Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast 

This indulgent breakfast transforms traditional French toast into a luxurious treat. By soaking thick slices of brioche or challah bread in a rich custard overnight, the bread absorbs all the flavors, resulting in a soft, custardy interior. The caramelized sugar topping adds a delightful crunch, reminiscent of classic crème brûlée. Perfect for special occasions or leisurely weekends, this dish combines convenience with gourmet flair, allowing you to prepare it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning. Serve it with fresh berries and whipped cream for an unforgettable breakfast experience.

🧾 Ingredients

For the caramel base:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup 

For the custard:

• 5 large eggs

• 1 cup half-and-half

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon orange liqueur (optional)

• ¼ teaspoon salt 

For assembling:

• 12 slices of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices 

👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Prepare the caramel base: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup together, stirring until smooth. Pour this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

2. Arrange the bread: Place the bread slices in a single layer over the caramel base, ensuring they fit snugly without overlapping.

3. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, vanilla extract, orange liqueur (if using), and salt until well combined.

4. Assemble the dish: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is soaked. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the French toast uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

6. Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.

🥗 Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: Approximately 560 kcal

• Protein: 13 g

• Carbohydrates: 87 g

• Fat: 18 g

• Saturated Fat: 11 g

• Cholesterol: 47 mg

• Sodium: 696 mg

• Potassium: 218 mg

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 34 g

• Vitamin A: 515 IU

• Vitamin C: 1 mg

• Calcium: 116 mg

• Iron: 4 mg