Oh, let me tell you about one of my favorite breakfast treats that I just can’t get enough of: **Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast**! Picture this: a chilly Saturday morning, the sun rising slowly while the aroma of sweet, caramelized sugar fills the kitchen. I whip up this delightful dish the night before, and all I have to do in the morning is hit “bake”!
There’s something so indulgent about crème brûlée, and pairing its lusciousness with the comforting familiarity of French toast is a match made in heaven. This recipe has become a staple in my home, especially for special occasions like holidays or cozy brunches with friends. I mean, who wouldn’t want to impress their guests with a breakfast that looks and tastes gourmet, right?
What’s in Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast?
Brioche Bread: The star of the show! This rich and buttery bread absorbs all that custard beautifully. You can also swap it out for challah if you prefer. Whatever you choose, just make sure it’s fresh!
Large Eggs: Essential for creating that perfect custard base. They provide the structure and richness that we all love in a baked custard dish.
Whole Milk: I always use whole milk for a creamier texture, but feel free to use 2% if you want to lighten it up a bit.
Heavy Cream: This elevates the custard to decadent levels, giving it that classic crème brûlée flavor.
Granulated Sugar: You’ll need this for both the custard and the caramelized topping. Yes, please!
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that is just essential in desserts.
Almond Extract: This is optional, but if you’re an almond lover, don’t skip it! It brings a lovely, nutty depth to the dish.
Ground Cinnamon: This adds a hint of spice that complements the sweetness beautifully. It’s like a hug in every bite.
Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance out the sweetness.
Sugar for Caramelizing: This is what creates that beautiful, crunchy topping. You can do it with a kitchen torch or use the broiler.
Maple Syrup: The finishing touch — because let’s be honest, everything is better with maple syrup, right?
Is Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Good for You?
Okay, let’s talk health for a second! This isn’t a “light” breakfast by any means, but that’s okay — it’s all about balance!
Brioche Bread: While it is buttery and rich, it’s a great source of carbs to fuel your morning adventures. Just be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your carb intake.
Eggs: Packed with protein and essential nutrients like vitamin D and B12, eggs are an excellent addition to your breakfast!
Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: Both add richness, but they also contribute saturated fats. Enjoying this dish on special occasions is a delightful way to treat yourself!
So, while this might not be an everyday breakfast, it definitely has its place in your brunch rotation once in a while.
Ingredients:
– 1 loaf of brioche bread
– 6 large eggs
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup sugar (for caramelizing)
– Maple syrup for serving
*Serves: 8*
How to Make Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast?
1. **Prepare the Bread**: Trim the crusts of the brioche bread if desired and cut the loaf into thick slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Arrange the slices in a single layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. **Make the Custard**: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. **Combine**: Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each slice is adequately soaked. Press down gently on the bread to make sure it is submerged. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least for 4 hours).
4. **Preheat Oven**: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. **Bake**: Remove the plastic wrap and place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
6. **Caramelize the Top**: Remove the French toast from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar evenly over the top. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a crispy layer. Alternatively, you can pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely so you don’t end up with burnt sugar!
7. **Serve**: Let the caramelized sugar cool for a minute to harden, then slice and serve your crème brûlée French toast warm, drizzled with maple syrup.
Making It Your Own!
Got a sweet tooth? Consider adding some chocolate chips or chopped fruit like berries or bananas to the custard for extra flavor. Want a savory twist? You can also experiment by adding cooked bacon or sausage into the mix. The possibilities are endless!
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast has a way of bringing family and friends together, turning an ordinary breakfast into an unforgettable experience. So, get your ingredients together, whip up this delightful recipe, and don’t forget to share your delicious results with me! Happy cooking!
