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- 8 slices of rich brioche bread - 4 large eggs - 1 cup whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for the brûlée topping) - Fresh berries (for garnish) - Powdered sugar (for dusting) Gather these ingredients to create your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast. Each one plays a key role in building flavor and texture. The brioche bread brings a soft and rich base, while the eggs and whole milk form a creamy custard. Heavy cream adds richness, and sugar sweetens it all up. Don't forget the toppings! Brown sugar will caramelize beautifully on top, giving that classic brûlée finish. Fresh berries add a pop of color and freshness, while powdered sugar makes everything look fancy. With these ingredients at hand, you’re ready to impress anyone who takes a bite. Check the Full Recipe for exact steps and tips to make this dish truly shine! To make the custard, start with a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, add: - 4 large eggs - 1 cup whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon almond extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - A pinch of salt Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps. The mixture should look creamy and well blended. The vanilla and almond extracts add a lovely flavor that makes this dish special. Next, take a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Carefully arrange 8 slices of rich brioche bread in the dish. You can overlap the slices a bit if needed. When all slices are in place, pour the custard mixture over the bread. Ensure every slice is soaked well. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Leave it overnight, or at least for 6 hours. This helps the bread soak up all the yummy flavors. The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When the oven is ready, take the baking dish from the fridge and remove the plastic wrap. Now, sprinkle 1/2 cup packed brown sugar evenly over the top of the soaked brioche. This will create that crispy, sweet layer we all love. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You want the custard to set and the top to turn a beautiful golden brown. For the final touch, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the brown sugar until it melts. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can broil it in the oven for a couple of minutes. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. Once it’s done, let the French toast cool for a few minutes. Then, cut it into slices and serve warm. Top each slice with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a stunning presentation. You can find the complete instructions in the Full Recipe. To make your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast shine, you need to soak the brioche well. You want each slice to absorb the custard fully. This makes the toast rich and flavorful. Make sure you cover the dish tightly before refrigerating. Baking time is crucial too. Every oven is different. Start checking at 30 minutes. Look for a golden top and firm custard. If it seems too soft, let it bake for a few more minutes. A kitchen torch is a great tool for caramelizing the sugar. It gives you that perfect crackly top. If you don’t have one, no worries! You can use your oven's broiler instead—just keep a close eye on it. You’ll also need a large mixing bowl and a whisk. These are essential for blending your custard mixture smoothly. Pair your French toast with fresh fruits like berries. They add a burst of color and freshness to your dish. Drizzle some maple syrup on top for extra sweetness. For special occasions, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It elevates the dish and makes it even more delightful! {{image_4}} You can make this dish even more fun by adding different flavors. Try adding hazelnut or coconut extract to the custard. These extracts bring a unique twist to the classic taste. You can also sprinkle in spices like nutmeg or cardamom. These spices add warmth and depth to your French toast. Each flavor brings its own charm, making breakfast a delightful surprise. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. Many brands offer tasty choices that hold up well in this recipe. For those who avoid dairy, you can substitute with plant-based milk and cream. Almond milk or coconut cream works well. These swaps keep the rich taste while fitting your dietary needs. You can enjoy this dish without missing out on flavor. Make your French toast special with seasonal flavors. For the holidays, try an eggnog version. This adds a festive touch to your breakfast table. In the summer, use fresh stone fruits like peaches or plums. Their natural sweetness brightens the dish, making it perfect for warmer days. Each season offers new ways to enjoy this delicious treat. For the full recipe, check out the Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast. To keep your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast fresh, place the leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the container seals tightly to prevent air from getting in. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the bread soft and the custard creamy. When it comes to reheating, I recommend the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the texture nice. If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Just heat for 30-60 seconds, but be careful. The bread can get soggy. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. Slice the French toast before freezing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a warm treat. This keeps the flavors intact and delicious. You can tell when the French toast is cooked by checking two things. First, look for the custard to be set. It should not be runny. Next, check the top for a golden brown color. This shows that the sugar has caramelized well. If both look good, your dish is ready to enjoy! Yes, you can make the custard mixture ahead! This dish works best when soaked overnight. Just mix your eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and extracts in a bowl. Pour it over the brioche slices. Cover your dish with plastic wrap. Let it soak in the fridge for at least six hours. This step helps the bread absorb the flavors. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, don’t worry! You can use your oven's broiler. After baking, sprinkle brown sugar on top. Place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. This method will also give you that nice caramelized topping. Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free! Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk. For cream, try coconut cream or cashew cream. You can also find dairy-free cream cheese for a richer taste. Just make sure to adjust the flavors to your liking! This blog post covered everything you need for Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast. We discussed the main and extra ingredients, plus tips for success. You learned ways to store your leftovers and how to heat them again. With these steps and ideas, you can make a classic dish that fits any event. Remember, personal touches and variations bring this recipe to life. Enjoy experimenting and delight your friends and family with this sweet treat!

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Elevate your breakfast game with this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast that's an irresistible delight! Imagine indulging in soft brioche soaked in a creamy custard, topped with a crispy caramelized finish—it's dessert for breakfast! In this blog post, you'll find simple steps to create this delicious dish that’s perfect for brunch.
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Ingredients
  

8 slices of rich brioche bread

4 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for the brûlée topping)

Fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, for garnish)

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

    Take a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and carefully arrange the brioche slices in it, overlapping them slightly if necessary to fit.

      Evenly pour the prepared custard mixture over the arranged bread, ensuring all slices are thoroughly soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for a minimum of 6 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard.

        The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish.

          Generously sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top layer of the soaked brioche, ensuring full coverage for the best caramelization.

            Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top has turned a lovely golden brown.

              To achieve the signature crème brûlée finish, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the brown sugar until it melts and crisps to perfection. Alternatively, you can broil it in the oven for a couple of minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

                Once baked, allow the French toast to cool for a few minutes before cutting into slices.

                  Serve the warm slices on individual plates, garnished with a generous handful of fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration) | Servings: 6