Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast (Print View)

Decadent French toast with creamy custard and crisp caramelized sugar, ideal for an elevated breakfast.

# Components:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch slices
02 - 5 large eggs
03 - 1 cup half-and-half
04 - 1 cup whole milk
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, diced

→ For Serving

10 - Maple syrup

# Directions:

01 - Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish generously. Arrange French bread slices in a single layer, overlapping only as needed.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until smooth and fully incorporated.
03 - Pour custard mixture evenly over bread slices, ensuring each slice is coated. Gently press bread into the custard to guarantee full absorption.
04 - Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow bread to soak and flavors to develop.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove baking dish from refrigerator and take off plastic wrap. Scatter butter pieces across the top and sprinkle a light layer of granulated sugar. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
06 - Allow baked French toast to cool slightly. Evenly scatter granulated sugar over the top. Using a kitchen torch or oven broiler, caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp.
07 - Let cool for several minutes. Portion and transfer to individual plates, drizzle with maple syrup, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses everyday ingredients you probably have already
  • Can be made the night before so breakfast is stress-free
  • Bakes up creamy on the inside with a caramelized brûlée top
  • Perfect for holiday mornings or to impress guests with minimal effort
02 -
  • Makes a showstopping brunch yet is completely make-ahead
  • Delightfully crisp sugar crust mimics classic crème brûlée
  • Customizable with toppings from fresh berries to spiced whipped cream
03 -
  • Let the bread slices sit out for a few hours to get slightly stale before soaking They will hold their shape and soak up more custard
  • Be patient with the overnight chilling it truly makes the custard and flavors meld for the creamiest result
  • Use a torch if you have one but if not keep the dish close under the broiler and watch carefully for the sugar to bubble and brown quickly
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