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Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe (Overnight Bake with Shatteringly Crisp Crust)

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Crème brûlée French toast delivers the silky vanilla custard and crackly caramelized crust of the classic dessert in a make-ahead breakfast casserole form. This overnight crème brûlée French toast recipe uses thick challah or brioche slices soaked in a rich egg custard, baked over a buttery maple syrup base, and broiled for that signature brûlée top, perfect for holidays or brunch.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter | 6 tbsp (85g), melted | For caramel base Packed brown sugar | 3/4 cup (159g) | Creates sticky glaze; light or dark Pure maple syrup | 1/2 cup | No substitutes for authentic flavor Large eggs | 5 | Custard base Half-and-half (or mix milk/cream) | 1 3/4 cups | Rich but adjustable Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | Pure for best taste Orange liqueur or extract | 2 tbsp (optional) | Grand Marnier-like boost Ground cinnamon | 1/2 tsp | Warm spice Kosher salt | 1/4 tsp | Balances sweetness Challah or brioche loaf | 1 lb (unsliced, 3/4-1 inch thick slices) | Stale best; avoids mush

Instructions

1. Melt butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup in a saucepan over low heat until smooth (1-2 min microwave alternative). Pour into greased pan, spread evenly. 2. Whisk eggs, half-and-half, remaining sugar (if using granulated variation), vanilla, orange liqueur, cinnamon, and salt until no streaks remain. 3. Cut bread into 6-8 thick slices. Spoon or dip briefly (10-15 sec/side) in custard; arrange single layer over syrup base. Spoon extra custard on top. Cover, refrigerate 8-24 hours. 4. Preheat oven to 350-375°F. Bake uncovered 25-35 min until golden and bubbling. Flip slices (optional for double caramel), broil 2-4 min for crisp crust, watching closely. 5. Cool 5 min for crust to harden. Serve warm, scraping up caramel.

Notes

• Challah yields fluffy texture; brioche adds richness. Use 2-day-old or bake slices at 350°F for 15 min to dry. • No Soggy Toast: Perfect egg-to-bread ratio; thick slices essential. • Make-Ahead Magic: Overnight soak maximizes flavor absorption. • Pan Size: 9×13 for casserole; jelly roll for slices. • Crust Perfection: Broil high; rotate for even char.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yummyyrecipe.com/creme-brulee-french-toast-recipe-overnight-bake-with-shatteringly-crisp-crust/