Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast takes the beloved elements of the classic dessert and transforms them into a luxurious breakfast bake. Imagine soft brioche slices soaked in a rich vanilla custard, layered over a buttery caramel-like base that caramelizes as it bakes. The end result is a golden, slightly crisp topping with a luscious custard center — perfect for special brunches, lazy weekends, or any morning that needs a touch of decadence.

One of the best things about this recipe is its make-ahead ease. By assembling it the night before, all you need to do is pop it in the oven in the morning. No last-minute fuss or flipping at the stove. It’s ideal for hosting family or friends because it allows you to enjoy your coffee and conversation while your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of caramel and vanilla.

Why You’ll Love This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

If you’re a fan of Crème Brûlée, French toast, or anything caramelized and custardy, this recipe brings it all together in one glorious dish. The custard is rich but not too sweet, the top develops a delicate crust, and the flavor feels fancy without the effort. Plus, it’s baked rather than pan-fried, making it more hands-off than traditional French toast.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

Brioche is the absolute best choice here. It’s buttery and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up the custard without falling apart. Challah and thick-cut French bread are also great alternatives. Make sure the bread is at least a day old so it can hold its shape during the overnight soak.

Ingredients for the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

This dish gets its dreamy texture and flavor from a handful of pantry staples, but each one plays a vital role in creating that custard-meets-caramel experience. Choose quality ingredients where you can, especially the bread and vanilla.

• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Brioche bread
• Eggs
• Half-and-half
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

The unsalted butter and brown sugar are melted together with corn syrup to create a sticky caramel base that bubbles up and coats the bottom layer of the toast. Brioche bread acts as the soft but structured vehicle to soak in the custard.

For the custard, you’ll need eggs, half-and-half, and a splash of vanilla extract, with a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. This simple mixture ensures the bread bakes up silky on the inside and golden on top.

How To Make the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Step 1: Make the Caramel Base

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth and bubbling. Pour this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 2: Arrange the Bread

Slice the brioche into thick slices, about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Layer them tightly over the caramel mixture, slightly overlapping if needed to fit them all in.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure each piece is well soaked.

Step 4: Chill Overnight

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the dish and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and puffed and the caramel is bubbling around the edges.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, flipped upside down to showcase that gooey caramel layer, and enjoy the magic of dessert-for-breakfast done right.

Serving and Storing Your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

This delightful breakfast bake is perfect for serving at brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or anytime you want to make breakfast feel special. A single 9×13-inch pan typically feeds 6 to 8 people, depending on how generous your slices are.

Serve it fresh from the oven while the caramel is warm and silky. If you want to elevate it even further, a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries on top creates a beautiful contrast to the rich custard.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or in the oven at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes for a slightly crisp top.

What to Serve With Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast?

Fresh Berry Salad

The brightness and acidity of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries cut through the richness of the toast beautifully.

Maple-Glazed Bacon

The sweet and salty combo of maple-glazed bacon adds a crispy, savory contrast to the soft custardy texture.

Vanilla Yogurt Parfaits

Layered with granola and fruit, these parfaits provide a refreshing, lighter balance to your brunch spread.

Scrambled Eggs with Chives

For protein and a savory edge, soft scrambled eggs with a hint of chives are always a win.

Spiced Chai or Coffee

Serve with a cozy cup of spiced chai or a bold cup of coffee to complement the caramel and vanilla flavors.

Roasted Breakfast Potatoes

If you’re feeding a crowd, a tray of crispy roasted potatoes adds heartiness and rounds out the meal.

Mimosas or Sparkling Apple Cider

Whether you’re going boozy or kid-friendly, bubbles always bring a celebratory feel to the table.

Want More Breakfast Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved the indulgence of this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, you’ll want to check out these other creative breakfast recipes:

• Try our Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole for another decadent twist on a morning classic.
• These Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls bring fruity sweetness and creaminess in a soft roll format.
• Craving something handheld? Don’t miss the Copycat Starbucks Spinach Egg White Feta Wraps for a savory, protein-packed option.
• The Air Fryer Pizza Toast is a crunchy, cheesy, kid-approved breakfast that comes together fast.
• For a make-ahead meal prep win, whip up the Banana Oat Breakfast Bars packed with fiber and natural sweetness.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so it’s ready when you need something cozy and crowd-pleasing.

And when you try it, let me know how yours turned out! Did you serve it with fruit, syrup, or just as-is? I love hearing your tweaks and additions. Got questions? Drop them below and let’s troubleshoot or brainstorm your next brunch together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is what breakfast dreams are made of. With its buttery caramel base and creamy custard center, it transforms simple ingredients into something truly luxurious. Make it ahead, bake it up golden, and start your day with something unforgettable. It’s elegance with ease, and your brunch guests will thank you.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?