**Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast with Strawberry Compote**
**Introduction:**
Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game? This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a true celebration of flavors, bringing together the velvety charm of custard with a sweet caramelized crust! Imagine waking up to a warm, decadent dish that feels like a special occasion every day. Plus, with the ease of preparing it the night before, mornings will be a breeze! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delightful recipes delivered to your inbox!
**Why You’ll Love This Recipe:**
This recipe is not just about breakfast; it’s about creating memories. The combination of rich custard-soaked challah bread and the sweet, tangy strawberry compote is simply irresistible! It’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or catering to a cozy brunch with family. The best part? It can be made ahead, allowing flavors to meld overnight, resulting in a dish that boasts both flavor and texture.
**Ingredients:**
– 150 g unsalted butter
– 200 g brown sugar
– 30 ml light corn syrup
– 500 ml heavy cream
– 6 large eggs
– 5 ml vanilla extract
– 2 g salt
– 300 ml whole milk
– 8 slices challah bread (approximately 400 g)
– 400 g fresh strawberries
– 50 g granulated sugar
– 15 ml lemon juice
**Necessary Tools:**
– Large mixing bowl
– Whisk
– Baking dish (approximately 23 x 33 cm)
– Saucepan
– Plastic wrap
– Oven
**Ingredient Swaps and Additions:**
Feel free to mix things up! If you don’t have challah bread, brioche or a thick sliced bread will work beautifully. For a twist on the compote, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the strawberries or swapping in raspberries for a different berry flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and mix in the brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir until smooth and caramelized, taking about 3 minutes. Pour this luscious caramel into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
2. Layer the comforting slices of challah bread over the caramel, overlapping slightly to maximize the deliciousness.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and whole milk until well combined. Pour this creamy mixture over the bread, ensuring every slice is generously coated. Cover with plastic wrap, and let it soak up those flavors in the refrigerator overnight.
4. For the vibrant strawberry compote, combine fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens to a delightful sauce, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool and store in the fridge.
5. The next morning, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Let the dish sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before placing it in the oven. Bake for around 45 minutes until the custard is set and the top has a lovely golden hue.
6. Serve each slice of the Crème Brûlée French Toast with a generous scoop of strawberry compote poured over the top.
**Serving Suggestions:**
Pair this delightful dish with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast. A light fruit salad or a simple yogurt on the side makes for an even brighter breakfast spread!
**Pro Tips for Success:**
For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a bit of extra granulated sugar on top before baking for that traditional brûlée finish. Also, keep an eye on it in the last 10 minutes of baking to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.
**Storing and Reheating:**
If you have leftovers (which we doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, and serve with freshly-made compote.
**FAQ Section:**
– **Can I use different types of bread?** Absolutely! Brioche or even sourdough can work well here.
– **Can I prepare this without eggs?** You can use an egg substitute, but the texture might slightly change.
– **How can I make this dairy-free?** Use non-dairy milk and cream replacements like almond or coconut milk.
**Conclusion:**
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast with Strawberry Compote is not just a breakfast; it’s a delicious expression of love and comfort. Perfect for gatherings or a special breakfast treat, this recipe is simple yet impressive. We hope you’ll share your creations! Tag us on Instagram or Pinterest, share photos, and leave us a review!
**Nutritional Information (per serving):**
Approx. 350 calories, 20g fat, 25g carbohydrates, 8g protein (values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes).
