Introduction
Imagine waking up to the delicious aroma of freshly baked crème brûlée French toast wafting through your home. This dish transforms classic breakfast into a luxurious experience, with its rich custard and crispy caramelized topping, making it the perfect centerpiece for any brunch gathering. Best of all, it requires minimal prep time the night before, leaving you free to enjoy leisurely mornings with loved ones. Serve it with fresh berries, a drizzle of syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread, sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours (including overnight soaking)
Yield: 8 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter, ensuring all corners are well covered.
- Layer the sliced French bread in the dish, allowing the pieces to overlap as needed for a snug fit.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour the rich egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is thoroughly soaked.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard.
- The next morning, remove the dish from the refrigerator and uncover it.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the French toast for a delightful caramelized crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes or Tips
For the best results, use a day-old French bread as it’s slightly drier and holds up better against the custard mixture. Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite spices or zests, such as nutmeg or orange zest, to the egg mixture for a twist on flavor. This dish also freezes beautifully; simply reheat in the oven for a quick morning treat!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe utilizes the soaking technique, allowing the bread to absorb the custard mixture overnight for maximum flavor. Baking at the right temperature ensures a perfect rise and golden-brown crust. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning!
FAQ
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk or coconut cream for a tasty dairy-free version.
How long can I refrigerate the French toast before baking?
It’s best to bake it within 24 hours after soaking, but you can store it overnight before baking.
Can I add fruit to the mixture?
Absolutely! Fresh or frozen berries, bananas, or slices of apple can add a delightful burst of flavor.
Conclusion
This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a show-stopper that will impress your family and friends alike. It brings all the comforting flavors of crème brûlée into a delightful breakfast form. So why not embrace lazy brunch mornings and make this decadent dish? Once you take your first bite of the creamy, custardy goodness with that irresistible crispy top, you’ll surely be hooked!