This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the perfect blend of rich custard, caramelized sugar, and buttery French bread. Prepped the night before, this indulgent, make-ahead breakfast lets you wake up to a decadent dish with a crispy caramelized topping—just like the famous crème brûlée dessert!
🛒 Ingredients
For the French Toast Base:
✔ 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick (sturdy & soaks up custard perfectly!) 🥖
✔ 5 large eggs (for a rich custard texture!) 🥚
✔ 1 cup half-and-half (adds creaminess!) 🥛
✔ 1 cup whole milk (balances the custard!) 🥛
✔ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the flavor!) 🌿
✔ ⅔ cup granulated sugar (adds just the right sweetness!) 🍚
✔ ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for a touch of warmth!) 🍂
✔ ¼ teaspoon salt (balances the flavors!) 🧂
For the Caramelized Topping (Brûlée Effect!):
✔ ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈
✔ ½ cup brown sugar (creates a deep, caramel-like crunch!) 🍯
✔ 2 tablespoons maple syrup (adds extra richness!) 🍁
✔ Extra granulated sugar for caramelized topping 🔥
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
✅ Eggs
✅ Half-and-half & whole milk
✅ Granulated sugar
✅ Vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt
Whisk until smooth and set aside.
2️⃣ Arrange & Soak the Bread
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Arrange slices of French bread in a single layer, slightly overlapping.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure each slice is well-coated.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) to absorb all the flavors.
3️⃣ Make the Buttery Caramel Topping
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in brown sugar and maple syrup, cooking until smooth.
Let cool slightly, then drizzle over the soaked bread before baking.
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