Name: Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 9 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons corn syrup; French bread, cut into 1-inch slices; 5 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe

There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of freshly baked breakfast, especially when that breakfast feels indulgent yet comforting. Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings for something decadent without the morning stress. This recipe takes the classic French toast to a whole new level with a custard-like richness and a beautifully caramelized top, mimicking the flavors of crème brûlée.

What makes this recipe stand out is its ease and the fact that it can be prepared the night before. By letting the bread soak in a luscious mixture of eggs, cream, vanilla, and orange zest overnight, it absorbs all the flavors, ensuring each bite is perfectly moist and flavorful. The next morning, you simply bake it to golden perfection and enjoy a breakfast fit for a special occasion—or even just a cozy weekend morning.

With the sweetness of brown sugar and corn syrup combined with the slight hint of orange zest, this French toast is an absolute treat. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or enjoying a quiet morning with loved ones, Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is sure to impress and become a new breakfast favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Convenience: This dish is prepped the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is bake it, saving time and effort.
Rich and Indulgent: The crème brûlée-inspired topping adds an extra layer of sweetness and texture that makes every bite feel luxurious.
Perfect for a Crowd: With 8 servings, this dish is ideal for brunches, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing breakfast.
Great Flavor Balance: The combination of brown sugar, vanilla, and orange zest creates a unique, balanced flavor that’s sweet without being overly sugary.
Customizable: You can easily make adjustments, such as adding fruit, nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon, to tailor the dish to your taste.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter
Brown sugar (packed)
Corn syrup
French bread (cut into 1-inch slices)
Large eggs
Half-and-half cream
Vanilla extract
Orange zest
Salt

Variations

Berry Topping: Add fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries on top of the French toast before baking for a fruity, refreshing contrast.
Cinnamon Spice: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the custard mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
Caramelized Bananas: Top the French toast with caramelized banana slices for a tropical twist.
Gluten-Free: Swap the French bread for gluten-free bread to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Vegan Version: Use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk), a dairy-free butter alternative, and a flax or chia egg replacement to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Mixture

In a small saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Once melted, pour it into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to coat the entire bottom.

Step 2: Arrange the Bread

Take the French bread slices and arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish, covering the sugary butter mixture. You can slightly overlap the slices if necessary.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half cream, vanilla extract, orange zest, and salt. Ensure the mixture is well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, making sure each slice is fully coated. Gently press the bread down to ensure it soaks up the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Allow the baking dish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Step 6: Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set. The top should be slightly crispy, with the sugar mixture caramelizing into a rich, brûlée-like crust.

Step 7: Serve

Once the French toast is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of syrup if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale French bread works best because it soaks up the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
Let it Sit at Room Temperature: Before baking, make sure the dish sits at room temperature for 30 minutes to help it bake more evenly.
Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the French toast towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-baking.
Don’t Skip the Orange Zest: The orange zest adds a subtle citrus flavor that complements the sweetness and richness of the dish, so don’t omit it!

How to Serve

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is best served hot out of the oven. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra indulgent breakfast. It pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or fresh-squeezed juice. For an even more decadent treat, serve it with whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover French toast by placing the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freezing them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or microwave until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the French toast in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual slices for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe without corn syrup?

Yes, you can substitute corn syrup with honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile, though it may alter the texture a bit.

2. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, while French bread works best due to its texture, you can substitute it with challah, brioche, or another sturdy bread for a different twist.

3. Can I prepare this recipe without refrigerating it overnight?

For the best results, refrigerating overnight is recommended to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard. However, if you’re in a pinch, let it sit in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours before baking.

4. Can I add more flavorings like cinnamon or nutmeg?

Absolutely! Feel free to add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the custard for added warmth and spice.

5. Can I use a different type of milk instead of half-and-half?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half with whole milk or heavy cream, depending on how rich you want the dish to be.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe uses regular French bread, which contains gluten. However, you can use gluten-free bread to make it gluten-free.

7. Can I top the French toast with something other than powdered sugar?

Yes, you can top the French toast with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor.

8. How do I know when the French toast is done baking?

The French toast is done when it is golden brown on top, and the custard has set in the center. You can insert a toothpick to check for doneness.

9. Can I freeze the uncooked French toast before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the French toast and freeze it before baking. Just cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

10. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes, chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds can be sprinkled on top of the French toast before baking for added crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the perfect dish for anyone who loves indulgent breakfasts with minimal morning prep. With its rich, custardy texture and caramelized sugar topping, this recipe takes traditional French toast to a whole new level. The best part is that you can prepare it the night before and enjoy a stress-free, delicious breakfast the next morning. Whether you’re serving it for a special brunch or treating yourself to a cozy weekend meal, this recipe will surely be a hit!