The scent hit me firstwarm vanilla, caramelized sugar, and buttery toast, all baked into a morning memory. This CREME BRULEE FRENCH TOAST is having its moment, and I totally get why. Pinterest dreams and weekend brunch goals? Yep. It’s that good.
A soft, custardy center with golden edges and that crackly sugar toppingwe’re talking French toast, but dressed up in velvet. Just eggs, cream, and a little brown sugar magic. Think Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake meets Sunday soul food. Full details in the blog!
I first made this for an early-morning family brunch where four cousins overslept, and the dog stole a corner piece. Worth it. I’ve tested every stepdown to the broil time for that perfect torched finish. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Enjoy a delightful Creme Brulee French Toast perfect for brunch. This recipe includes variations like the Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast Bake and Vanilla Creme Brulee Breakfast Casserole, making it a versatile favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (12–14 slices)
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk (or almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
Slice the brioche or challah into thick pieces and place them evenly in a greased baking dish.
Whisk the eggs together with milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully blended.
Pour the egg mixture over the bread, gently pressing to help it absorb the custard, then cover and chill for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the soaked bread for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and the custard is firm. Optionally, broil for 2 to 3 minutes for a crunchy top.
Sprinkle sugar on top and caramelize it using a kitchen torch or broiler for a crispy crust.
Allow to cool slightly before serving and garnish with fresh berries, powdered sugar, or maple syrup as desired.
Notes
Use whole grain or gluten-free bread for added fiber
Substitute low-fat milk and cream to reduce calories
Replace granulated sugar with honey or a sugar substitute
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Method:Baked
Nutrition
Calories:300 kcal
Sugar:20g
Sodium:200mg
Fat:15g
Saturated Fat:7g
Unsaturated Fat:6g
Trans Fat:0g
Carbohydrates:30g
Fiber:1g
Protein:8g
Cholesterol:150mg
Why You’ll Love This Crème Brûlée French Toast
This recipe is everything you want in a cozy breakfast or brunch dish: easy, elegant, and irresistibly delicious. Imagine the creamy richness of crème brûlée paired with the nostalgic comfort of French toastthere’s nothing quite like it. Plus, you can prep it ahead of time, making it perfect for hosting or lazy weekends.
The custardy inside and that signature caramelized sugar crust create a flavor-packed contrast. With warm vanilla and cinnamon aromas filling the air, this dish is all about treating yourself (and your guests) to something special without the stress. And those crispy golden edges? They’re a total game-changer.
Key Ingredients & Tools
This dish features a simple list of pantry staples and a touch of indulgence:
Brioche or challah bread: Their richness is ideal for soaking up the custard without becoming soggy. Thick slices work best!
Eggs, milk, and cream: These create the lush custard base that makes this dish shine.
Granulated sugar: Used both in the custard and for that gorgeous brûléed topping.
Vanilla extract and cinnamon: These warm, cozy flavors tie everything together. You can swap vanilla extract for vanilla bean paste for an extra fancy twist.
A kitchen torch or broiler: This is how you’ll get that crispy, crackly caramel topping that takes this dish to the next level.
Pro Tip: If you’re low on brioche or challah, use a sturdy white or even gluten-free bread, but avoid soft sandwich breadit won’t hold up as well.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast
This recipe comes together with minimal fuss, even if you’re more “make a mess” than “master chef.” Follow these simple steps:
Prep the bread: Slice your brioche or challah into thick slices (about 1-inch works perfectly). Arrange them snugly in a greased baking dish.
Make the custard: Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. It’s okay if it’s not perfectly smoothjust make sure the ingredients are well combined.
Soak the bread: Pour the custard over the bread slices. Gently press down on the slices to help them soak up that creamy goodness. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or, for best results, overnight.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the French toast uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard has set.
Caramelize the sugar: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle a thin layer of sugar evenly over the top. Use a torch to brûlée the sugar, or pop the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes while keeping a close eye to avoid burning. This creates that irresistible, crisp sugar crust.
Your kitchen will smell heavenly by now, and the dish will look even better!
Pro Tips & Fun Tweaks
Want to make this dish your own? Here are some easy customizations:
For extra indulgence: Use vanilla bean paste instead of extract, or add a splash of rum or almond extract to the custard.
Healthier swaps: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Brown sugar works just as well as granulated sugar!
Make it festive: Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or orange zest for a holiday-ready twist.
Shortcut: Forgot to soak overnight? No problemjust let the bread sit in the custard for at least 30 minutes before baking. Press the slices down a couple of times to help them absorb faster!
Serving, Storage & Reheating
This dish is best served warm, fresh out of the oven, with all its caramelized glory. But leftovers? Yes, please! Here’s how to enjoy it again:
Storage
Tips
Refrigerate
Cover tightly and store for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–40 seconds or in the oven at 325°F until warm.
Freeze
Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Ideas: Top with fresh berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness. This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake truly does it allsimple, nostalgic, and nothing short of perfect for a cozy gathering.
Expert Says
Creme brulee French toast combines the rich custard base of creme brulee with the caramelized surface of traditional French toast. The key is to soak the bread long enough to absorb the egg mixture fully, ensuring a creamy interior while achieving that signature crisp, caramelized topping through careful broiling or torching.
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Mastering Crème Brûlée French Toast
This Crème Brûlée French Toast didn’t come together overnightmore like a handful of slightly scorched pans and a few burnt sugar mishaps. After many tweaks to get that perfect caramelized crust and custardy center, I finally nailed a version that feels just right, rich, and indulgent without too much fuss.
FAQs (Crème Brûlée French Toast)
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
Thick, sturdy breads like brioche or challah work best because they absorb the custard without falling apart. Day-old bread or bread left out overnight soaks up the mixture perfectly, helping achieve that creamy, custardy interior and crisp exterior.
Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?
Yes, this meal is perfect for making ahead. You can soak the bread mixture overnight in the fridge, like in an Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake, then either bake in the morning or early and reheat. It makes busy mornings easier and flavors develop nicely.
How do I achieve the perfect caramelized sugar top?
Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar evenly on top just before serving. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar, then torch in small circles until golden brown and crisp. If you don’t have a torch, broiling briefly works but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Can I use alternative milks in the custard?
You can substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, but whole milk gives the best creamy texture and flavor. When using alternatives, pick unsweetened versions and expect a slight difference in richness and custard consistency.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. They keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven to maintain the crispy caramelized top and creamy interior without drying them out.
Conclusion
After baking your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake, you’ll be greeted with warm, caramelized aromas and a texture that’s pure morning magiccrispy on the outside, luxuriously custardy inside. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a big, comforting hug without any fuss. You’ll love how easily it comes together and how every bite is totally worth the wait.
To switch things up, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract for subtle warmth, or whip up a simple berry compote for topping. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave, keeping that signature torched caramel crust intacttrust me, that’s a game-changer I picked up from my aunt’s kitchen. Don’t stress if you skip the overnight soak; 30 minutes still does the trick.
I’d love to hear if this Vanilla Crème Brûlée Breakfast Casserole brings back any sweet memories or becomes part of your weekend tradition. Snap a pic, share your tweaks, or just save it for those cozy mornings with loved ones. Here’s to making every brunch feel a little more like home.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
