Imagine starting a leisurely Sunday morning with the scent of coffee wafting through the air, sunlight gently filtering in, and the anticipation of a decadent breakfast without the usual rush. That’s exactly what you get with Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast. This dish is a game-changer for anyone who cherishes those blissful morning moments but also dreams of extra sleep. It’s a luxurious take on the classic French toast, marrying the comfort of breakfast with the indulgence of dessert — and the best part? Most of the work is done the night before.
Who Should Try This? Anyone with a penchant for sweet mornings or looking to impress at their next brunch gathering. It’s a surefire way to make a memorable meal that looks like you slaved over the stove all morning when, in reality, you’ve just cleverly maximized your rest time.
Serving Suggestions: Balance the richness of the toast with a fresh berry salad, lightly drizzled with honey or maple syrup. For those who love a sweet and savory combo, crispy bacon or savory sausage links on the side provide the perfect contrast.
Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 loaf of French bread, sliced 1-inch thick
5 large eggs
1 cup half-and-half
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup unsalted butter
Maple syrup, for serving
Preparation
Begin by buttering a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the French bread slices in a snug, single layer.
Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Evenly pour this mixture over the bread, ensuring every slice is soaking up the goodness.
Cover the dish and let the flavors meld together in the refrigerator overnight.
In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the dish, dot with butter, and sprinkle a bit more sugar on top.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until puffed and golden. For a brûlée finish, sprinkle additional sugar on the baked toast and broil briefly until caramelized.
Serve warm with maple syrup and your choice of sides.
Variations & Tips:
Dairy-free? Substitute the half-and-half and milk with almond or coconut milk.
Enhance the custard with orange zest or a splash of bourbon for an extra special touch.
The overnight soak is crucial for achieving that custardy interior.
Short on time? Skip the broil step and dust with powdered sugar instead.
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe promises a stress-free yet utterly indulgent start to your day. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary, proving that the best mornings start with a bit of preparation and a lot of love. Enjoy the richness of crème brûlée and the comforting texture of French toast, all rolled into one spectacular dish.