Decadent Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast
Indulge in the ultimate brunch experience with this Decadent Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast. This make-ahead dish combines the rich flavors of creamy custard and caramelized sugar, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for special occasions or leisurely weekend mornings. Simply prepare the ingredients the night before and let them soak, allowing the bread to absorb all the luxurious flavors. In the morning, pop it in the oven and enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your home as it bakes to golden perfection. With its crisp caramelized bottom and soft, custardy interior, this dish requires no syrup – it’s sweet enough on its own! Treat your family and friends to a breakfast they won't forget.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
French bread
1 loaf (diagonally sliced)
Unsalted butter
1/2 cup (melted)
Brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
Light Karo syrup
2 tablespoons
Large eggs
5
Half-and-half
1 1/2 cups
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Grand Marnier
1 teaspoon
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter along with the packed brown sugar and light Karo syrup, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2
Pour the warm caramel mixture into a 13x9-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
3
Arrange the sliced French bread over the caramel, squeezing the pieces together if necessary to fit them all snugly in the dish.
4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, Grand Marnier, and salt until fully combined.
5
Evenly pour the egg mixture over the arranged bread, ensuring all pieces are coated well.
6
Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak.
7
On the following morning, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
8
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9
Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-45 minutes. The edges should be puffed and golden brown, and the center should be set.
10
Allow to cool slightly before serving and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast?
It is a rich, make-ahead brunch dish that combines the flavors of creamy custard and caramelized sugar, featuring a crisp bottom and soft interior.
Can I make this recipe the same day?
The recipe is designed to be prepared the night before and refrigerated overnight to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard flavors.
What type of bread should I use?
A loaf of French bread, diagonally sliced, is recommended for the best texture and absorption.
Is syrup necessary when serving?
No, this French toast is sweet enough on its own due to the caramelized sugar and butter bottom layer.
What is the purpose of the Karo syrup?
Light Karo syrup is mixed with butter and brown sugar to create a smooth, rich caramel sauce that coats the bottom of the dish.
What can I substitute for Grand Marnier?
If you prefer not to use Grand Marnier, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract or orange juice.
Do I need to use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 5 large eggs to create the custard base.
Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
While you can use milk, half-and-half provides the luxurious, creamy texture that defines this creme brulee style dish.
What is the recommended pan size?
You should use a 13x9-inch casserole dish for this recipe.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does it take to bake?
The French toast should bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes.
How do I know when the French toast is finished baking?
The edges should be puffed and golden brown, and the center should be set.
Should the casserole sit out before baking?
Yes, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
Do I bake the dish covered or uncovered?
The dish should be baked uncovered to allow the top to brown and the edges to puff.
How do I prepare the caramel layer?
Melt the butter, brown sugar, and Karo syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat until smooth, then pour into the casserole dish.
How should I arrange the bread in the dish?
Arrange the diagonally sliced French bread over the caramel layer, squeezing pieces together to fit them snugly.
How much brown sugar is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of packed brown sugar.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
Use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in the egg mixture.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is whisked into the custard mixture.
Can I use a different type of bread?
While French bread is standard, other sturdy breads like Challah or Brioche can also work well for soaking up custard.
Is this a good recipe for a crowd?
Yes, it is considered a perfect crowd-pleaser for special occasions or weekend mornings.
Does the recipe require a specific type of sugar?
It requires packed brown sugar to achieve the correct caramel flavor and consistency.
Can I prepare this in the morning instead of overnight?
For best results, it needs several hours to soak; if not overnight, at least 4-6 hours is recommended.
Should I grease the dish before adding the caramel?
The recipe does not specify greasing, as the butter in the caramel mixture typically prevents sticking.
What does the interior of the French toast feel like?
The interior has a soft, custardy texture similar to a bread pudding.
Should I cover the dish in the fridge?
Yes, cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap before refrigerating it overnight.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
How long should it cool before serving?
Allow the dish to cool slightly for a few minutes to let the caramel set before serving.
Is this recipe considered a dessert or breakfast?
It is intended as a decadent breakfast or brunch dish, though its richness makes it similar to a dessert.