Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast – A Dreamy Make-Ahead Brunch Treat

Imagine waking up to the scent of caramelized sugar, warm vanilla, and buttery brioche without lifting a finger in the morning. That’s the magic of Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast — a dish that transforms a classic breakfast favorite into a luxurious, custardy dream. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet cozy, like something you’d find at a charming bed-and-breakfast on a lazy Sunday morning.

The secret to this dish lies in its make-ahead magic. By preparing it the night before, the bread has all night to soak in a rich custard of eggs, cream, and vanilla. In the morning, you simply bake it until golden, then finish it off with a quick caramelization that gives it that signature crème brûlée crackle. Every bite combines silky softness inside and a crisp, caramelized top — truly breakfast perfection.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced 1-inch thick
• 6 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (plus more for topping)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Optional: fresh berries, powdered sugar, maple syrup for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dish: Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the sliced brioche in overlapping layers so they fit snugly.
2. Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt, and melted butter until smooth and well combined.
3. Soak overnight: Pour the custard evenly over the brioche slices, making sure each piece is soaked. Gently press the bread down with the back of a spoon so it absorbs the custard. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
4. Bake in the morning: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
5. Caramelize the top: Sprinkle a thin, even layer of sugar over the top of the baked toast. Using a kitchen torch, gently melt and caramelize the sugar until it turns golden and crisp. If you don’t have a torch, place it under the broiler for 1–2 minutes (watch closely!).
6. Serve: Slice into squares and serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh berries if desired.

Tips & Tricks

• Use brioche or challah — their rich, eggy texture soaks up the custard beautifully.
• Don’t skip the overnight soak — this is what gives the dish its luxurious, crème brûlée-like texture.
• For an even more caramelized flavor, whisk a tablespoon of brown sugar into your custard mixture.

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Rich and custardy French toast with a caramelized sugar crust, made ahead for a luxurious brunch treat.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 slices

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American, French

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 loaf brioche bread sliced 1-inch thick
• 6 large eggs
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar plus more for topping
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• 9×13 baking dish
• Whisk
• Kitchen torch

Method

 

1. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer brioche slices evenly.
2. Whisk together eggs, cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt, and butter.
3. Pour custard over bread and refrigerate overnight.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes until golden.
5. Sprinkle sugar on top and caramelize with torch or broiler.
6. Serve warm with berries, powdered sugar, or syrup.

Notes

Let bread soak overnight for the best custardy texture and deep flavor.

Variations

• Orange Crème Brûlée French Toast: Add orange zest and a splash of Grand Marnier for a citrusy twist.
• Cinnamon Caramel Version: Stir in cinnamon and top with warm caramel sauce instead of torching sugar.
• Stuffed Style: Layer a bit of mascarpone or cream cheese between two slices of bread for a creamy surprise.

Serving Suggestions
Serve this decadent breakfast with freshly whipped cream, seasonal berries, and a hot pot of coffee. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings, holidays, or cozy weekends when you want to spoil your guests — or yourself.

Storage Information
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave for 30 seconds. To restore crispness, sprinkle a touch of sugar and re-caramelize before serving.

FAQ
Can I make this without soaking overnight? Yes, but the flavor and texture deepen beautifully with an overnight rest. If in a rush, let it sit for at least 2 hours.
Can I freeze it? Absolutely! Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
What bread works best? Thick-cut brioche is the top choice, but challah or French bread also works well.

History / Fun Facts
The concept of French toast dates back to ancient Rome, where it was known as pan dulcis, bread soaked in milk and fried. The “crème brûlée” twist adds a touch of French flair — the caramelized sugar topping was first popularized in 17th-century France. This recipe beautifully combines both traditions into a modern breakfast masterpiece.