1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Creme Brulee French Toast

Creme Brulee French Toast

Featured in Delicious Breakfast Ideas to Kickstart Your Day.

Looking for a breakfast that stands out? This French toast, loaded with creme brulee flavors and toasted to crispy perfection, soaks overnight for a stress-free morning.

Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
A man wearing a white shirt and suspenders holding a piece of paper.
Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 20:53:03 GMT
A plate featuring two lavish slices of French toast drizzled with a golden syrup and melted cheese, sitting on a clean white plate. Pin it
A plate featuring two lavish slices of French toast drizzled with a golden syrup and melted cheese, sitting on a clean white plate. | chefmelt.com

When I first whipped up this Make-Ahead Custard French Toast, my home filled with bakery-level aromas. Imagine biting into soft, custard-soaked bread with a candy-like sugar crust that breaks with a satisfying crack. The coolest thing? You do the prep work at night, then just toss it in the oven while everyone's still snoozing in the morning.

The Overnight Magic

I learned that letting bread soak all night isn't just about saving morning hassle. The real wonder happens during those sleeping hours as each bread slice drinks up the sweet custard mixture completely. Once you taste that first melt-in-your-mouth bite, you'll get why patience pays off.

Essential Ingredients Breakdown

  • Bread: Go for chunky slices of challah, brioche or French bread. I pick whatever's newest at my bakery, but make sure it's firm enough to handle all that custard without falling apart.
  • Custard Base: Basic eggs plus whole milk and half and half create that luxurious texture. My brother uses oat milk for his non-dairy version and it works great.
  • Sweeteners and Spices: Regular sugar does the job alongside cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg. These cozy flavors will make your house smell incredible.
  • Vanilla Extract: Add a bit of real vanilla extract. It's worth buying the decent stuff for this.
  • Butter and Toppings: Small chunks of butter with sugar sprinkled on top create that wonderful crunchy layer.

Putting It Together

Get Your Dish Ready
Take your largest baking dish and coat it with butter thoroughly. You don't want your breakfast stuck to the pan.
Arrange Your Bread
Fit those bread pieces in tightly together. Drizzle custard all over and push down lightly so each slice gets fully soaked.
Chill Overnight
Cover everything securely and stick it in your fridge. Now comes the tricky part, waiting till breakfast time.

Perfect Baking Method

In the morning, warm your oven to 350°F. Let your dish sit out for about 15 minutes while you brew some coffee. Add little bits of butter and sugar on top, then bake for around 35 to 40 minutes. You're looking for golden and puffy but still soft inside. I usually rotate the dish halfway through for better browning all around.

Caramelized Topping

Here comes the exciting part. Dust sugar across the surface and either broil it or hit it with a kitchen torch until it melts and browns. This step makes it extra special, that mix of silky inside and crispy outside is just unbeatable.

Ways To Serve

We enjoy this warm with proper maple syrup, a spoonful of fresh whipped cream and seasonal berries. My partner always wants crispy bacon alongside it, and honestly that sweet meets salty combo can't be beat. And for grown-up brunches, don't forget the bubbly orange juice!

Different Takes

I've tried stuffing it with berry-swirled cream cheese before baking. When fall comes around, I mix in some pumpkin pie spice. My friend makes a savory twist with smoked salmon and cheese that's amazing. You can even swap in gluten-free bread or use alternative milks if needed.

FAQs Answered

  • How early can I make it? I've prepped mine up to 24 hours ahead, just keep it well covered in your fridge.
  • Will it freeze okay? Absolutely. Freeze before or after cooking, just wrap it properly.
  • Why did mine turn out mushy or too dry? Check that all bread pieces get equal custard coverage and mind your cooking time.
  • How do I get that top evenly caramelized? A torch gives the best control but your broiler works too, just watch it closely.
A white plate holds two plump French toast slices, stuffed with creamy filling and covered in sweet syrup. Pin it
A white plate holds two plump French toast slices, stuffed with creamy filling and covered in sweet syrup. | chefmelt.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is French bread necessary for this recipe?

You can swap it out for different bread, but sturdy options like brioche or pain de campagne give the best results. Softer bread might fall apart.

→ What’s the deal with using stale bread?

Old bread holds its shape when soaked in custard and doesn’t get mushy. Fresh bread often turns soggy.

→ Can I make it non-dairy?

Definitely! Try using almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of the cream and milk combo. The texture and taste might change a little, though.

→ How long will it last in the fridge?

You can store it in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat it at 160°C (325°F) for 10–15 minutes for crispy tops.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing isn’t recommended as it might mess with the texture of the custard and the caramel. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Creme Brulee French Toast

Thick French bread is left to soak in a silky custard mix overnight and baked to caramelized, golden goodness with a sweet, crackly topping.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Breakfast

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 8 Servings (8)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 baguette, cut into thick 2.5 cm slices.
02 5 eggs, large size.
03 1 cup of whole cream (50/50 mix).
04 1 cup of full-cream milk.
05 1 teaspoon pure vanilla essence.
06 2/3 cup white sugar, plus extra for caramelizing later.
07 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder.
08 1/4 teaspoon powdered nutmeg.
09 1/4 cup butter, unsalted.
10 Maple syrup, for serving.

Instructions

Step 01

Grease a rectangular 23×33 cm baking pan with butter, and lay down the bread slices in a single row.

Step 02

In a big bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, milk, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.

Step 03

Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices, making sure each piece is drenched well.

Step 04

Cover the dish tightly with some plastic wrap and refrigerate all night.

Step 05

In the morning, preheat your oven to 175°C.

Step 06

Remove the wrap and place small chunks of butter across the slices. Sprinkle some sugar evenly over the top.

Step 07

Bake in the preheated oven for around 35-40 minutes until the bread turns puffy and golden on the surface.

Step 08

Let it cool briefly, then scatter more sugar on top and broil for a few minutes until you get a rich caramelized crust.

Notes

  1. Dry bread works better as it soaks up the liquid nicely.
  2. Press the slices slightly into the custard while layering.
  3. For added flavor, sprinkle in some grated orange peel or use almond flavoring.
  4. Watch carefully while broiling, so the sugar doesn't over-brown.
  5. This dish lasts up to 3 days in the fridge.
  6. Heat leftovers at 160°C for 10-15 minutes.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 23×33 cm baking dish.
  • A big bowl for mixing.
  • A whisk to blend the mix evenly.
  • Plastic wrap for covering.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk from dairy as in butter and cream.
  • Eggs.
  • Gluten present in bread.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 12 g