Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

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Craving something that feels fancy but is secretly easy to make? This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is just that. Imagine rich vanilla custard soaked into soft bread, caramelized to golden perfection, and topped with a buttery maple glaze that melts with each bite. It’s the kind of breakfast that transforms a regular morning into something worth lingering over.

Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or even a make-ahead weekend treat, this French toast bake delivers big on texture and taste. The top crisps up into a thin, crackly caramelized layer while the inside stays custardy and luxurious. Serve it with fresh fruit or whipped cream, or enjoy it just as it is—it’s indulgent, satisfying, and always a hit.

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What Kind of Bread Should I Use for Crème Brûlée French Toast?

Thick-cut brioche or challah is ideal for this recipe. These types of bread soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart. Day-old bread works best since it’s drier and holds its shape better overnight. Avoid pre-sliced sandwich bread, which tends to get soggy and won’t yield that signature crispy edge.

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Ingredients for the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

• Brioche or Challah Bread: These rich breads act like a sponge for the custard and bake up fluffy inside, crisp outside.
• Eggs: Essential for the custard base—they add structure and richness.
• Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: This combo creates a silky custard that’s creamy but not too dense.
• Brown Sugar: Used in both the custard and the caramel layer for a deep, molasses sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the base into that classic crème brûlée crust.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
• Maple Syrup: Optional but heavenly drizzled on top when serving.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and round out the flavor.

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How To Make the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Step 1: Make the Caramel Base

In a small saucepan, melt the butter with brown sugar and a pinch of salt over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble. Pour this into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Arrange the Bread

Slice your brioche or challah into thick pieces (about 1-inch thick). Lay them over the caramel layer in the baking dish, slightly overlapping if needed.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and a tiny pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Soak Overnight

Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices. Gently press the bread down to help it absorb the liquid. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours).

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temp for 20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.

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How to Serve and Store Crème Brûlée French Toast

Serve this decadent breakfast straight from the oven while it’s still warm and slightly crisp on top. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re serving it for brunch, a mimosa on the side never hurts!

To store leftovers, let the French toast cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F to regain that caramelized texture—the microwave works too, though it may soften the top.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast?

Yes! Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

You can swap the milk and cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk, but the texture may be slightly less rich.

What if I don’t have brioche or challah?

French bread or even a thick sourdough can work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to handle the custard.

Can I make this without the overnight soak?

You can soak it for as little as 1 hour, but for best flavor and texture, the overnight soak is worth the wait.

How do I prevent the toast from being too soggy?

Use slightly stale bread and don’t oversaturate each slice. Pressing the bread gently into the custard helps regulate absorption.

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Want More Breakfast Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this custardy French toast, check out these other comforting favorites:

• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth cookie treat.
• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups that blend creamy and tart beautifully.
• Blueberry Lemon Dutch Baby for a fluffy skillet pancake bursting with citrusy berries.
• Caramel Cheesecake Cookies with chewy edges and a gooey center.
• Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups if you want more cinnamon-swirled goodness.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you drizzle extra maple syrup? Use challah instead of brioche? Did you add berries or stick to the classic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

You can also follow along for daily recipes and fresh ideas on my Pinterest: Life with Jam.

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