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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.