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French Toast Brulee

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

Looking for something indulgent? This version of French toast lets the bread sit in a rich custard mixture overnight before baking to golden with a crispy, sweet layer on top.

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Updated on Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:32:27 GMT
A plate holding two slices of golden toast with caramel and syrup drizzled on top, alongside melted cheese. Pin it
A plate holding two slices of golden toast with caramel and syrup drizzled on top, alongside melted cheese. | cuisinegenial.com

My kitchen turned into what felt like an upscale patisserie the first time I whipped up this Make-Ahead Crème Brûlée French Toast. Imagine biting into cloud-soft custard-soaked bread with a candy-like sugar crust that shatters when your fork hits it. The coolest thing? You'll do the prep work before bed, then just toss it in the oven while everyone's still snoozing away.

The Overnight Magic

I found out that letting everything sit overnight isn't just about saving morning hassle. During those sleeping hours, something amazing happens as each bread chunk drinks up all that sweet custard mixture. You'll totally get why patience pays off when you taste that first melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Essential Ingredient Breakdown

  • Bread: Go for chunky slices of challah, brioche or French bread. Any bakery-fresh loaf works great, just pick something that won't fall apart when soaked.
  • Custard Base: The richness comes from standard eggs, whole milk and half and half. My cousin makes hers with coconut milk and says it's fantastic.
  • Sweeteners and Spices: Regular granulated sugar does the job perfectly with cinnamon and just a tiny bit of nutmeg. Your house will smell absolutely heavenly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Don't skimp here - add a good pour of authentic vanilla extract. You'll definitely notice the difference.
  • Butter and Toppings: Small chunks of butter and sugar sprinkled on top create that addictive crackling crust.

Putting It Together

Butter Your Dish
Pick your largest baking dish and coat it generously with butter. You don't want any sticking issues later.
Arrange Your Bread
Fit those slices in tightly together. Drizzle custard mixture over everything and push down slightly so each piece gets properly soaked.
Chill Overnight
Cover it securely and stick it in the fridge. Now comes the tough part - waiting until breakfast time.

Morning Baking Steps

When morning comes, warm your oven to 350°F. Let your dish sit out for about 15 minutes while you brew some coffee. Dot the top with butter pieces and sprinkle with sugar, then bake for roughly 35 to 40 minutes. You're looking for a golden puffed top that's still custardy inside. I usually rotate the dish halfway for even browning.

Creating That Signature Top

Here comes the exciting bit. Dust sugar across the surface and either put it under the broiler or use a kitchen torch to make that gorgeous crackling layer. This step really makes it special - that amazing contrast between the smooth inside and crunchy top is what everyone will talk about.

Ways To Enjoy It

We eat ours warm with genuine maple syrup, a spoonful of freshly whipped cream, and whatever seasonal berries I can find. My partner always wants crispy bacon alongside it, and I gotta admit, that sweet-salty combo really hits the spot. And for a proper weekend feast, don't forget the bubbly orange juice!

Twist It Your Way

I've tried tucking cream cheese and fresh berries between layers before baking. Around Christmas, I mix some pumpkin pie spice into the custard. A friend makes an amazing version with gruyere and smoked salmon. You can easily swap in gluten-free bread or alternative milks to fit dietary needs.

FAQ Answers

  • Can I make it super early? You can prep this baby up to a full day ahead, just keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
  • Will it freeze okay? Absolutely! Freeze before or after cooking, but wrap it thoroughly.
  • What causes sogginess or dryness? Make sure your bread gets evenly soaked and watch your cooking time carefully.
  • Tips for perfect caramelization? A kitchen torch gives the best results, but your oven's broiler works too - just don't walk away from it.
Two thick slices of French toast, filled with creamy cheese and drizzled with syrup, are stacked on a white plate. Pin it
Two thick slices of French toast, filled with creamy cheese and drizzled with syrup, are stacked on a white plate. | cuisinegenial.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap in regular bread?

You can, but sturdier options like brioche or French bread work best because they hold up better after soaking in the custard mix.

→ Why is stale bread recommended?

Older bread does a better job absorbing the custard without turning to mush. Fresh slices can break apart more easily during baking.

→ Can I make a dairy-free version?

Sure! Replace the milk and cream with alternatives like coconut or almond milk. The result might taste slightly different but will still be tasty.

→ How long will the leftovers keep?

Pop leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm them up in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes to crisp the top layer again.

→ Is freezing a good idea?

This dish is best fresh since freezing can mess with the creamy texture and caramel topping. Make it close to the time you need it for the best experience.

French Toast Brulee

Thick bread soaks in a creamy mixture overnight, then bakes to perfection with crunchy caramel on top for the perfect sweet bite.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Ferdaous

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 8 Servings (8)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup whole milk.
02 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg.
03 1/4 cup unsalted butter.
04 5 large eggs.
05 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon.
06 1 loaf of thick-cut French bread.
07 2/3 cup sugar (some extra for topping).
08 1 cup half-and-half cream.
09 1 tsp vanilla essence.
10 Maple syrup to drizzle when serving.

Instructions

Step 01

Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter, then arrange slices of the bread in the pan, making one even layer.

Step 02

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, cream, vanilla, sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon until smooth.

Step 03

Evenly pour the mix over the bread slices, letting them soak up all the liquid.

Step 04

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge overnight.

Step 05

In the morning, set the oven temperature to 350°F and let it fully heat up.

Step 06

Remove plastic wrap, place small butter chunks on top, and sprinkle extra sugar over everything.

Step 07

Pop it in the oven for 35-40 minutes until it’s risen and golden brown.

Step 08

Let it rest briefly, sprinkle more sugar, then broil just until the sugar gets bubbly and browns slightly.

Notes

  1. Use day-old or dry bread for better texture.
  2. Push bread into the liquid gently as you layer it.
  3. Try adding a hint of almond extract or some grated orange zest for a twist.
  4. Keep an eye on it while broiling—it can burn fast.
  5. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  6. To warm up, bake again at 325°F for 10-15 minutes.

Tools You'll Need

  • 13x9-inch pan.
  • A whisk.
  • Large bowl for mixing.
  • Plastic wrap to cover.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk, cream, and butter.
  • Has eggs.
  • Includes gluten from French bread.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 12 g