On Christmas morning, my family has this wonderful tradition of staying in pajamas far longer than we should. The kids tear through their stockings, my husband makes the coffee, and I’m usually in the kitchen pulling together something that feels festive but won’t have me chained to the stove all day.
Last year, I wanted to step up from our usual pancakes without diving into anything too complicated. That’s when Crème Brûlée French Toast entered the scene, and let me tell you, it turned our cozy morning into something unforgettable.
The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg drifted through the house as the bread soaked overnight, and by the time I popped it in the oven, it was practically begging to be devoured. When I finally sprinkled the sugar on top and let it caramelize into that golden, crackly crust, my kids cheered like I’d just pulled off a magic trick.
It had all the creamy decadence of crème brûlée but with the comfort of French toast. Everyone went back for seconds, and I didn’t hear a single complaint about “just one more bite.” To me, that’s holiday success in a dish.
Short Description
This Crème Brûlée French Toast is an overnight baked breakfast that combines rich custard-soaked bread with a caramelized sugar topping. Perfect for holidays or weekends when you want something indulgent yet simple to prepare.
Key Ingredients
For the Bread Base
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
For the Custard Mixture
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For Serving
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries or whipped cream (optional)
Tools Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Whisk and mixing bowls
- Plastic wrap
- Broiler or kitchen torch
- Baking sheet
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish generously. Arrange French bread slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping if needed.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla, ⅔ cup sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and fully blended.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard mixture over the bread slices, pressing them down lightly so they soak evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Step 4: Bake the French Toast
The next morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the wrap, dot the top with butter, and sprinkle with a little sugar. Bake for 35–40 minutes until puffed, golden, and set in the center.
Step 5: Caramelize the Sugar Topping
Let cool for 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle additional sugar on top and broil for 1–2 minutes (or use a torch) until the sugar melts and hardens into a caramelized crust.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Troubleshooting tip: If the custard looks too wet after baking, cover with foil and bake for 5 more minutes until set. The bread should be golden and slightly crisp on top, with a custardy center.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Decadent Flavor: Creamy custard with a caramelized sugar topping feels like dessert for breakfast.
Stress-Free: Prepped the night before, so the morning is hassle-free.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the crispy top and soft middle.
Versatile: Dress it up with berries or keep it simple with just syrup.
Perfect for Gatherings: Feeds a crowd and makes holidays extra special.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Using fresh bread: If bread is too soft, it won’t soak properly. Solution: Use day-old bread or lightly toast fresh slices first.
Skipping the overnight soak: The custard won’t absorb fully. Solution: Give it at least 6 hours in the fridge.
Burning the sugar topping: Broilers can be harsh. Solution: Keep a close eye and remove as soon as the sugar bubbles and browns.
Overbaking: This dries it out. Solution: Bake until just set in the middle with a slight jiggle.
Not pressing the bread: Uneven soaking leads to dry spots. Solution: Press slices gently into the custard before chilling.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve buffet-style for brunch with bacon, sausage, or scrambled eggs.
Pair with mimosas, coffee, or hot cocoa.
Add a side of fresh fruit salad to balance the richness.
Slice into squares for a potluck or family-style platter.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30–40 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
For best results, re-caramelize the sugar topping under the broiler before serving again.
FAQs
1. Can I use brioche or challah instead of French bread?
Yes, both work beautifully since they’re sturdy and soak up custard well.
2. Do I have to chill it overnight?
Overnight is best, but if pressed for time, give it at least 4 hours to soak.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap the half-and-half and milk for almond milk or oat milk, and use vegan butter.
4. How do I know when it’s done baking?
The center should be puffed and set with just a little jiggle. Insert a knife—it should come out clean.
5. What’s the best sugar for the topping?
Granulated sugar caramelizes best, but you can try raw sugar for extra crunch.
Tips & Tricks
Use a kitchen torch for even control over the caramelized top.
Add orange zest to the custard for a citrusy twist.
If you want a lighter dish, use 2% milk instead of whole milk.
Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds before baking for added crunch.
Line the baking dish with parchment for easier cleanup.
Recipe Variations
Pumpkin Spice Version: Add ½ cup pumpkin purée to the custard, increase cinnamon to 1 teaspoon, and bake as directed.
Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Sprinkle chocolate chips between bread slices before soaking. Bake and caramelize as usual.
Berry Delight: Layer fresh raspberries or blueberries with the bread before pouring in the custard.
Savory Swap: Skip the sugar topping, add shredded cheese, and season custard with herbs for a brunch-friendly casserole.
Final Thoughts
Making Crème Brûlée French Toast taught me that a little planning can turn an ordinary morning into a memory worth keeping. It feels indulgent without requiring any complicated steps. The overnight soak works its magic while you sleep, and the sugar topping delivers that satisfying crackle everyone adores.
It’s one of those dishes that makes the table feel festive without being fussy. I can see this becoming a regular in our home—not just at Christmas, but on birthdays, anniversaries, or even lazy Sundays when we need a little lift. Cooking should bring joy, and this recipe captures that perfectly.
Luxurious Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Ingredients
For the Bread Base
- 1 loaf French bread sliced into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
For the Custard Mixture
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar plus extra for topping
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For Serving
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries or whipped cream optional
Instructions
- Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange French bread slices in a single layer.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. Pour over bread, pressing lightly to soak. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover, dot with butter, sprinkle with sugar, and bake 35–40 minutes until puffed and golden.
- Cool for 2–3 minutes, then sprinkle with sugar and broil 1–2 minutes (or torch) to caramelize.
- Serve warm with syrup, berries, or whipped cream.
