Description
Luxurious French-inspired overnight creme brulee french toast delivers sweet breakfast magic with creamy custard and caramelized sugar. Rich layers of flavor promise an indulgent morning experience that will delight breakfast enthusiasts and elevate weekend dining.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
- French bread, sliced and cut into cubes
Dairy and Fat Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Craft a rich caramel foundation by melting butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat until silky and uniform. Transfer the glossy mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Strategically layer bread cubes across the caramel base, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
- Whisk eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, and salt in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined, creating a luxurious custard mixture.
- Gently cascade the custard over bread cubes, methodically saturating each piece to guarantee consistent texture and flavor penetration.
- Securely wrap the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8-12 hours, allowing bread to deeply absorb the creamy custard.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) approximately 30 minutes before baking, positioning rack in center position.
- Remove dish from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes to minimize temperature shock.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and a set, slightly puffy center indicating perfect doneness.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing residual heat to further set the custard and caramel.
- Serve immediately, inverting portions onto plates to showcase the caramelized bottom now transformed into a stunning top layer.
Notes
- Achieve the perfect caramel base by whisking butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, even layer.
- Opt for day-old or slightly stale bread like brioche or challah to help absorb the custard more effectively without becoming too soggy.
- For a gluten-free version, swap traditional bread with gluten-free bread or use a low-carb alternative like almond flour bread to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Elevate the flavor profile by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture, creating a warm, aromatic twist on the classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 416 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg