If you’ve ever wished for a luxurious, gourmet breakfast without the early morning hustle, Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is your answer. This dish takes the rich, velvety custard of classic crème brûlée and transforms it into an indulgent baked French toast with a caramelized sugar crust. Best of all? The prep is done the night before, so all you need to do in the morning is bake it!
Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, a special occasion breakfast, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe delivers. The buttery brown sugar caramel base, combined with thick-cut brioche or challah soaked in a creamy vanilla custard, creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Pair it with some crispy breakfast potatoes for a balanced meal, or enjoy it with mini crème brûlée cheesecakes for a sweet brunch spread. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this decadent dish a success!
Jump to
- Why You’ll Love This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
- Ingredients List & Substitutions for Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Serving and Storage Tips for Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Bonus Recipes: Perfect Side Dishes
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Crème Brûlée French Toast
Why You’ll Love This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
Here’s why this Crème Brûlée French Toast deserves a spot in your breakfast rotation:
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepares in minutes, refrigerates overnight, and bakes fresh in the morning.
- Caramelized Sugar Crust: The crackly, golden-brown topping adds a touch of elegance and crunch.
- Custard-Soaked Bread: Each bite is silky and rich, thanks to a slow overnight soak.
- Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You likely have everything you need in your kitchen right now!
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Holiday mornings, Mother’s Day, or weekend brunch with friends and family.
Ingredients List & Substitutions for Crème Brûlée French Toast
Main Ingredients:
- Butter – Forms the caramel base. Can be substituted with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Brown sugar – Creates a deep caramel flavor. Coconut sugar can be used as an alternative.
- Maple syrup – Adds sweetness and complexity. You can swap it for honey or agave syrup.
- Brioche or challah bread – Best for soaking up the custard. French bread or gluten-free bread works as well.
- Eggs – Provides structure to the custard. Flax eggs can be used for a vegan option.
- Half-and-half – Ensures a creamy custard. Whole milk or coconut milk are great substitutes.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor. Almond extract is a good variation.
- Salt – Balances sweetness. You can omit it if preferred.
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries)
- Extra maple syrup
- Cinnamon-sugar sprinkle
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Crème Brûlée French Toast
1. Prepare the Caramel Base
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and maple syrup, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Pour it into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
2. Arrange the Bread
Place thick slices of brioche or challah over the caramel layer, fitting them snugly together. Cut slices in half if necessary to cover any gaps.
3. Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, and salt. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring every piece is soaked. Lightly press the bread down so it absorbs the custard.
4. Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (or overnight). This step allows the bread to absorb all the flavors and creates the perfect texture.
5. Bake the French Toast
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, add fresh berries, and drizzle with extra maple syrup.
Serving and Storage Tips for Crème Brûlée French Toast
Serving Suggestions :
- Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Pair with crispy bacon or sausage for a sweet and savory contrast.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra indulgence.
- Try serving with a side of yogurt and granola for a balanced breakfast.
- Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert-like twist.
- Garnish with toasted nuts, such as pecans or almonds, for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad to complement the sweetness of the dish.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, reheat within the first 48 hours.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes for a crispier texture, or in the microwave for 30–45 seconds for a quick option. For the best results, thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Preventing Dryness: When reheating in the oven, cover loosely with foil for the first few minutes to retain moisture.
- Batch Reheating: If serving multiple slices, place them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven for 10–15 minutes at 325°F, flipping halfway through.
Bonus Recipes: Perfect Side Dishes
The Cheese Dip That Will Make You Famous
A creamy, flavorful dip perfect for gatherings, game nights, or snacks.
Ingredients:
- Cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Cream cheese
- Milk or heavy cream
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Paprika or cayenne (optional for spice)
- Jalapeño (optional, diced)
Instructions:
Melt butter in a saucepan. Add milk and spices, stirring well. Slowly melt the cheese into the mixture, stirring constantly. Adjust thickness with additional milk if needed. Serve warm with chips, bread, or veggies.
Storage & Tips:
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat over low heat or in short microwave bursts.
- Freeze for up to one month, thaw before reheating.
Best Strawberry Poke Cake
A light and fluffy cake infused with strawberry flavor, topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients:
- Boxed white or yellow cake mix (prepared as directed)
- Strawberry gelatin
- Boiling water
- Cold water
- Fresh diced strawberries
- Whipped topping
Instructions:
Bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan and let cool slightly. Poke holes throughout the cake using a fork. Dissolve strawberry gelatin in boiling water, then mix in cold water. Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the cake. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Spread whipped topping and garnish with fresh strawberries.
Storage & Tips:
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freeze individual slices for up to 1 month.
- Try different gelatin flavors (raspberry, mixed berry) for variation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Crème Brûlée French Toast
Yes! While brioche and challah are ideal, you can use French bread, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread.
Make sure to use day-old or slightly stale bread so it absorbs the custard without getting mushy.
Absolutely! Substitute butter with coconut oil and use coconut milk or almond milk instead of half-and-half.
Yes! Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Try powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce.
Enjoy your gourmet, caramelized French toast and these delicious sides for a complete brunch experience!