Go Back
Crème Brûlée French Toast – A Trendy Dessert for Breakfast Thumbnail

Crème Brûlée French Toast

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a rich, indulgent breakfast that turns any morning into a special occasion. Thick slices of bread soak overnight in a vanilla-spiced custard, then bake until soft and fluffy with a golden finish. The final touch is a crisp, caramelized sugar topping that cracks beautifully with every bite. Perfect for brunch gatherings or relaxed weekends, this make-ahead recipe delivers big flavor with minimal morning effort. Serve it warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream for a breakfast that feels elegant, comforting, and completely irresistible.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, French
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • 1 full loaf of French bread cut into thick 1-inch slices
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ⅔ cup white sugar plus extra for the brûlée finish
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter diced into small cubes
  • Maple syrup for serving

Method
 

1. Set up the baking dish

Thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter. Lay the bread slices inside the dish, arranging them snugly and slightly overlapping if needed.

    2. Mix the custard base

    Crack the eggs into a large bowl and whisk until smooth. Add the half-and-half, milk, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk again until everything is evenly blended and silky.

      3. Saturate the bread

      Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure every slice gets soaked. Gently press the bread down so it absorbs as much liquid as possible.

        4. Chill overnight

        Cover the pan tightly and place it in the refrigerator. Let it rest overnight so the bread fully drinks in the custard.

          5. Bake until golden

          Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and uncover it. Scatter the butter pieces over the top and lightly sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the French toast is puffed and beautifully golden.

            6. Create the brûlée topping

            Let the baked French toast cool slightly. Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar over the surface. Use a kitchen torch or your oven’s broiler to melt and caramelize the sugar until crisp and amber-colored.

              7. Serve and enjoy

              Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with maple syrup and your favorite toppings.

                Notes

                Pro Tips for Best Results

                • Choose day-old bread: Slightly dry bread absorbs the custard better and keeps the texture creamy—not soggy. Fresh bread can be lightly toasted first.
                • Go easy on the sugar topping: A thin, even layer caramelizes faster and prevents burning.
                • Adjust the spices: Swap nutmeg for cardamom or allspice if you want a different flavor profile.
                • Reheat the right way: Warm leftovers in a 325°F (160°C) oven to keep the sugar topping crisp.

                Frequently Asked Questions

                1. Can I use a different bread?
                Yes. Brioche, challah, or sourdough all work well. Avoid soft sandwich bread, which may fall apart.
                2. Is a dairy-free version possible?
                Absolutely. Replace the milk and half-and-half with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use plant-based butter.
                3. No kitchen torch—what now?
                Use your oven’s broiler instead. Watch closely and rotate the pan for even caramelization.
                4. How far ahead can I prep this?
                You can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
                5. Can it be frozen?
                Yes. Freeze after baking but before adding the sugar topping. Thaw overnight, reheat, then brûlée the top.
                6. How should leftovers be stored?
                Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
                7. What toppings pair well?
                Fresh berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, flavored syrups, or even chocolate drizzle.

                Final Thoughts: Brunch, Upgraded

                This Crème Brûlée French Toast delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s elegant without being complicated, indulgent without being intimidating, and perfect for everything from holiday mornings to laid-back weekends. Prep it the night before, wake up relaxed, and enjoy a breakfast that feels straight out of a brunch café—no reservation required.