Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

$- 1 loaf of brioche bread, cut into thick slices - 4 large eggs - 1 cup whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Pinch of salt - 1/4 cup brown sugar (for the brûlée topping) Brioche bread is the star here. Its rich texture makes the toast soft and sweet. Eggs, milk, and cream create a creamy custard. Sugar and spices give it a delightful flavor. The vanilla adds warmth, while cinnamon gives a hint of spice. - Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) for garnish - Whipped cream (optional, for serving) Fresh berries add a burst of color and flavor. You can use strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Whipped cream is a fun touch and adds creaminess. Both options make the dish look and taste amazing. For the full recipe, check out the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast 🥞. First, grab a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the 4 large eggs until they look frothy. Next, add in 1 cup of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Then, mix in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth. This step is key for a rich custard blend. Now, take a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange thick slices of brioche bread in a single layer. Let them overlap a little for even soaking. Once you have the bread set, pour the creamy egg mixture over the slices. Make sure each piece gets fully coated. Gently press down on the bread with your hands or a spatula, helping it soak up the custard. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours. This soaking time helps the bread absorb all the yummy flavors. When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This helps it bake evenly. Bake your French toast for 30 to 35 minutes. It's done when the custard is set and the top is golden brown. While it bakes, mix 1/4 cup of brown sugar with a pinch of cinnamon in a small bowl. After baking, sprinkle this mixture over the top. Use a kitchen torch to brûlée the sugar until it bubbles and gets crispy. If you don't have a torch, broil it for 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning. Let the brûlée topping cool a bit, and then you’re ready to serve this delicious treat! To make the best Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, soaking the bread well is key. I recommend soaking your brioche for at least four hours, but overnight is best for full flavor. This time allows the custard to seep in deeply. When you place the bread in the dish, use your hands or a spatula to press gently down. This helps the bread absorb the creamy mixture evenly. The goal is to ensure every slice gets coated and soaked. Getting that perfect brûlée crust can be fun. I prefer using a kitchen torch for this step. It gives you more control over the sugar. Just sprinkle a thin layer of brown sugar on top and torch it until it bubbles. If you don't have a torch, a broiler works too. Place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. You want a golden brown crust that crackles when you tap it. For great texture, let the brûlée topping cool slightly before serving. This contrast of creamy and crunchy makes each bite a delight. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can easily customize your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast with different flavors. Here’s how: - Adding extracts or spices: Try adding almond or maple extract to the egg mixture. A dash of nutmeg can also add warmth. You can mix in a bit of orange or lemon zest for a bright note. - Incorporating fruits or nuts: Fresh fruits like bananas or apples can enhance the taste. You can layer sliced fruit between the bread slices or fold them into the custard. Adding nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, gives a delightful crunch and richness. Pairing your French toast with the right toppings makes it even better. Here are some tasty ideas: - Pairing with sauces or syrups: Drizzle warm maple syrup or a berry compote over the top for added sweetness. A dollop of chocolate sauce can make it a decadent treat. - Brunch cocktail recommendations: Serve your French toast with a light mimosa or a spicy Bloody Mary. Both drinks complement the dish perfectly and add a festive touch to your brunch. Try these variations to create your own twist on this delightful recipe! To keep your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. It will stay good for up to three days. When you want to enjoy it again, just reheat it. I recommend using an oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it. First, let the French toast cool completely. Then, wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they will not get freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, remove a slice from the bag. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight. After that, reheat it in the oven as mentioned above for the best taste. Enjoy your delicious creation anytime! Yes, you can prepare this dish the night before. This makes it easy for busy mornings. To do this, follow the steps of mixing the custard and soaking the brioche. Then, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it sit overnight to soak up all the flavors. This way, the bread becomes soft and creamy. You can simply bake it in the morning. If you don't have brioche, there are great alternatives. You can use challah, which has a similar texture. French bread or even Texas toast can work too. Just pick bread that can soak up the custard well. Stale bread is even better since it absorbs the custard without falling apart. To make a smaller batch, you can scale down the ingredients. For example, use half a loaf of bread. Adjust the eggs to two, and reduce the milk and cream by half too. Keep the other ingredients the same, but be mindful of the baking time. A smaller dish may bake faster, so check it a few minutes early. You can still enjoy the same delicious flavors! Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful dish. Start with brioche bread and a rich custard mix of eggs, milk, cream, and sugar. Add optional garnishes like fresh berries or whipped cream to elevate your meal. You can experiment with flavors and tips for a perfect crispy topping. For easy storage, refrigerate leftovers and learn to freeze portions. This dish is great for brunch or any cozy gathering. Enjoy your cooking adventure and impress everyone with a delicious twist on a classic favorite!$

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Indulge in the deliciousness of Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast that will elevate your breakfast game! This delightful recipe combines thick brioche slices soaked in a creamy custard and topped with a crunchy caramelized layer. Perfect for serving a crowd, it's easy to prepare the night before. Don't miss out on this mouthwatering treat—click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends!

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Ingredients

1 loaf of brioche bread, cut into thick slices

4 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

1/4 cup brown sugar (for the brûlée topping)

Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) for garnish

Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs until frothy. Then, add the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are fully combined.

Prepare a greased baking dish (approximately 9x13 inches) and arrange the thick slices of brioche bread in a single layer, allowing them to slightly overlap for even soaking.

Carefully pour the creamy egg mixture over the arranged bread slices, ensuring each slice is generously coated and fully submerged. Gently press down on the bread with your hands or a spatula to encourage absorption of the custard mixture.

Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This resting period (or a minimum of 4 hours) allows the bread to absorb the flavors and custard fully.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) when you’re ready to bake.

After refrigerating, remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps the dish to bake more evenly.

Bake the French toast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set in the center and the top has turned a lovely golden brown.

While the French toast is baking, prepare the brûlée topping. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and an extra pinch of cinnamon, mixing well to evenly distribute the spice.

Once you remove the baked French toast from the oven, promptly sprinkle the brown sugar mixture evenly across the top to form the crunchy layer.

Using a kitchen torch, carefully brûlée the sugar topping until it bubbles and forms a crispy, caramelized crust. If you don't have a torch, place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.

Allow the brûlée topping to cool slightly while you get ready to serve.

Serve the French toast warm, garnished with an array of fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 6-8

- Presentation Tips: For a stunning display, arrange the French toast slices on a large serving platter, drizzle with warm maple syrup, and scatter colorful fresh berries on top for a vibrant finish.