Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a luxurious breakfast or brunch dish that combines the rich flavors of crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast. This make-ahead recipe allows you to prepare the dish the night before, making it perfect for special occasions or leisurely mornings. The custard-soaked bread bakes to a golden perfection, topped with a caramelized sugar crust that adds a delightful crunch. Serve it with fresh berries and whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread (about 16 oz), sliced into 1-inch thick slices

• 5 large eggs

• 1 cup half-and-half

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

Directions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Arrange the Bread: Place the sliced bread in a single layer in the prepared dish, slightly overlapping if necessary.

3. Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.

4. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is well-soaked. Press down gently to help the bread absorb the custard.

5. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

6. Bake the French Toast: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Dot the top of the bread with small pieces of butter. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar evenly over the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed and golden brown.

7. Caramelize the Sugar Topping: After baking, let the dish cool slightly. If you have a kitchen torch, sprinkle an additional layer of granulated sugar over the top and use the torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until golden and bubbly. Alternatively, you can place the dish under a broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

8. Serve: Allow the French toast to cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice and serve warm with fresh berries and whipped cream, if desired.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 560 kcal

• Protein: 13g

• Fat: 18g

• Carbohydrates: 87g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 34g

• Sodium: 696mg

• Cholesterol: 47mg