Name: Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 8 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf (about 14 oz) brioche or challah bread, sliced thick; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 5 large eggs; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar

I’ve always believed breakfast should feel like a reward, especially on slow mornings. The kind where you wake up to the scent of something sweet and caramelized wafting through the house. That’s what led me to make this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms simple ingredients—bread, cream, eggs, sugar—into a luxurious dish that feels like it came straight out of a charming French café.

The first time I tried this, I was amazed by the contrast between the crispy, caramelized topping and the rich, custardy inside. Letting the bread soak overnight makes all the difference—it turns into a dreamy custard pudding in the center, while the outer layer develops that golden brûléed crust. Best of all, the hard work happens while you sleep. All you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven and get your syrup ready.

Why You’ll Love This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

This French toast is anything but ordinary. It’s indulgent, perfectly sweet, and has that crave-worthy brûlée crunch that mimics your favorite dessert. The overnight prep means you get a no-stress breakfast or brunch, and it’s versatile enough for holidays, special occasions, or a cozy weekend treat. Plus, the aroma as it bakes? Unreal.

What Kind of Bread Works Best for Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast?

When it comes to choosing the bread, think thick and sturdy. I like to use challah or brioche because they soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart. A good day-old loaf is ideal—it’s a little drier, which means it absorbs more of that rich cream and egg mixture. If you don’t have those on hand, Texas toast or a thick-cut French bread can absolutely hold their own in this dish. Just avoid overly soft or thin sandwich bread—it won’t hold up after an overnight soak.

Options for Substitutions

Want to switch things up or accommodate dietary needs? No problem.

Bread Swap: Use gluten-free sandwich bread or cinnamon raisin bread for added flavor.
Dairy-Free: Replace the cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk or a thick oat milk. You can even use vegan butter to caramelize the bottom.
Egg Substitute: For an egg-free version, use a custard base made from mashed banana or a flaxseed “egg” (though the texture will vary slightly).
Sugar Options: Try coconut sugar, maple syrup, or a monk fruit blend if you’re watching your refined sugar intake.
Flavor Twists: Add orange zest, vanilla bean paste, or a splash of bourbon to the custard for a custom spin.

This recipe is easy to personalize, which makes it perfect for guests or picky eaters!

Ingredients for This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Thick-cut bread (like brioche or challah)
This is the foundation of the dish. It absorbs the custard without falling apart and bakes into a rich, pillowy base with crispy edges.

Heavy cream
Adds luxurious richness to the custard, making the texture extra silky and indulgent.

Whole milk
Balances the cream to keep the custard light enough to soak well without being overly heavy.

Eggs
They set the custard and give the French toast structure. Essential for that soft, baked-pudding interior.

Brown sugar
Used to create the caramel layer on the bottom of the baking dish, giving that signature crème brûlée taste and texture.

Granulated sugar
Sweetens the custard and helps create that lightly crisp, brûléed topping.

Unsalted butter
Melted into the sugar to form the caramel base that gives every bite a buttery, sweet crunch.

Vanilla extract
Infuses the custard with a warm, aromatic depth that makes the whole thing taste like dessert.

Cinnamon (optional)
Adds a hint of cozy spice that pairs beautifully with the custard and caramel.

Salt
Just a pinch sharpens the sweetness and balances the overall flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base

In a small saucepan, melt the butter with brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Pour this caramel mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Layer the Bread

Slice your bread into thick, even slices—about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Arrange them in the dish over the caramel layer. You can overlap them slightly or place them in a single snug layer depending on the size of your bread and dish.

Step 3: Mix the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is well combined.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the layered bread slices. Press down lightly to help the bread absorb the mixture. Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 6 hours).

Step 5: Bake the French Toast

In the morning, take the dish out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and puffed and the custard is set.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, caramel-side up, with a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar if you like.

How Long to Cook the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Once it’s had its overnight soak, the baking time is surprisingly hands-off. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake the French toast uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the center feels set but still soft. The edges should be crisp and the caramel bubbling around the sides.

Tips for Perfect Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs custard better without turning soggy.
Don’t rush the soak: Letting it rest overnight ensures the custard fully infuses the bread.
Check doneness with a knife: Insert it in the center—if it comes out mostly clean, it’s ready.
Add texture: A sprinkle of turbinado sugar before baking adds extra crunch to the top.
Let it rest after baking: Give it a few minutes to set so slices hold together nicely.
Don’t overbake: You want the center custardy—not dry or rubbery.
Customize flavors: A splash of orange liqueur or almond extract can take things up a notch.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using fresh, soft bread: This leads to mushy results. Day-old or slightly stale bread is key for structure and soakability.
Skipping the overnight chill: The custard needs time to absorb—don’t try to rush it with a quick soak.
Too much liquid for too little bread: If the bread is swimming, reduce the custard or add more slices.
Overbaking: The goal is golden and custardy—not dry. Watch closely in the final minutes.
Not greasing the pan well: You need a generous butter layer to prevent sticking and to get that caramel base.
Uneven slicing: Different thicknesses can bake unevenly—keep your slices uniform.
Skipping the rest after baking: Letting it sit a few minutes helps the custard firm up and makes serving easier.

What to Serve With Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast?

Fresh Berries

Bright, tart, and refreshing—they balance the sweetness perfectly.

Whipped Cream

A fluffy dollop adds elegance and airiness to every bite.

Maple Syrup

Even with the caramel base, a drizzle of warm maple syrup is irresistible.

Crispy Bacon

That salty crunch is a beautiful contrast to the soft, sweet toast.

Greek Yogurt

Adds a creamy tang that cuts through the richness.

Espresso or Strong Coffee

The bitterness of coffee complements the sugary brûlée top perfectly.

Fresh Orange Slices

Citrus freshness adds brightness and a hint of acidity.

Toasted Nuts

A sprinkle of toasted almonds or pecans adds crunch and nuttiness.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, but you’ll lose that crisp brûlée texture. For best results, reheat uncovered to keep the top slightly crunchy.

Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish since the custard and caramel may separate, but if you must, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving — based on 8 servings)

Calories: 420
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 165mg
Sodium: 270mg
Carbohydrates: 43g
Sugar: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 9g

Please note, exact values may vary based on the bread and cream used.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I prep this?

You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Can I use non-dairy milk and cream?

Yes! Full-fat coconut milk, oat milk, or almond milk work well. Just make sure they’re unsweetened and plain.

What’s the best bread for this recipe?

Brioche and challah are my top picks because they’re rich, soft, and sturdy. French bread or Texas toast are also great alternatives.

Can I make it without refrigerating overnight?

Technically yes, but it won’t be as flavorful or custardy. At least 6 hours of soaking is the minimum I’d recommend.

Does this recipe need to be flipped after baking?

Nope! The caramel base melts and bubbles up beautifully on its own. Just slice and serve as-is.

Can I make this in a muffin tin or smaller dishes?

Absolutely! Use ramekins or a muffin tin for individual servings—just reduce the baking time to about 20–25 minutes.

Is it too sweet for breakfast?

It’s definitely indulgent, but balanced by the custard and bread. Pair it with something savory or tart (like bacon or berries) to round it out.

Can I make it less sweet?

Yes, reduce the brown sugar in the caramel base and the granulated sugar in the custard by a few tablespoons each to tone it down.

Conclusion

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast treat. It brings together the rich, caramelized magic of a classic dessert with the comfort of a warm, custardy French toast. With minimal effort in the morning, you’ll serve up a dish that’s both show-stopping and soul-satisfying. Whether it’s for brunch with friends or just a cozy Sunday morning, this recipe never fails to impress—and delight.