Description
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This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a rich and buttery make-ahead breakfast perfect for holidays, brunch parties, or lazy weekends. With a caramelized brown sugar base and custard-soaked bread, it’s like having dessert for breakfast—without any fuss in the morning!
Ingredients
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1/2 cup unsalted butter
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1 cup packed brown sugar
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2 tablespoons corn syrup (optional, but adds a silky caramel texture)
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1 loaf French bread, sliced into 1-inch thick slices (day-old is ideal!)
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5 large eggs
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1 1/2 cups half-and-half (or equal parts whole milk and heavy cream)
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1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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Optional toppings: fresh berries, powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream
Instructions
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In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir continuously until mixture is smooth and bubbling (about 3–4 minutes).
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Pour the caramel mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
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Arrange bread slices over the caramel in a snug, single layer.
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In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, and salt. Pour the custard evenly over the bread, making sure every slice is well-soaked.
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Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
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The next morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the dish rest at room temp while the oven heats.
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Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until puffed and golden.
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Let rest for 5 minutes. Then carefully invert onto a serving platter to reveal the caramelized top.
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Serve warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
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Day-old or slightly stale bread works best—it holds up to the custard without turning mushy.
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Corn syrup helps keep the caramel smooth, but you can omit it if preferred.
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For a flavor twist, add a little cinnamon, nutmeg, or even orange zest to the custard!
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To make it dairy-free, swap butter and half-and-half for plant-based alternatives.
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This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings—just use a larger pan or two!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes + Time: 8 hours (overnight chilling)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, baked French toast, brunch French toast, make-ahead breakfast, caramel French toast