Introduction:
Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of caramelized sugar and rich, custardy bread. This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast offers the ultimate blend of convenience and indulgence. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to a special breakfast or brunch.
Reasons to Love This Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe:
- Make-Ahead Ease: Prep the night before for a stress-free morning.
- Decadent Flavors: Combines the caramel goodness of crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast.
- Customizable: Adapt it with your favorite toppings or bread variations.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- French bread (1 loaf, sliced into 1-inch pieces)
- 6 large eggs
- Heavy cream (1 cup)
- Whole milk (1 cup)
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon)
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted)
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed)
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon)
- Optional: powdered sugar, fresh berries, maple syrup
Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions:
- Substitute brioche or challah for French bread to enhance richness.
- Add a splash of almond extract or orange zest for extra flavor.
- Use plant-based milk and butter for a dairy-free option.
Tools You’ll Need:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch dish with butter. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping.
- Mix the Custard: Whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl until smooth.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard over the bread, pressing gently to ensure even absorption. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours.
- Preheat and Prepare Topping: In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Stir together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Bake: Uncover the dish and drizzle the topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden and set.
- Finish and Serve: Let it cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar. Add berries or drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
What to Serve with Crème Brûlée French Toast:
Pair it with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced breakfast.
How to Store Crème Brûlée French Toast:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Freeze Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Yes, it freezes well! Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use gluten-free bread? Yes, a sturdy gluten-free bread works well.
- Is it possible to reduce the sugar? You can reduce the granulated sugar in the custard and brown sugar in the topping for a less sweet version.
- Can I bake it immediately without refrigerating? For best results, let the bread soak for at least 1-2 hours if you’re short on time.
Nutritional Information:
Estimated per serving (without toppings):
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 16g
Conclusion:
Elevate your breakfast game with this delightful Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast. Its rich flavors and make-ahead convenience make it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or enjoying a cozy morning, this dish is sure to impress!
PrintOvernight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of caramelized sugar and rich, custardy bread. This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast offers the ultimate blend of convenience and indulgence. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to a special breakfast or brunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration
- Cook Time: 35-40min
- Total Time: 50-55
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American , Frensh
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- French bread (1 loaf, sliced into 1-inch pieces)
- 6 large eggs
- Heavy cream (1 cup)
- Whole milk (1 cup)
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon)
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted)
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed)
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon)
- Optional: powdered sugar, fresh berries, maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. Arrange the sliced French bread in the dish in a single layer, slightly overlapping if needed.
- Make the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Soak the Bread:
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Gently press the bread to help it absorb the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator, uncover it, and drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the soaked bread slices. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Serve:
- Let it cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar. Serve with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- Candles: Always place candles in safe holders and ensure they are away from flammable items. If you’re using real candles, always supervise them while lit.
- Aesthetic: Focus on warm tones like gold, white, and red for a cozy and festive atmosphere.
- Camera Tips: For a great photo, use a high-quality camera and shoot in soft light, focusing on the details like the flickering candlelight and textures of the table setting.
- Custom Touches: Add personal items like name cards, a special holiday napkin fold, or small ornaments at each setting to make the table feel even more special.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg