Creme Brulee French Toast Casserole

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast turns a simple breakfast into a showstopper with its caramelized top and custardy center. It is a perfect make-ahead treat for holiday gatherings or whenever you want something both comforting and decadent with little fuss in the morning.

I first tried this at a weekend gathering with friends and everyone asked for the recipe before we finished our coffee the next morning.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Brings richness and ensures the caramel base is smooth Use fresh high-quality butter for best flavor
• Brown sugar: Provides that deep caramel note Choose dark brown sugar for extra depth
• Corn syrup: Helps prevent the caramel from crystallizing and keeps it silky opt for light corn syrup if possible
• French bread: Holds its shape after soaking and gets wonderfully custardy Look for a sturdy loaf that is not too fresh slightly stale bread works best
• Large eggs: Bind the custard and add structure to the casserole Go for farm fresh eggs for a richer custard
• Whole milk: Gives a creamy texture to the custard Choose full fat for true decadence
• Vanilla extract: Lends warmth and classic French toast flavor Use pure vanilla if possible not imitation
• Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the flavors Look for fine sea salt to dissolve evenly
• Ground cinnamon: Optional but adds cozy spice Use fresh ground cinnamon for most aromatic results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Caramel Base:

Combine the unsalted butter brown sugar and corn syrup in a small saucepan Set over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture is fully melted and begins to bubble This takes about three to four minutes Quickly and carefully pour the hot caramel mixture into the bottom of a nine by thirteen inch baking dish and spread it evenly This will create that gorgeous sticky bottom layer

Arrange the Bread:

Slice your loaf of French bread into thick one inch pieces Arrange these slices over the caramel base in a single layer letting them overlap slightly to fit snugly in the dish Press the bread gently into the caramel so every slice gets coated

Prepare the Custard:

In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the eggs whole milk vanilla extract salt and optional cinnamon Beat well until completely smooth and combined Slowly pour this custard mix over the bread slices aiming to moisten every piece If some bread pops up press it down gently so each slice is soaking in the custard

Chill Overnight:

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight Even a quick chill helps but overnight soaking gives you that signature custard interior

Bake:

When ready to bake preheat the oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Remove the plastic wrap and allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for fifteen minutes before baking Place the dish on the center rack and bake uncovered for thirty five to forty minutes The top should turn golden and the custard should be set but still a bit wobbly in the center

Serve:

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving Use a spatula to invert each serving so the gorgeous caramel side is facing up Enjoy warm and top with berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar if you like

Pin

My favorite part of this dish is the caramel base which gets deeply golden and sticky I always sneak the corner pieces because they have the richest caramel crust At a holiday brunch my grandma and I would laugh about who got the best slice

Storage Tips

Store leftover casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in the oven to restore the custardy texture Freezing is possible but the texture is best fresh or within a day or two

Ingredient Substitutions

Brioche or challah are excellent swaps for French bread if you want an even softer texture Dairy alternatives like oat milk or almond milk can be used for a lighter version though the taste will change Maple syrup can replace corn syrup for a slightly different caramel note

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with fresh berries powdered sugar or even a dollop of whipped cream If you want extra crunch sprinkle coarse sugar over the top in the last ten minutes of baking for a real brulee effect Pair with strong coffee and crispy bacon for a complete brunch spread

Cultural Context

French toast itself dates back centuries as a way to use leftover bread This American spin with the caramel base takes inspiration from French crème brûlée turning humble ingredients into a luxurious treat At gatherings this casserole often steals the spotlight and inspires a round of recipe swaps

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute other breads for French bread?

Yes, brioche or challah can be used for a softer, richer texture. Slice them thick to absorb the custard well.

→ What gives the caramelized top its golden color?

The blend of brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup forms a caramel base that bubbles up and develops a rich, golden crust during baking.

→ How long should the dish soak before baking?

For best results, soak overnight or at least 4 hours to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture.

→ Is the casserole best served warm or cold?

It's best enjoyed warm, right after baking, for the ideal balance of crisp caramel and tender custard.

→ Can I add extra flavor or texture?

Try sprinkling coarse sugar on top in the final minutes of baking for a brûlée-like crunch, or add fresh berries when serving.