Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake

why make this recipe

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake is a delightful breakfast that brings together the creamy richness of crème brûlée and the comforting flavors of French toast. This dish is perfect for special occasions or leisurely weekend mornings. By preparing it the night before, you can enjoy a hassle-free breakfast in the morning, allowing you to spend more time with family or friends.

how to make Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake

Ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 3/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 6 to 8 slices French bread (1-inch thick, cubed)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Sweetened whipped cream for serving
  • Fresh strawberries or raspberries for serving

Directions:

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Microwave for 1-2 minutes until dissolved, then stir to combine.
  2. Grease a 9X13-inch pan with cooking spray, then spread the brown sugar mixture evenly in the bottom.
  3. Arrange the bread cubes in a single layer over the sugar mixture.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, vanilla, and salt.
  5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread.
  6. Cover the pan and refrigerate overnight (8 to 10 hours).
  7. Remove from the refrigerator, uncover, and place in a cold oven.
  8. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Once heated, bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbling.
  9. Serve warm with whipped cream and fresh berries.

how to serve Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake

Serve the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake warm, topped with a generous dollop of sweetened whipped cream and fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries. This combination adds a refreshing touch that complements the rich flavors of the dish.

how to store Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or place it in a preheated oven until heated through.

tips to make Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake

  1. Use day-old bread for the best texture. It absorbs the egg mixture better, making it less soggy.
  2. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to the mixture according to your taste.
  3. Add some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture for extra flavor.

variation

You can add toppings like chocolate chips, nuts, or sliced bananas to the bread layer for added flavor. For a more decadent treat, consider drizzling some chocolate syrup over the finished dish.

FAQs


  1. Can I use other types of bread?
    Yes, you can use challah or brioche for a richer flavor and texture.



  2. Is it possible to make this recipe without eggs?
    Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a mixture of silken tofu or a commercial egg replacement, adjusting the water content accordingly.



  3. Can I freeze leftovers?
    Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Just wrap them tightly, and they can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from the freezer, but it may take longer.


Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake

A delightful breakfast that combines the creamy richness of crème brûlée with the comforting flavors of French toast, perfect for special occasions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Caramel Base
  • 6 tablespoons butter Use unsalted butter for better flavor.
  • 3/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar Either light or dark brown sugar will work.
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup Enhances the flavor of the caramel.
For the French Toast Mixture
  • 6 to 8 slices French bread (1-inch thick, cubed) Day-old bread works best for texture.
  • 4 large eggs Can substitute with silken tofu for an eggless version.
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Use pure vanilla extract for best flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Serving
  • Sweetened whipped cream For topping.
  • Fresh strawberries or raspberries For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Microwave for 1-2 minutes until dissolved, then stir to combine.
  2. Grease a 9X13-inch pan with cooking spray, then spread the brown sugar mixture evenly in the bottom.
  3. Arrange the bread cubes in a single layer over the sugar mixture.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, vanilla, and salt.
  5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread.
  6. Cover the pan and refrigerate overnight (8 to 10 hours).
Baking
  1. Remove from the refrigerator, uncover, and place in a cold oven.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Once heated, bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Serving
  1. Serve warm with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Notes

Use day-old bread for the best texture. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to the mixture according to your taste. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture for extra flavor. You can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or sliced bananas for variation.