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Imagine waking up to the sweet smell of Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast! This dish combines rich custard soaked into bread, then topped with a sugary, crunchy layer. Yum!
Just think: you prepare it the night before, and in the morning, all you need to do is pop it in the oven. It’s like having dessert for breakfast, and who wouldn’t want that? 😄
Whenever I make this, I love serving it with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s a perfect treat for lazy weekend mornings or special gatherings with friends!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brioche Bread: This is the star of the recipe! Its rich flavor and soft texture soak up the egg mixture beautifully. If brioche isn’t available, challah or even a good quality white bread can work in a pinch.
Eggs: The eggs provide structure and creaminess. For a dairy-free option, consider using flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) combined with a plant-based milk.
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: For a richer taste, the heavy cream is essential. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version or almond milk for something milk-free. Just keep in mind that it might affect the texture a bit.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the dish. You can replace it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Vanilla Extract: This adds warmth and depth. If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can substitute with almond extract for a different flavor profile, but use it sparingly as it’s stronger!
What’s the Best Way to Get Those Perfectly Soaked Bread Slices?
Soaking the bread thoroughly is crucial for achieving a custardy texture. Make sure to follow these steps for the best results:
- Slice the brioche into thick pieces (1-1.5 inches). The thickness helps the bread absorb the mixture without falling apart.
- Arrange the slices tightly in your baking dish. This keeps them from floating away in the custard and ensures even soaking.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, giving each piece some love. Press down gently to help the bread soak up the mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight. This longer soak allows the bread to absorb flavors and moisture fully, making it soft and decadent.
Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe
What You’ll Need:
- 1 loaf of brioche bread (about 14-16 slices)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Extra granulated sugar for topping
- Maple syrup for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat does require a bit of planning! You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep everything and then let the dish chill in the refrigerator overnight. After resting, it only takes about 40 minutes to bake, with an additional few minutes to prepare the crunchy topping. So, get ready for a scrumptious breakfast to delight your family or guests!
Instructions:
First things first, let’s slice that lovely loaf of brioche bread! Cut it into thick slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches. Once you have your slices, arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If they overlap a little, that’s totally okay! It adds to the deliciousness.
Now, let’s whisk up that custard! In a large mixing bowl, grab your eggs and whisk them together with the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the ground cinnamon. Mix it all until it’s well combined—this is what’s going to make our French toast super creamy and flavorful!
Next, pour that tasty egg mixture evenly over the bread slices. Make sure each piece gets a nice soak—this is key to that dreamy texture! Once that’s done, cover the dish with some plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, let it sit for at least 4 hours; the longer, the better!
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before going into the oven, take your dish out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps it bake evenly.
Pop it in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top that’s slightly crisp. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
For that signature crème brûlée effect, sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the top once it’s out of the oven. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it’s a beautiful, crispy golden crust. If you don’t have a torch, no worries! Just place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning. We want crispy, not charred!
Finally, serve your decadent Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast warm, drizzled with maple syrup. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While brioche gives a rich flavor, you can substitute it with challah, French bread, or even whole-grain bread. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up against the custard mixture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
For a dairy-free version, you can replace the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk or a plant-based milk of your choice. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for a quick warm-up or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Without Refrigerating Overnight?
Yes, you can let the bread soak for at least 4 hours in the fridge if you don’t have time for an overnight soak. However, the longer you allow it to soak, the richer the flavor and texture will be, so plan ahead if you can!
