Ah, Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole – the dish that makes mornings feel like a special occasion! I first experienced this delightful casserole at a cozy brunch spot in a quaint little town. The restaurant had an air of charm that wrapped around you like a warm hug. The moment I took a bite of their Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole, I knew I had stumbled upon something magical. The crispy topping, the soft, custardy bread beneath, and the fresh fruit bursting with flavor left me dreaming about it for days.
Now, I whip this irresistible casserole up whenever I want to impress guests or celebrate a lazy Sunday morning at home. It’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or even just a treat for yourself! The best part? It’s super easy to make, and the oven does most of the work while you sip on your coffee or chat with friends. So let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
What’s in Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole?
– French Bread: The star of the dish! Use a loaf that’s around 12-16 ounces; it needs to be sturdy enough to soak up all that creamy goodness without losing its structure. I like to go for a fresh bakery French bread if possible – it adds that rustic charm.
– Eggs: Eight large eggs are going to create a rich, custardy filling that takes each bite over the top.
– Whole Milk: This gives the casserole its creamy base. You can opt for low-fat if you prefer, but I say go for richness—it’s a once-in-a-while treat!
– Heavy Cream: The secret to that crème brûlée texture! It elevates the creaminess and adds a touch of indulgence.
– Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard mixture. I prefer to use natural cane sugar, as it adds even more depth of flavor.
– Vanilla Extract: A must for that aromatic depth! Go for pure vanilla extract for the best result—your taste buds will thank you.
– Ground Cinnamon: It adds that warm spice which complements the sweetness beautifully.
– Salt: Just a pinch to elevate and balance the flavors.
– Brown Sugar: This is for the topping that gives that beautiful caramelized effect, just like a crème brûlée!
– Fresh Berries: I love topping my casserole with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. They add a fresh burst of flavor and color to the dish.
– Whipped Cream: Because everything is better with a dollop of whipped cream!
Is Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest – it’s not exactly a health food! But every now and then, indulgence is essential for the soul.
– French Bread: It’s high in carbohydrates, making it a quick source of energy. Remember to choose a whole grain option for a nutritional boost!
– Eggs: Packed with protein and essential nutrients. They also help with satiety.
– Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: While they add delicious richness, they are high in fat and calories. Modifying this dish with lower-fat alternatives might make it lighter, but I say it’s worth a splurge on special occasions!
So, enjoy it as a treat with those you love, and balance it out with something healthy later in the day!
Ingredients
– 1 loaf of French bread (about 12-16 ounces), cubed
– 8 large eggs
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
– Fresh strawberries, sliced
– Fresh raspberries
– Fresh blackberries
– Whipped cream (for serving)
*Serves: Approximately 8-10 people*
How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your trusty 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it well.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined.
3. Gently fold in the cubed French bread, ensuring each piece is nicely coated with the egg mixture. Let this soak for about 10-15 minutes—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
4. Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly so every part gets that gorgeous golden topping.
5. Now, sprinkle the brown sugar generously over the top. This is where the magic happens!
6. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
8. Serve warm, topped with heaps of fresh strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Sweet Tips for Serving Up Success!
– Feel free to add nuts or even chocolate chips to the bread mixture for an extra layer of flavor!
– This casserole can be prepared the night before. Just cover it and pop it in the fridge! In the morning, sprinkle the brown sugar on top and bake it fresh.
– If you find yourself with leftovers (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.
Now that you have the secret to making delicious Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole, it’s your turn to whip it up! I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of this dish. You’ll find it’s one of those recipes that has your loved ones coming back for seconds and begging for the recipe. So gather your favorite crew, set the table, and let the flavors do the talking! Enjoy, my friend! 🥰
