Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent breakfast casserole that combines the creamy richness of crème brûlée with the comforting flavor of French toast.

With its caramelized topping and custard-soaked bread, it’s perfect for holidays, brunches, or any special occasion. Assemble it the night before for an effortless morning treat that everyone will love.

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

9×13-inch baking dish
Saucepan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Spatula

Ingredients:

For the caramel base:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup

For the French toast:

1 loaf of French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch slices
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional toppings:

Powdered sugar
Fresh berries
Maple syrup

Directions:

1. Prepare the caramel base:

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until smooth and bubbly. Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

2. Arrange the bread:

Layer the bread slices over the caramel, slightly overlapping them.

3. Make the custard:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, orange zest (if using), and salt until well combined.

4. Assemble the dish:

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring each slice is well-soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

5. Bake:

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.

6. Serve:

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Invert slices onto plates to showcase the caramel topping. Add optional toppings if desired.

Prep Time:

20 minutes (plus overnight chilling)

Cook Time:

45 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time)

Nutrition (per serving, 8 servings):

Calories: 350
Protein: 9g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 25g

Expert Tips:

Best bread choice: Day-old or slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without becoming overly soggy.
Extra caramelized topping: After baking, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar over the top and broil for 2–3 minutes to achieve a crackly caramelized crust.
Flavor variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for a warm spice flavor.

FAQs:

Can I use another type of bread?
Yes, challah, sourdough, or even croissants work wonderfully in this recipe.

Do I have to refrigerate it overnight?
Refrigerating allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, but you can let it soak for at least 2 hours if you’re short on time.

Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes, substitute non-dairy milk and cream alternatives, like almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter for the caramel.

Storing & Reheating:

Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in a 325°F (160°C) oven until warmed through.

Substitutions & Variations:

Nutty addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or slivered almonds over the caramel layer for extra texture.
Fruit twist: Add a layer of sliced bananas or apples between the bread slices.
Lighter option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter in the caramel for a lighter version.

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent breakfast casserole that combines the creamy richness of crème brûlée with the comforting flavor of French toast. With its caramelized topping and custard-soaked bread, it’s perfect for holidays, brunches, or any special occasion.

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Equipment

- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Saucepan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Spatula

Ingredients

#### For the caramel base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
#### For the French toast:
- 1 loaf of French bread or brioche cut into 1-inch slices
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest optional
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
#### Optional toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Maple syrup

Instructions

#### 1. Prepare the caramel base:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until smooth and bubbly. Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
#### 2. Arrange the bread:
Layer the bread slices over the caramel, slightly overlapping them.
#### 3. Make the custard:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, orange zest (if using), and salt until well combined.
#### 4. Assemble the dish:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring each slice is well-soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
#### 5. Bake:
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
#### 6. Serve:
Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Invert slices onto plates to showcase the caramel topping. Add optional toppings if desired.

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