Description
Rich French overnight creme brulee french toast delivers a luxurious breakfast experience with caramelized edges and silky custard-soaked bread. Sweet morning magic promises delightful indulgence you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
French Toast Base:
- 1 loaf french bread, day-old
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Custard and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Topping and Caramelization:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for final dusting)
Instructions
- Slice the French bread into thick, uniform pieces, ensuring each slice is roughly 1-inch thick for optimal absorption and texture.
- Whisk eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Arrange bread slices in a generously buttered baking dish, creating a snug, overlapping layer that covers the entire surface.
- Pour the prepared custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring each slice is thoroughly saturated and coated.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to fully absorb the liquid and develop rich, deep flavors.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F about 30 minutes before baking.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, then mix in brown sugar and maple syrup, stirring until the mixture becomes a smooth, caramel-like consistency.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the soaked bread, creating an even, glossy layer that will provide a decadent, crispy topping.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set with a slight wobble.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow the dish to stabilize and absorb remaining liquid.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar just before serving, creating a delicate, sweet finish.
Notes
- Bread Selection Matters: Choose day-old French bread or challah for superior absorption and a more robust texture that holds up beautifully during overnight soaking.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dish completely the night before to maximize flavor development and reduce morning cooking stress, perfect for weekend brunches or holiday gatherings.
- Dairy Flexibility: Swap whole milk and heavy cream with alternative milk options like almond or oat milk for lactose-intolerant guests, maintaining the creamy richness of the original recipe.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional French bread with gluten-free bread or brioche to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the dish’s decadent flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 583
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 186 mg