Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Name: Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 9 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf of French bread or brioche (about 10 cups, sliced 1-inch thick); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, your choice); 2 tablespoons corn syrup (optional but helps with caramel texture); 5 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Optional topping: powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup

Posted on May 12, 2025

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast baked golden and caramelized in a white dish

Appetizers

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If you’ve ever dreamed of dessert for breakfast, this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is your sweet morning dream come true. With its rich, custardy base and caramelized sugar topping, it tastes just like the classic dessert — but with half the effort. Prepped the night before and baked in the morning, this make-ahead breakfast is creamy, flavorful, and absolutely decadent. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just treating yourself, this recipe will have everyone thinking you’re a kitchen rockstar with minimal fuss.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a game-changer for busy mornings or when you want something special without standing over the stove. It’s incredibly easy — just prep, chill, and bake! The buttery brown sugar layer melts into the bread, creating a caramelized base, while the top bakes into a soft, custardy perfection. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy breakfast-in-bed moment, this dish delivers all the indulgence of crème brûlée with the comfort of French toast.

Ingredients

This recipe keeps things simple with pantry staples and a few rich touches to give it that crème brûlée flair. Before you begin, make sure your bread is slightly stale — it soaks up the custard better!

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 loaf of French bread or brioche (about 10 cups, sliced 1-inch thick)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, your choice)
2 tablespoons corn syrup (optional but helps with caramel texture)
5 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional topping: powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup

Instructions

This recipe is super beginner-friendly and only takes about 15 minutes to prep. The magic happens overnight in the fridge — then you just bake it in the morning!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Make the caramel base:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup (if using) until smooth and bubbling. Pour this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer the bread:
Arrange the bread slices over the caramel in a snug, single layer. It’s okay if they overlap a bit.
Mix the custard:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, and salt until fully combined.
Pour it on:
Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing gently to help the bread soak it up.
Chill overnight:
Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
Bake it up:
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake for 35–40 minutes, until puffed and golden on top.
Serve:
Let it cool for 5–10 minutes, then slice and flip portions onto plates to reveal the caramelized bottom. Add your favorite toppings if desired!

Servings and Timing

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is perfect for feeding a hungry group — and it’s incredibly low-effort for the results you get.

Servings:

Makes 6 to 8 generous servings.

Timing:

Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: At least 8 hours (overnight)
Bake time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: About 9 hours (including overnight chill)

Tips and Variations

Want to make this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast your own? Here are some tasty twists and smart tips to switch things up or make prep even easier:

Tips:

Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard better without turning mushy.
Let it rest after baking: A 5–10 minute rest helps it firm up for easier serving.
Use a serrated knife to slice the bread evenly and avoid tearing it.

Variations:

Make it fruity: Add a layer of thinly sliced apples, pears, or fresh berries between the bread layers.
Add a hint of spice: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for a warm, cozy flavor.
Go dairy-free: Use almond milk and coconut cream, and swap in a vegan butter alternative.
Make it boozy: Add a splash of bourbon or orange liqueur to the custard for an adult twist!

Storage

Leftovers? Lucky you! This dish reheats beautifully and still tastes amazing the next day.

Here’s how to store it:

Refrigerator: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container or tightly covered in the baking dish. It’ll keep for up to 3–4 days in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30–60 seconds, or pop the whole dish (covered with foil) into a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
Freezer: You can freeze baked portions for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! Brioche, challah, or Texas toast work beautifully. Just make sure it’s thick-cut and slightly stale for best results.

Do I have to chill it overnight?
Overnight is ideal, but if you’re in a rush, chill for at least 4 hours. The longer it soaks, the creamier it gets.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely — just use your favorite gluten-free bread. The texture may vary slightly, but it’s still delicious.

What if I don’t have corn syrup?
No problem! You can skip it or replace it with honey or maple syrup. The caramel may be a bit softer but still tasty.

Can I prepare it more than one day ahead?
Yes — it can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance. Perfect for meal prepping!

How do I get a crispier top?
For a caramelized top, you can sprinkle a little sugar on top after baking and broil it for 1–2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning!

Is this dish kid-friendly?
Totally! It’s sweet, soft, and comforting — kids love it. Just skip any liqueur if using a boozy variation.

Conclusion

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the ultimate brunch hero — rich, easy, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting friends, celebrating a holiday, or just want to treat yourself on a lazy weekend morning, this recipe brings all the creamy, caramelized goodness of a classic dessert to your breakfast table. The best part? You do all the work the night before, so you can wake up, bake, and enjoy without a fuss.

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