Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Assemble the dish the night before, making your morning hassle-free.
- Decadent Flavor: The caramelized sugar base creates a rich, sweet crust reminiscent of classic crème brûlée.
- Custard-Infused Bread: Overnight soaking ensures the bread absorbs the custard fully, resulting in a tender and flavorful interior.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 loaf thick-cut brioche or challah bread, sliced
- 5 large eggs
- 1½ cups half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Caramel Base:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Pour the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Arrange the Bread:
- Place the bread slices in a single layer over the caramel mixture in the baking dish.
- Prepare the Custard:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Assemble:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices.
- Press the bread gently to help it soak up the custard.
- Refrigerate Overnight:
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or at least for 6–8 hours.
- Bake:
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Let the dish sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes while the oven heats.
- Remove the plastic wrap and bake the French toast for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve:
- Allow the French toast to cool for about 5 minutes before serving to let the caramel thicken slightly.
- Serve slices caramel-side up, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or accompanied by fresh berries.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35–45 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (plus overnight refrigeration)
Variations
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel layer before adding the bread for a crunchy texture.
- Flavor Infusions: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a splash of orange liqueur to the custard mixture for extra flavor.
- Fruit Layer: Place a layer of sliced bananas or berries between the bread slices for a fruity twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30–45 seconds, or until warmed through.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the French toast in individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen slices can be stored for up to 2 months.
- Reheating from Frozen: To reheat from frozen, microwave for 1–2 minutes, or until fully warmed. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes for a crispier texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, while brioche and challah are recommended for their richness and ability to absorb the custard, you can use other types of thick-cut bread like French bread or even a sturdy white bread.
Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?
Refrigerating overnight allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a richer texture. If you’re short on time, a minimum of 6 hours is recommended.
Can I prepare this without maple syrup?
Yes, the maple syrup enhances the caramel flavor, but you can omit it or substitute it with honey or a flavored syrup of your choice.
How do I prevent the French toast from becoming too soggy?
Using thick-cut, slightly stale bread helps prevent sogginess. Also, ensure not to oversaturate the bread with the custard mixture.
Can I add toppings before baking?
It’s best to add toppings like powdered sugar or fresh fruit just before serving to maintain their texture and appearance.
What if I don’t have half-and-half?
You can substitute half-and-half with an equal mixture of whole milk and heavy cream.
Can I make this dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based
Print
Crème Brûlée French Toast
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus overnight refrigeration)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crème Brûlée French Toast combines the creamy, caramelized flavors of crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast. This make-ahead dish is perfect for a hassle-free and indulgent breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 loaf thick-cut brioche or challah bread, sliced
- 5 large eggs
- 1½ cups half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Caramel Base:
- In a saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup over medium heat, stirring until smooth (about 3–4 minutes).
- Pour the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Arrange the Bread:
- Place bread slices in a single layer over the caramel mixture in the baking dish.
- Prepare the Custard:
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
- Assemble:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices.
- Gently press the bread to ensure it absorbs the custard.
- Refrigerate Overnight:
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours or overnight.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
- Remove plastic wrap and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the caramel is bubbling.
- Serve:
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve caramel-side up, dusted with powdered sugar or topped with fresh berries.
Notes
- Bread Choice: Use thick-cut brioche, challah, or French bread for best results.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add cinnamon, orange zest, or a splash of orange liqueur to the custard for extra depth.
- Nutty Variation: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel base for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
