Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite brunch treat: the *overnight creme brulee French toast bake*! It’s like waking up to a warm hug from the kitchen. The best part? You can prepare it all the night before, so you’ll have more time to sip your coffee and enjoy your morning. Just imagine the creamy, rich custard soaking into soft, fluffy bread, topped with that delightful caramelized sugar crust. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and satisfying, and trust me, your family and friends will be begging for seconds! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a fantastic option for gatherings or cozy weekend breakfasts. You’re going to love how simple yet indulgent this dish is!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this *overnight creme brulee French toast bake* a delectable success. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 loaf of French bread, cubed into bite-sized pieces
- 6 large eggs (the more, the merrier!)
- 2 cups whole milk (for that creamy richness)
- 1 cup heavy cream (yes, please!)
- 1 cup brown sugar (for that deep, caramel flavor)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (the secret to deliciousness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (a warm touch)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the magical topping)
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get this *overnight creme brulee French toast bake* going! First, you’ll want to grease a 9×13 inch baking dish really well. Don’t skimp on this step; you want your delicious creation to come out easily without any sticky surprises! Next, place your cubed French bread evenly in the dish. It should look like a fluffy little mountain of bread, just waiting for that creamy goodness.
Now, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined. This is where the magic happens, so make sure to really incorporate all those flavors! Once mixed, pour this luscious egg mixture over the bread. Make sure every single piece is soaked through—don’t leave any dry bits behind! Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge to chill overnight. This is crucial, as it allows the bread to absorb all that creamy custard.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dish uncovered for about 45-50 minutes, or until it’s golden and puffed up beautifully. Keep an eye on it, as oven times can vary! Just before serving, sprinkle that granulated sugar on top and caramelize it with a kitchen torch or under the broiler for a minute or two. Let it cool slightly, and then you’re ready to dive into this heavenly treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—get it ready in just 15 minutes the night before!
- Flavorful and satisfying, with that classic creme brulee taste in every bite.
- Ideal for breakfast or brunch gatherings; it’s a total crowd-pleaser!
- Can be made ahead of time, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your morning.
Tips for Success
To ensure your *overnight creme brulee French toast bake* turns out perfectly, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips for you! First, use a good quality French bread—this will make a huge difference in texture and flavor. Stale bread works great, too, as it soaks up the custard beautifully. Make sure to whisk your egg mixture thoroughly so everything is well blended; this helps create that creamy custard we love.
When it comes to baking, don’t rush it! If you’re unsure, check for doneness by gently shaking the dish; it should look set but still slightly wobbly in the center. And remember, the caramelized sugar topping is key! If you’re using a broiler, keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. Lastly, serving it warm will elevate the experience—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this *overnight creme brulee French toast bake*! Here are a few delightful variations to try:
- Berry Bliss: Toss in some fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries for a fruity twist. They add a pop of color and a burst of freshness!
- Chocolate Indulgence: Stir in some chocolate chips or chunks to the bread mixture for a decadent chocolatey treat that will melt in your mouth.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the mix for a lovely crunch and added flavor.
Feel free to get creative and combine your favorites! The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious *overnight creme brulee French toast bake*, you might find yourself with some lovely leftovers (if there are any, that is!). To store them, simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to indulge again, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your microwave’s strength. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, which will help maintain that lovely texture. If you want to bring back that caramelized topping, just sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top again and use your kitchen torch or broiler to caramelize it for that perfect finish. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
While I can provide you with a general idea of the nutritional content for my *overnight creme brulee French toast bake*, keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. On average, each slice contains around 400 calories, with 20g of sugar and 25g of fat. It’s always a good idea to check the labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information. Enjoy this delicious dish in moderation, and don’t shy away from making it your own!
FAQ Section
Can I make the *overnight creme brulee French toast bake* without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with additional whole milk if you prefer a lighter version. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly less rich.
How do I know when the bake is done?
A good way to check is by gently shaking the baking dish; it should be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center. It should also be golden brown on top!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What kind of bread works best?
A good quality French bread or even challah works wonders for this *overnight creme brulee French toast bake*. Stale bread is perfect as it absorbs the custard beautifully!
Can I add other flavors to the custard?
Of course! Feel free to experiment by adding a splash of almond extract or a pinch of nutmeg for a unique twist. Just make sure to balance it with the vanilla!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your *overnight creme brulee French toast bake* experience, I love pairing it with some delightful accompaniments! Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries not only add a burst of color but also a refreshing tartness that complements the rich custard beautifully. A drizzle of warm maple syrup is a must—it adds that perfect touch of sweetness! And if you’re feeling a little extra, why not whip up some lightly sweetened whipped cream? It’s a heavenly addition that makes each bite even more indulgent. Enjoy your brunch and watch everyone rave about this delicious spread!
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Overnight creme brulee French toast bake will amaze you 2
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious overnight creme brulee French toast bake that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place the cubed French bread in the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and make sure all pieces are soaked.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the dish uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar on top and caramelize with a kitchen torch or broiler.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Can be prepared a day ahead.
- Serve with fresh berries or syrup.
- Adjust sugar level to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: overnight creme brulee French toast bake
