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Overnight Creme Brûlée French Toast Bake Recipe

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4.3 from 82 reviews

  • Author: Maggie
  • Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

This Overnight Creme Brûlée French Toast Bake is a decadent and easy make-ahead breakfast casserole that soaks up a rich custard infused with vanilla and topped with a luscious brown sugar syrup. Perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunch, the casserole develops deep caramel flavors overnight and bakes to a golden, custardy finish. Serve it warm with sweetened whipped cream and fresh berries for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Syrup Mixture

  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 3/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, corn syrup or pancake syrup

Bread

  • 6 to 8 slices French bread, 1-inch thick, cut into 3/4-inch cubes

Custard

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Serving

  • Sweetened whipped cream
  • Fresh strawberries or raspberries

Instructions

  1. Prepare Syrup Mixture: Add the butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely. Stir the mixture well to combine. Alternatively, this can be heated in a pan on the stove.
  2. Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Layer Syrup and Bread: Spread the warm brown sugar syrup evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan. Arrange the cubed French bread in a single, even layer on top of this syrup mixture.
  4. Mix Custard: In a bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
  5. Pour Custard Over Bread: Evenly pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid.
  6. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate for 8 to 10 hours to let the bread soak up the custard fully.
  7. Preheat Oven and Prepare for Baking: Remove the pan from the refrigerator and uncover it. Place the pan into a cold oven, then preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  8. Bake the French Toast: Once the oven reaches temperature, bake the casserole for 30 to 35 minutes until the bread is golden and the syrupy edges are bubbling. For a caramelized top, bake for 20 minutes, then use a large flat spatula to carefully flip the bread pieces and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes.
  9. Serve Warm: Remove from oven and serve warm with sweetened whipped cream and fresh strawberries or raspberries for a beautiful, indulgent breakfast.

Notes

  • Use sturdy French bread sliced thickly to hold the custard without turning mushy.
  • The syrup mixture can be prepared on the stovetop over medium heat if preferred.
  • Overnight soaking is essential for full custard absorption and flavor development.
  • If desired, sprinkle a little extra brown sugar on top before baking to enhance the caramelized crust.
  • This dish can be assembled the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-American

Find it online: https://recipeworthsaving.com/overnight-creme-brulee-french-toast-bake-recipe/