Description
Sumptuous Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast brings classic French elegance to weekend breakfast dreams. Silky custard-soaked bread caramelizes with golden richness, promising pure indulgence you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Sweeteners and Flavors:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Toppings and Finishing:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp turbinado sugar (for brulee topping)
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Slice the French bread into thick, robust pieces, ensuring each slice is approximately 1-inch thick for substantial texture and optimal absorption.
- Whisk eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and silky smooth.
- Incorporate granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt into the liquid mixture, stirring until all ingredients are completely integrated and the blend appears uniform.
- Arrange bread slices in a generously buttered baking dish, creating a single compact layer without significant gaps.
- Gently pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring each slice is completely saturated and absorbing the liquid evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to fully soak and develop deep, rich flavors.
- Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to bring to room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and uncover the dish.
- Drizzle melted butter and maple syrup across the top of the soaked bread.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the center appears set and slightly puffy.
- Sprinkle turbinado sugar evenly across the surface.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it transforms into a crisp, amber-colored crust, or broil for 2-3 minutes watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the caramelized topping to solidify and the dish to set.
Notes
- Select day-old bread for better absorption and preventing soggy texture during overnight soaking.
- Choose thick-cut French bread or brioche to maintain structural integrity and provide rich, luxurious mouthfeel.
- Customize flavor profile by experimenting with alternative spices like nutmeg or cardamom for subtle complexity.
- Make gluten-free version by substituting regular bread with gluten-free challah or thick-cut gluten-free bread slices.
- Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or replacing some granulated sugar with stevia for lighter option.
- Enhance protein content by incorporating almond flour or adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder to custard mixture.
- Prepare ahead by assembling dish up to 48 hours in advance, maximizing convenience for special breakfast gatherings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 579
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 305 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg