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Easy Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

Easy Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole - featured image
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A simple and elegant overnight French toast casserole soaked in rich custard and topped with a caramelized sugar crust, perfect for lazy mornings and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g), divided
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

  1. Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Cut the brioche bread into 1-inch cubes. If fresh, let it sit out uncovered for a few hours or toast lightly to dry it out.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and slightly frothy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture and gently fold using a rubber spatula or spoon. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to start absorbing the custard.
  5. Pour the bread and custard mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar evenly over the top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until custard is set and top is lightly golden. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar on top until it forms a crisp, golden crust. Alternatively, place under a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  10. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh berries or powdered sugar.

Notes

Use slightly stale or day-old brioche for best custard absorption and texture. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, use the broiler to caramelize sugar but watch carefully to avoid burning. Let the casserole rest overnight for a creamy texture. Room temperature eggs and dairy mix better. If custard isn’t set after baking, tent with foil and bake in 5-minute increments.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, crème brûlée, overnight breakfast, brunch recipe, easy breakfast casserole, custard soaked bread, caramelized sugar topping

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-overnight-cr-e-me-br-u-l-e-e-french-toast-casserole-recipe-for-perfect-breakfast/