Description
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake is a decadent, make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring a rich caramel base topped with soft brioche soaked in a creamy custard. Perfect for weekend brunches, it combines the lusciousness of crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast, garnished with powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Base
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup or maple syrup
French Toast Bake
- 1 loaf brioche or challah, cubed
- 5 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups half-and-half (or equal parts milk & heavy cream)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Caramel Base: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup until completely combined and smooth. Immediately pour the caramel mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to coat the bottom.
- Layer the Bread: Place the cubed brioche or challah evenly on top of the warm caramel layer in the baking dish, ensuring the bread pieces cover the entire surface.
- Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, vanilla extract, salt, and optional ground cinnamon until fully blended. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread. Gently press the bread down to help it soak up the custard.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Chill the dish in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the custard to fully absorb into the bread.
- Bake: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve Warm: Allow the French toast bake to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries, whipped cream, and drizzle with maple syrup to taste.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale brioche/challah for best texture as it absorbs custard better.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute half-and-half and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- You can prepare this bake up to 24 hours in advance; just bake fresh before serving.
- Optional cinnamon adds a warm spice note but can be omitted for a more classic crème brûlée flavor.
- Use a kitchen torch for a caramelized sugar topping if desired, though not required.
