bread soak overnight in a creamy custard base made with eggs, cream, sugar, and vanilla. The next morning, it bakes to golden perfection. Just before serving, a dusting of sugar is torched (or broiled) to form that irresistible crackly topping. The result is a dish that’s indulgent yet approachable, perfect for both casual weekends and festive occasions.

Why This Recipe Works

• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepped the night before = stress-free mornings.
• Brûlée Twist: Classic French toast elevated with a caramelized sugar crust.
• Custard-Rich Texture: Bread absorbs cream and eggs for a silky interior.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Serves a group with minimal morning effort.
• Versatile Presentation: Works as a breakfast, brunch centerpiece, or even a dessert.

Health Benefits

• Protein from Eggs: Keeps you fuller longer.
• Calcium from Cream & Milk: Supports bone health.
• Balanced Portions: Rich flavor means smaller servings satisfy.
• Homemade Advantage: Less processed than store-bought pastries.
• Add Fruit: Top with berries for extra antioxidants and freshness.

Ingredients

For the Custard Base

• 1 loaf of day-old brioche or challah bread, sliced thick
• 6 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt

For the Caramelized Topping

• ½ cup granulated sugar (for brûlée topping)
• Powdered sugar and fresh berries, for garnish (optional)

How To Make Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

This recipe is prepared in two stages: overnight soaking and morning baking. First, slice brioche into thick slices and arrange in a buttered baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Pour custard mixture evenly over bread, ensuring all slices soak. Cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, bake until puffed and golden. Sprinkle granulated sugar over the top, then caramelize using a kitchen torch or broiler until crisp and golden brown. Garnish with fresh berries and powdered sugar before serving.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dish: Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish generously. Arrange slices of brioche or challah in a slightly overlapping layer.
2. Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
3. Soak Overnight: Pour custard evenly over the bread slices. Press gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
4. Bake in the Morning: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator while the oven preheats. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and slightly puffed.
5. Caramelize the Topping: Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly across the top. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize until the sugar forms a golden crackly crust. If you don’t have a torch, place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
6. Serve & Garnish: Slice into squares or rectangles and serve warm. Dust with powdered sugar and add fresh berries if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight chill)
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes + overnight soak

Nutrition Information (per serving, 8 servings)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 280mg

Serving with Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is best served warm straight from the oven, when the custard is soft and the brûlée topping is crisp. Garnish with powdered sugar, fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for brightness. For brunch, pair it with coffee, mimosas, or a savory egg dish to balance the sweetness. As a dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. This dish transforms an ordinary morning into a special occasion, making it perfect for holidays, birthdays, or cozy weekend brunches.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Bread Matters: Brioche or challah work best for richness and structure.
• Flavor Twist: Add orange zest or almond extract to the custard.
• Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Fruit Variation: Layer sliced pears or apples between the bread slices.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap eggs for flax eggs, cream for coconut cream, and brioche for vegan bread.

FAQs

The Bottom Line

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is where comfort meets elegance. The creamy custard base, caramelized sugar topping, and make-ahead convenience make it a recipe worth saving for special mornings. Whether you’re hosting brunch, celebrating the holidays, or simply treating yourself, it delivers indulgence without the stress. With its golden crackly top and rich custard interior, it’s not just French toast—it’s a memorable experience in every bite.