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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 390
Sugar: 21g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: Overnight French Toast, Crème Brûlée, Brunch, Make-Ahead Breakfast