Overnight French Toast With Creme Brulee Twist

Okay, this Overnight French Toast with a Crème Brûlée twist? Total breakfast magic. It’s soft, sweet, and has that caramelized top that cracks when you dig in.

You prep it the night before—easy peasy. The custard soaks in while you sleep. Then in the morning, boom—golden, creamy, and fancy without the fuss.

It’s rich, buttery, and tastes like dessert for breakfast. The edges get crispy, the inside stays soft. I always go back for more.

Wanna wow your morning? Let’s make this. It’s a no-stress, high-reward kind of dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crème Brûlée Meets Breakfast: It’s your favorite dessert, transformed into a cozy, oven-baked breakfast.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the night before and wake up to a no-fuss morning.
• Comforting & Impressive: Perfect for holidays or brunch with friends — and no one has to know how easy it is.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: Overnight (at least 8 hours)
Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: ~9 hours (hands-on time is minimal)

Servings:
This recipe serves 6–8 people depending on portion size. It fits perfectly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly with a big payoff — no fancy tools or techniques needed.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan
• Serrated bread knife
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients

For the French Toast

• 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick (preferably day-old)
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Crème Brûlée Topping

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided; 1/4 cup for pre-bake, 1/4 cup for broil caramelization)

For Serving

• Maple syrup, optional but recommended

Variations for Overnight French Toast

• Use Brioche or Challah: Swap out French bread for brioche or challah for an even softer, richer texture.
• Add Fruit: Layer sliced bananas, berries, or thin apple slices between the bread before pouring in the custard.
• Spiced-Up Version: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the custard for a warm, spiced profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk and a plant-based butter alternative if you’re avoiding dairy.
• Brûlée Crunch Topping: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the top sugar layer for extra crunch and a deeper caramel flavor.

How to Make Overnight French Toast With Crème Brûlée Twist – Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Slice and Arrange the Bread

Cut the French bread into thick 1-inch slices. Arrange them in a slightly overlapping layer in the dish. You want them snug but not crushed.

3. Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.

4. Pour and Soak

Slowly pour the custard over the bread, making sure each slice is moistened. Use a spoon to press the slices down gently so they absorb the liquid evenly.

5. Chill Overnight

Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours). This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard.

6. Preheat and Make the Base Topping

The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Stir in 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and mix until the sugar is just starting to dissolve. Drizzle this over the top of the soaked bread.

7. Bake

Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is puffed and set and the edges are golden.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Overnight French Toast

• Warm, Right from the Oven: Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. The custard sets more as it rests.
• With a Touch of Maple Syrup: A light drizzle brings out the richness without overwhelming the caramelized top.
• Optional Toppings: Fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or toasted nuts for extra texture.

Crème Brûlée Finish (Optional but Worth It)

Right after baking, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar evenly over the top. Broil on the top oven rack for 1–2 minutes, watching closely until the sugar bubbles and turns golden brown. Let it cool slightly so the sugar layer crisps.

Storing Overnight French Toast

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing: Freeze in individual portions, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Stale Bread: Day-old bread holds up best to the custard soak without falling apart.
• Don’t Skip the Soak: The longer it rests, the creamier and more flavorful the texture becomes.
• Watch the Broiler: When caramelizing sugar, stay close. It can burn in seconds.
• Room Temp Bake: Let the dish sit on the counter for 15 minutes before baking to prevent uneven cooking.

Nutrition

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Sugar
1 slice (approx.)	280	7g	32g	14g	14g

Overnight French Toast FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes. Brioche or challah work wonderfully — they’re soft and soak up custard beautifully.

Can I prep this in the morning and bake it the same day?
It’s best to chill overnight, but if you’re in a rush, give it at least 2 hours to soak before baking.

How do I know it’s done baking?
The top should be golden, and the center should be set but still moist. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean.

Can I make this without the brûlée topping?
Absolutely. It’s still rich and sweet on its own — but the topping adds that special crunch.

Conclusion

This Overnight French Toast with a Crème Brûlée Twist is my go-to when I want something low-effort but high-impact. Whether it’s a holiday brunch, a lazy weekend, or breakfast-for-dinner, this dish feels indulgent yet easy. You make it the night before, pop it in the oven the next day, and let it shine with that crispy sugar top.