Before we dive into golden layers of custardy bliss, let me just say thank you for being here. Whether you’re planning a special holiday brunch or just love a luxurious breakfast that practically makes itself, you’ve found the right recipe — and I’m so excited to share it with you!
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a total showstopper. Buttery challah slices soak overnight in a rich vanilla custard, then bake into golden, puffed perfection with a caramel layer that’s out of this world. And if you really want to wow your guests? Add that brûléed sugar topping for a crisp, caramelized crown. It’s everything you love about crème brûlée and French toast — in one incredibly indulgent bake.
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What Is Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast?
This isn’t your everyday French toast. It’s:
- A make-ahead breakfast bake that chills overnight
- Made with rich challah or brioche bread
- Soaked in a vanilla-orange custard
- Layered over a buttery brown sugar caramel base
- Finished with an optional crackly brûlée sugar topping
In short? It’s a dream come true for anyone who loves crème brûlée, custard, or just really good French toast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-ahead convenience — prep it the night before!
- Restaurant-level indulgence with just 15 minutes of prep.
- Beautiful golden presentation for holidays or brunches.
- Option to brûlée the top for extra flair and flavor.
- A crowd-pleaser that serves 8–10 people easily.
What Does It Taste Like?
Each bite is a melty mix of buttery caramel, fluffy custard-soaked bread, and a hint of orange and vanilla. The edges get crispy, the center stays soft, and that crackly brûlée topping (if you go for it — and you should!) takes it over the top. It’s like crème brûlée, bread pudding, and French toast had the most delicious baby.
Benefits of Making This Recipe
- No need to rush in the morning — it’s ready to bake!
- Feels fancy, but it’s incredibly simple.
- Can be scaled up for bigger crowds.
- Works with day-old bread — no waste!
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Caramel Base:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, sliced ½-inch thick
- 5 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups half-and-half cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp Grand Marnier (optional but lovely)
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional Brûlée Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl & whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap or foil (for chilling)
- Kitchen torch (optional, for brûlée topping)
🔄 Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
Substitutions:
- Use whole milk + heavy cream if you don’t have half-and-half.
- Skip the Grand Marnier if you prefer alcohol-free.
- Use cinnamon swirl bread for extra flavor.
Additions:
- Top with fresh berries or sliced bananas before serving.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for warmth.
- Serve with whipped cream or maple syrup on the side.
👩🍳 How to Make Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Step 1: Make the Caramel Layer
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth and glossy. Pour the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Layer the Bread
Arrange the bread slices in a single, snug layer over the caramel. You can slightly overlap the slices or trim to fit if needed.
Step 3: Mix the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Half-and-half
- Vanilla extract
- Grand Marnier (if using)
- Salt
Whisk until fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Soak Overnight
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press down so all the bread is well soaked. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the dish and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden brown, puffed, and just set.
Step 6: Optional Brûlée Topping
Let the baked French toast rest for 5–10 minutes. If you’d like the classic crème brûlée crunch, sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize until golden and crisp.
🍽️ What to Serve with Crème Brûlée French Toast
This dish is a star on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your brunch:
- Fresh berries or fruit salad
- Crispy bacon or sausage
- Soft scrambled eggs for protein
- Mimosas or fresh-squeezed orange juice
- Coffee with a splash of cream (of course!)
💡 Tips for Success
- Use slightly stale bread — it soaks up the custard better.
- Don’t skip the press-down step — it helps the custard absorb evenly.
- For a lighter option, sub whole milk for part of the cream.
- You can bake this covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 15–20 to prevent over-browning.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
- You can also assemble 2 days ahead — just keep tightly covered in the fridge.
- Freezing isn’t recommended for best texture.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without corn syrup?
Yes! You can replace it with maple syrup or honey for a slightly different (but still delicious) caramel flavor.
Can I use other bread types?
Absolutely. Brioche, French bread, or Texas toast work well. Just avoid super-thin slices.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
You can skip the brûlée topping or try placing the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes. Watch very carefully to avoid burning!
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just use two 9×13 dishes or one large catering pan and increase the baking time slightly.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into something memorable. It’s decadent but doable, fancy but foolproof — and I promise, your kitchen will smell like pure heaven when it’s baking.
Whether you’re hosting brunch, treating overnight guests, or just want to spoil yourself a little — this one’s for you. Go ahead and give it a try — and don’t forget to brûlée that sugar!
🥞 More Breakfast Bakes to Try
- Baked Blueberry French Toast Casserole
- Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
- Lemon Ricotta Pancake Bake
- Pumpkin Spice Overnight French Toast
📸 Share the Brunch Joy!
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your results! Leave a review, share your creation on Pinterest, or tag me in your brunch photos. Let’s spread the breakfast love! 🥂🍞
🍽️ Nutritional Info (Per Serving — Based on 10 servings)
- Calories: ~350
- Fat: 21g
- Carbs: 32g
- Sugar: 21g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: <1g
- Sodium: 210mg
Note: Nutrition will vary based on bread type and optional toppings.
