Pin It Indulge in this rich and custardy overnight French toast, finished with a caramelized sugar topping that gives it a crème brûlée flair. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or brunch!
I first made this for a weekend brunch with my family, and everyone was amazed by the crunchy sweet topping and how soft the French toast slices were underneath. It made for a memorable morning treat.
Ingredients
- French bread: 1 loaf, sliced 1-inch thick
- Eggs: 5 large
- Half-and-half: 1 cup
- Whole milk: 1 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Granulated sugar: 2/3 cup (plus extra for topping)
- Ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup, cut into small pieces
- Maple syrup: for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish:
- Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the French bread slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Make the custard:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well-combined.
- Soak the bread:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring every slice is thoroughly coated. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press the bread into the custard.
- Refrigerate overnight:
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Bake the French toast:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Dot the bread with small pieces of butter and sprinkle a light layer of sugar over the top. Bake for 35, 40 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed and golden.
- Caramelize the sugar topping:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top of the bread. Use a kitchen torch or the broiler setting on your oven to caramelize the sugar until it is golden and crisp.
- Serve:
- Allow the French toast to cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy!
Pin It The kids love getting involved in torching the sugar on top, and this dish has become a birthday breakfast favorite in our house.
Customization Ideas
Add fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas before baking for a burst of flavor. You can also top each serving with whipped cream for extra decadence.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this French toast with crispy bacon or sausage for a balanced brunch plate. Freshly squeezed orange juice completes the meal perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator and reheat individual portions in the oven to keep the topping crispy.
Pin It This overnight French toast is the perfect way to delight your guests. You’ll savor every bite of the creamy crumb with its caramelized top.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different bread for this dish?
Yes, you can substitute French bread with brioche or challah for a softer texture and richer flavor.
- → How do I get the caramelized sugar topping?
After baking, sprinkle sugar on top and use a kitchen torch or broiler to caramelize until golden and crisp.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely! Soak and refrigerate the bread overnight, then bake in the morning for convenience.
- → What toppings work well with this French toast?
Try fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup to complement the creamy and crunchy textures.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- → Is it possible to make this dish less sweet?
Yes, reduce the sugar in the custard or substitute brown sugar for a deeper, less sweet flavor profile.