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Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Decadent make-ahead French toast with caramelized sugar crust, combining classic comfort with elegant sophistication.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
overnight chilling 8 hours
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

French Toast Base
  • 8 slices day-old brioche bread thick cut
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 4 eggs large
  • 0.33 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp butter for greasing
Caramelized Topping
  • 6 tbsp granulated sugar for torching

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Kitchen torch
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter and arrange brioche slices in slightly overlapping pattern.
  2. Whisk together heavy cream, eggs, 1/3 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until completely smooth.
  3. Pour custard mixture evenly over bread slices, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
  4. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F and remove plastic wrap from dish.
  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until custard is set and top is lightly golden.
  7. Cool completely, then sprinkle remaining sugar evenly over surface.
  8. Use kitchen torch to caramelize sugar until golden brown and crispy.
  9. Allow caramelized surface to cool and harden for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Day-old brioche works best for optimal custard absorption. A kitchen torch is essential for proper caramelization. Can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance.