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Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

An incredibly decadent, make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring thick slices of brioche soaked in a rich vanilla custard, baked over a gooey layer of caramelized brown sugar and butter.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chilling time 8 hours
Total Time 9 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American, French Inspired
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Caramel Base
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 tbsp corn syrup or maple syrup
French Toast
  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread sliced 1-inch thick, slightly stale
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1.5 cups whole milk
  • 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon optional
  • 1 tbsp Grand Marnier optional

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Medium saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup together over medium heat, whisking until smooth and bubbling.
  2. Pour the hot caramel mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  3. Arrange the thick slices of bread over the caramel layer, fitting them snugly to cover the bottom.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and Grand Marnier until completely smooth.
  5. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices. Press down gently on the bread so it begins to absorb the liquid.
  6. Cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
  7. The next morning, remove the dish from the fridge and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  8. Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes until puffed, deeply golden brown, and set in the center.
  9. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Invert pieces onto plates so the gooey caramel bottom becomes the topping.

Notes

Ensure your bread is slightly stale for the best texture. If it is fresh, toast slices at 250°F for 15 minutes to dry them out before assembling.