Print

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A luxurious make-ahead French toast casserole soaked in rich custard overnight, then baked and finished with a crisp caramelized sugar topping. Elegant and effortless.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)
  • Yield: Serves 6–8
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 6–8 thick slices of brioche or challah
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2–3 tablespoons coarse sugar (turbinado or sanding sugar) for caramelizing

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon (if using), and salt until smooth.
  2. Arrange bread slices in a baking dish, overlapping slightly. Pour custard evenly over bread, pressing down gently to soak.
  3. Cover and refrigerate overnight (6–12 hours).
  4. Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Remove dish from fridge, top with a sprinkle of brown sugar, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
  5. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until puffed and golden.
  6. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top and caramelize using a kitchen torch or broiler until amber and crisp.
  7. Let rest briefly, then slice and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use flavored cream or citrus zest in the custard for variations.
  • Add berries or mascarpone between bread layers before soaking.
  • Gluten-free brioche works well for a GF version.
  • Reheat slices in the oven for 5–8 minutes to restore texture.
  • Microwaving softens the crust—torch again for crispness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://elladishes.com/overnight-creme-brulee-french-toast/