Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

$- 1 loaf of brioche bread, sliced into thick pieces - 4 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup brown sugar (for the caramelized topping) - Fresh berries, for garnish - Powdered sugar, for dusting You can choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste. Use organic eggs for a richer flavor. Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries add color and taste. If you like a hint of zest, try adding a bit of orange or lemon zest. This brightens the dish and gives it a unique twist. If you need a dairy-free option, swap whole milk and heavy cream for almond milk and coconut cream. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread. You can also replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a healthier sweetener. These changes keep the dish delicious while meeting different dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start with a large bowl. Add 4 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, and 1 cup of heavy cream. Then, mix in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk everything together until smooth. This custard will give your French toast a rich flavor. Take your loaf of brioche bread. Slice it into thick pieces. Arrange those slices in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Overlap the bread slightly to fit it all in. This layering helps the custard soak in evenly. Pour your prepared custard over the bread slices. Make sure to cover every piece. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread. This step is key to ensure every slice soaks well in the custard. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for the night. The bread needs time to absorb the custard. This also helps to enhance the flavor and texture. The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once it's ready, take the dish out of the fridge and remove the plastic wrap. Bake the French toast for 35-40 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and set custard. After baking, let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes. Then, sprinkle 1/2 cup of brown sugar evenly over the top. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar. Aim for a rich amber color. If you don’t have a torch, use your broiler for 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely to avoid burning. Let the caramelized sugar cool a bit until it hardens. Serve your French toast warm. Add fresh berries on top for color and flavor. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar. This adds a sweet touch and makes it look beautiful. Enjoy your creation! To get the best flavor, use thick slices of brioche. I find that a full loaf works great. When you layer the bread, make sure each piece overlaps slightly. This helps them soak evenly. Pour the custard mix over the bread slowly. Press down gently to ensure every slice is wet. Let this sit for a minute to soak in more. For that crunchy topping, sprinkle brown sugar evenly across the baked dish. Use a kitchen torch for best results. Move the torch in small circles. Watch as the sugar bubbles and turns amber. If you don’t have a torch, broil it for a minute or two. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. Bake your French toast at 350°F (175°C). This temperature cooks it evenly and keeps it moist. Make sure to check it around the 30-minute mark. If the top looks too brown, cover it with foil. This will help it finish cooking without over-browning. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps set the custard. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: For best results, use slightly stale brioche, as it absorbs the custard mixture better without falling apart. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a splash of liqueur, like Grand Marnier, or spices such as nutmeg for an additional flavor twist. Even Soaking: Ensure that all bread slices are evenly soaked in the custard by gently pressing them down after pouring the mixture over them. Serving Temperature: For the best texture and flavor, serve the French toast warm right after caramelizing the topping. {{image_4}} You can use different types of bread for this recipe. Brioche is soft and sweet, but challah works well too. You might also try sourdough for a tangy taste. If you want whole grain, whole wheat bread adds fiber. Each bread will give a unique flavor and texture. Add fruits or nuts to enhance your French toast. Fresh berries add bright color and taste. You can include bananas or apples for sweetness. Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, give a nice crunch. You can also sprinkle in chocolate chips for a fun twist. Play around with flavors to make it your own! To make a vegan version, swap eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. Use almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy. For gluten-free, choose gluten-free bread. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free too. These changes keep the recipe tasty while meeting dietary needs. After making Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, let it cool completely. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and ready to enjoy. If you want to save some for later, freeze the French toast. First, cool it down. Then, cut it into individual portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy them for up to three months. Just remember to label the bag with the date! To reheat, first take the French toast out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes for refrigerated pieces, or 25-30 minutes if frozen. If you want to re-crisp the top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. Enjoy it warm with berries and a dusting of powdered sugar! Yes, you can prepare this dish the night before. This recipe is designed for overnight soaking. After soaking, cover the dish tightly and place it in the fridge. This allows the bread to absorb the custard well. The next morning, you simply bake it. To reheat leftover French toast, place it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just cover it with a wet paper towel and heat for about 30 seconds. Yes, you can use different sugars for the topping. While brown sugar gives a rich flavor, you can try white sugar or coconut sugar. Each sugar will create a distinct taste and texture. Just make sure to caramelize it evenly for the best results. Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk or oat milk. Use a dairy-free cream alternative too. The texture and flavor may change slightly, but it will still be delicious. You can tell when the custard is set by checking the center of the dish. It should feel firm to the touch and not jiggle. A golden brown top also indicates that it's done. If unsure, use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, it’s ready! This blog post covered how to make delicious French toast. We discussed the key ingredients, including fresh options and substitutions. Step-by-step, we looked at preparing, soaking, and baking the dish. Tips for perfect results and various flavor options added extra flair. I shared storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh. In summary, this French toast recipe is easy and adaptable. You can please everyone with different tastes and diets. Enjoy your creation and impress your family with this tasty dish!$

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

A decadent French toast dish soaked in a rich custard and topped with a caramelized sugar crust.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 14 15

Course Breakfast

Cuisine French

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 loaf brioche bread, sliced into thick pieces
4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar (for the caramelized topping)
to taste fresh berries, for garnish
to taste powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Prepare the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Layer the Bread: Take the slices of brioche bread and arrange them neatly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. You may overlap the slices slightly to make sure they all fit.
Soak the Bread: Pour the prepared custard mixture evenly over the brioche slices, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly soaked. Gently press down on the slices with a spatula to ensure they are all submerged in the custard.
Chill Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, enhancing the flavor and texture.
Preheat the Oven: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it is ready for baking.
Bake the French Toast: Once preheated, remove the dish from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Bake the French toast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is a golden brown and the custard has set.
Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes.
Caramelize the Topping: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the dish. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it bubbles and transforms into a rich amber color. If you don’t have a torch, you can achieve a similar effect under the broiler for 1-2 minutes; just be vigilant to prevent burning.
Let it Set: Allow the caramelized sugar to cool for a few minutes until it hardens, creating a delightful crispy topping.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your luxurious French toast warm, garnished with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Notes

For an elegant touch, plate individual servings topped with a sprig of mint alongside a handful of berries.

Keyword breakfast, brunch, dessert, French toast