Creme Brulee French Toast Casserole (Print-Friendly Version)
Golden French toast baked with a caramelized top and rich custard, ideal for brunch or festive breakfasts.
# What You’ll Need to Make This:
→ Caramel Layer
01 -
115 g unsalted butter
02 -
200 g packed brown sugar
03 -
30 ml corn syrup
→ Bread
04 -
1 loaf French bread, cut into 2.5 cm slices
→ Custard
05 -
5 large eggs
06 -
360 ml whole milk
07 -
15 ml vanilla extract
08 -
1.25 ml salt
09 -
5 ml ground cinnamon (optional)
# How to Prepare:
01 -
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup while stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble, approximately 3-4 minutes. Evenly pour the caramel mixture into the base of a 33x23 cm baking dish.
02 -
Layer the slices of French bread in a single layer over the caramel, slightly overlapping to fill the dish as needed.
03 -
In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, salt, and ground cinnamon until fully combined. Pour the custard evenly over the bread, ensuring each piece is thoroughly soaked.
04 -
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
05 -
Preheat the oven to 175°C. Remove the plastic wrap and let the dish rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the surface is golden and the custard has set.
06 -
Allow the casserole to cool briefly before serving. Invert each portion so the caramelized layer faces up. Serve warm with optional garnishes such as fresh berries or a light dusting of icing sugar.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For a crisp brûlée-like crust, sprinkle coarse sugar over the top in the last 10 minutes of baking.
02 -
Brioche or challah bread can be substituted to yield a more delicate texture.