Description
Sweet, indulgent overnight creme brulee French toast delivers a luxurious breakfast experience that melts perfectly between classic French technique and American brunch innovation. Heavenly caramelized edges and creamy custard center invite weekend breakfast lovers to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) half-and-half
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
Sweeteners and Spices:
- 2/3 cup (133 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Granulated sugar (extra for topping)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Luxuriously coat a spacious baking dish with a generous layer of butter, creating a non-stick surface for the French bread slices. Arrange the bread in an elegant, slightly overlapping single layer that maximizes custard absorption.
- Craft a silky custard by whisking eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. Blend the ingredients until the mixture transforms into a smooth, homogeneous liquid with no visible lumps.
- Methodically pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring each slice becomes thoroughly saturated. Gently press the bread downward using a spatula or fingertips, helping it soak up the rich, aromatic liquid.
- Seal the baking dish completely with plastic wrap, then nestle it in the refrigerator overnight. This extended resting period allows the bread to deeply absorb the custardy essence, intensifying flavor and texture.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Unwrap the dish and strategically dot the bread surface with small butter fragments. Lightly dust the top with a delicate sugar layer, preparing for caramelization.
- Bake until the French toast rises magnificently and develops a golden-brown exterior, approximately 35-40 minutes. The dish should appear puffy and appetizing, with edges crisp and center tender.
- After removing from the oven, sprinkle an even, fine layer of granulated sugar across the surface. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, creating a crackling, amber-toned crust, or alternatively use the broiler for similar results.
- Allow the French toast to rest briefly, permitting the caramelized sugar to set. Drizzle with pure maple syrup and serve immediately, revealing layers of custardy decadence.
Notes
- Prep ahead saves time by letting the bread soak overnight, intensifying flavors and creating a custardy texture.
- Substitute half-and-half with whole milk or coconut milk for lighter or dairy-free alternatives that maintain creamy consistency.
- Choose day-old bread like brioche or challah for better absorption and richer taste compared to fresh bread.
- Experiment with spice variations by adding cardamom, orange zest, or replacing cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg