Can I prepare French toast the night before?

Absolutely. Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is designed to be prepared in advance. The bread soaks in the custard overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen and the texture to turn soft and rich. It also saves time in the morning, making it perfect for brunch or busy weekends.

Can crème brûlée be made in advance?

Yes, both classic crème brûlée and this French toast version can be made ahead of time. For Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast , the entire dish is assembled the night before and baked the next day. If you want to brûlée the sugar topping in advance, wait until just before serving to keep it crisp.

Why is my overnight French toast soggy?

A soggy result usually means the bread was too soft or fresh. Use a sturdy, rich bread like challah or brioche, and slice it thick. Also, make sure the toast bakes long enough for the custard to fully set. If needed, let the baked Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Can I leave crème brûlée in the fridge overnight?

Yes, and in fact, it’s ideal. The chilling time helps the custard set properly and allows the flavors to meld. When making Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast , refrigerate the assembled dish overnight and bake it the next morning for best results. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast – 1 Ultimate Brunch Recipe

Name: Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: PT-486901H17S
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons light corn syrup; 5 large eggs; 1 ½ cups half-and-half; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 loaf brioche or challah, cut into thick slices; ¼ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing); Optional: Maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream

Description

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is soaked in rich custard, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a brûléed sugar topping. Perfect for make-ahead brunch.

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter

1 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

5 large eggs

1 ½ cups half-and-half

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

1 loaf brioche or challah, cut into thick slices

¼ cup granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

Optional: Maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream

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Instructions

1. In a saucepan, melt butter and mix with brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth. Spread evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Arrange brioche slices over the caramel in a single layer.

3. Whisk eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour over bread, ensuring full coverage. Lightly press down.

4. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, at least 8 hours.

5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until golden and custard is set.

6. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top and caramelize using a kitchen torch or broiler.

7. Slice and serve warm with optional toppings.

Notes

Use day-old bread or dry slices slightly to avoid sogginess.

Torch sugar just before serving to keep topping crisp.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-American