Name: Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 9 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf brioche bread (thick-sliced); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 5 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Ever wish your breakfast could taste like dessert—without any of the morning effort? Meet the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, where silky custard meets caramelized crust, and your prep work ends the night before. It’s indulgent, golden, and just the right balance of sweet and creamy.

Each bite delivers buttery brioche soaked in rich vanilla custard, layered with a brûléed topping that adds a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re hosting brunch or elevating a weekend morning, this make-ahead recipe guarantees a stunning, foolproof treat.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating the perfect Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is all about control, soaking, and crisping. These are the tools that make it happen:

9×13-inch Baking Dish: This ensures even layering of bread slices and enough space for the custard to absorb without overflowing.
Saucepan: For melting butter and brown sugar into that irresistible caramel base.
Whisk: To emulsify the custard mixture smoothly, preventing clumps and ensuring even baking.
Mixing Bowl: A deep one is ideal for whisking eggs, cream, and flavorings with room to breathe.
Plastic Wrap or Foil: Essential to tightly cover the dish and let it soak overnight without drying out.
Oven & Broiler: The oven bakes it to perfection, while a quick broil finishes the brûlée top for that signature crunch.

These aren’t just suggestions—they’re your breakfast allies. The right tools ensure a custard-soaked, crispy-topped masterpiece by morning.

Ingredients for the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Brioche Bread: Soft and buttery, it absorbs the custard beautifully without falling apart.
Butter: Used in the caramel base, it adds rich flavor and a golden finish.
Brown Sugar: The key to the brûlée layer that creates the sticky, toffee-like bottom.
Heavy Cream: Brings silkiness and body to the custard, making the texture luxurious.
Whole Milk: Lightens the custard slightly while still keeping it creamy.
Eggs: The binder that sets the custard into a soft, sliceable texture.
Vanilla Extract: Deepens the sweetness with warm, fragrant notes.
Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

How To Make the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Step 1: Make the Caramel Base

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together until smooth and bubbly. Pour this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Layer the Bread

Slice the brioche into thick slices (about 1 inch). Arrange them snugly in a single layer over the caramel base. It’s okay if the slices overlap slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and salt until fully blended.

Step 4: Soak and Chill

Pour the custard mixture slowly over the brioche slices, making sure each one gets thoroughly soaked. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, at least 8 hours.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the wrap and bake the French toast for 40–45 minutes, or until puffed and golden.

Step 6: Optional Broil for Crunch

For that extra brûlée effect, place the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes after baking—just until the top caramelizes and crisps.

How to Serve and Store Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Serve the French toast warm, straight out of the oven with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a dollop of mascarpone take it to the next level. It’s rich on its own, so keep toppings simple.

To store leftovers, let the toast cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or a toaster oven to restore the crisp edges. Avoid microwaving—you’ll lose that brûlée crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make this?

You can prepare this French toast up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure it stays tightly covered in the fridge until baking.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes—challah, Texas toast, or any enriched bread works. Brioche just gives the richest texture.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can sub in more whole milk, though the custard may be slightly less rich. Greek yogurt thinned with milk is another option.

Is broiling necessary?

No, but highly recommended. The broil adds a caramelized crust that mimics the namesake crème brûlée.

Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the baked and cooled French toast for up to a month. Reheat in the oven from frozen until hot and crisp.

Want More Sweet Breakfast Ideas?

Looking for more recipes to turn your mornings into something unforgettable? Here are a few that might just become your next favorites:

If you love that baked warmth, the Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake is a comforting go-to. Prefer handheld options? You can try Cinnamon Donut Bread, sweet, fluffy, and perfect for slicing up during brunch.

Don’t miss the Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes for a cloud-like experience, or the bite-sized Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes if you’re feeling adventurous.

And if you’re leaning toward something fruity and indulgent, the Apple Enchiladas are warm, spiced, and spoon-worthy.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your breakfast or dessert boards for later. Just click the Pin button.

When you make it, let me know how it turned out. Did you use challah? Did you torch the top for extra crackle? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your twist.

For more delicious ideas like this, follow along on Pinterest @LadyPlate where I share cozy breakfast bakes and more daily inspiration.

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 9 hours
Yield: 6–8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a luxurious make-ahead breakfast that combines a buttery caramel base, custard-soaked brioche, and a golden bruléed topping. Perfect for brunch or special mornings when you want maximum flavor with minimal morning prep.

Ingredients

1 loaf brioche bread (thick-sliced)

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

5 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat until it forms a smooth, bubbling caramel mixture.
Pour this into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Slice the brioche into 1-inch thick pieces.
Layer them over the caramel in the baking dish, overlapping slightly if needed
. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined. Pour the custard evenly over the brioche slices, ensuring each slice is well soaked.
Gently press the bread down to help absorb the liquid
. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight, or at least 8 hours.
The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the wrap and bake the French toast uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until puffed and golden.
For a bruléed top, place the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or toaster oven.

Notes

Use day-old brioche or toast the slices lightly for better custard absorption and structure.

Don’t skip the broil if you want that iconic bruléed sugar top—just keep an eye on it! You can swap in half-and-half if you don’t have heavy cream, but the result will be slightly lighter.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Breakfast/Brunch
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American