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Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast – Rich, Caramelized, and Effortlessly Elegant

Imagine waking up to a breakfast that’s luxuriously creamy, crispy-edged, and bursting with vanilla custard flavor — all without having to lift a finger in the morning. Say hello to the ultimate make-ahead brunch treat: Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast. This indulgent twist on classic French toast takes thick-cut brioche or challah, soaks it overnight in a rich custard made with eggs, brown sugar, and half-and-half, and bakes it over a layer of buttery caramel sauce. The result? A golden, custardy center with crackly brûlée edges that tastes like breakfast meets dessert. It’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, Mother’s Day, or any time you want to impress with minimal morning effort. Prep it the night before, bake it in the morning, and serve a show-stopping breakfast with your favorite coffee or mimosa.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
bake & Chill Time 6 hours 40 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥚 Produits frais:
  • 5 large eggs
🧂 Aides culinaires et épices:
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🧈 Produits laitiers:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1½ cups half-and-half
🥖 Pains et viennoiseries:
  • 1 loaf brioche or challah sliced thick (about 1 inch)
🧴 Condiments:
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Equipment

  • You only need a few tools to create this French toast masterpiece:
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls (medium and large)
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Plastic wrap or foil
  • Spatula
  • Oven

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Caramel Base
  1. In a saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl), melt together:
  2. ½ cup butter
  3. 1 cup brown sugar
  4. 2 tablespoons corn syrup
  5. Stir until smooth and bubbling slightly. Pour this caramel mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  6. This buttery-sweet layer forms the “brûlée” crust that caramelizes as the toast bakes!
Step 2: Arrange the Bread
  1. Slice the brioche or challah into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices in the baking dish, overlapping slightly if needed. You may need to trim a few to fit.
Step 3: Make the Custard
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together:
  2. 5 eggs
  3. 1½ cups half-and-half
  4. ¼ cup granulated sugar
  5. ¼ teaspoon salt
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  7. ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  8. Whisk until completely smooth.
Step 4: Soak the Bread
  1. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure all slices are soaked. Press the bread gently to help it absorb the custard.
  2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 6 hours).
Step 5: Bake the French Toast
  1. In the morning, remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top is puffed and golden, and the custard is set.
  3. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra brûlée crunch.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Let the French toast sit for 5 minutes, then serve inverted-style to showcase the caramel layer, or right from the pan for that golden top.
  2. Top with:
  3. Fresh berries
  4. Powdered sugar
  5. Whipped cream
  6. Warm maple syrup
  7. A dusting of cinnamon
  8. Pro tip: Serve with strong coffee or mimosas for the ultimate brunch experience.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Oven: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes
Microwave: Heat individual slices for 30–60 seconds
Air Fryer: Crisp up slices at 350°F for 3–4 minutes
To restore the brûlée texture, sprinkle with sugar and broil briefly after reheating.
🥄 Variations
Get creative with your crème brûlée French toast:
Berry Brûlée: Add a layer of fresh or frozen berries between the bread slices
Apple-Cinnamon: Sauté sliced apples in butter and cinnamon and layer under the bread
Chocolate Swirl: Add a few spoonfuls of Nutella or chocolate spread between the slices
Coconut Cream: Replace half-and-half with canned coconut milk and top with shredded coconut
Liqueur Twist: Add a splash of Irish cream, Grand Marnier, or Amaretto to the custard
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free brioche or bread and check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use regular white bread instead of brioche or challah?
Yes, but thicker, enriched breads like brioche or challah yield the best texture and flavor. Regular sandwich bread will be softer and less rich.
2. What’s the purpose of corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps create a smooth, glossy caramel layer that doesn’t crystallize. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup if needed.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — use plant-based butter and coconut or almond milk in place of half-and-half.
4. Can I prepare this the same morning?
For best results, let it soak overnight, but in a pinch, let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking.
5. Is this sweet enough without syrup?
Definitely! The caramelized base and custard provide plenty of sweetness, but syrup or fruit adds extra flair.
6. Why is my toast soggy?
It may be undercooked or over-soaked. Be sure to bake until the center is fully set and puffed.
7. Can I freeze it?
Yes — freeze slices individually and reheat in the oven or air fryer for a crisp edge.
8. Can I make this in a muffin tin?
Absolutely! Create individual portions by layering smaller bread cubes in a greased muffin tin and reducing bake time to 20–25 minutes.
9. Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the caramel crust and custard flavor. Serve with fruit for balance.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish (or two 9x13 pans), and rotate them halfway through baking.
🏁 Conclusion
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is breakfast made magical — soft on the inside, caramelized on the outside, and filled with rich vanilla flavor. Whether you're prepping for a special brunch or just want to elevate a weekend breakfast, this dish is a guaranteed showstopper with zero stress in the morning.
With its do-ahead ease and decadent flavor, it’s a favorite for holidays, sleepovers, baby showers, and lazy Sundays alike. Just soak, sleep, bake, and enjoy — because breakfast doesn’t get more elegant than this!