Gourmet Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
Indulge in a luxurious breakfast treat with this Gourmet Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, inspired by classic crème brûlée flavors. Perfect for special occasions or weekend brunches, this dish can be prepared the night before, allowing the rich custard to soak into the bread, creating a sumptuous and creamy texture. Simply pop it in the oven the next morning, and savor the mouthwatering aroma and golden, caramelized top as it bakes. Each bite captures the essence of crème brûlée, delighting your taste buds with notes of vanilla and a hint of orange from the Grand Marnier. Serve with fresh fruits or a dusting of powdered sugar for an exquisite start to your day!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted Butter
1/2-1 cup (Melted)
Brown Sugar
1 cup (Packed)
Corn Syrup
2 tablespoons (None)
Country Bread (Challah or Baguette)
1 loaf (9-inch round) (Slice into 1-inch thick pieces, crust trimmed)
Large Eggs
5 (Beaten)
Half-and-Half
1 1/2 cups (None)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (None)
Grand Marnier
1 teaspoon (None)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
In a small heavy saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over moderate heat. Once melted, add the packed brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring constantly until smooth and well combined.
2
Pour the butter mixture evenly into a 13x9x2 inch baking dish, ensuring the bottom is well coated.
3
Cut six 1-inch thick slices from the center portion of the country bread, reserving the ends for another use. Trim off the crusts, then arrange the sliced bread in a single layer in the baking dish, squeezing them slightly to ensure they fit snugly.
4
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, Grand Marnier, and salt until fully combined and frothy.
5
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, ensuring each piece is soaked thoroughly.
6
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the custard.
7
The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the baking dish out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
8
Bake the French toast uncovered in the middle of the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until puffed and the edges are pale golden brown.
9
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hot gourmet French toast immediately, garnished with your favorite toppings!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast?
It is a luxurious breakfast dish inspired by the classic dessert, featuring a caramelized sugar base and a rich custard-soaked bread that is prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
Can I make this recipe the same day?
For the best results and texture, it needs to soak for at least 8 hours. However, you can attempt a shorter soak of 4 hours if you are in a rush.
How long should I refrigerate the French toast?
The dish should be chilled for at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard.
What is the best type of bread to use?
A sturdy bread like Challah, Brioche, or a French baguette works best to soak up the liquid without falling apart.
Can I use something other than Grand Marnier?
Yes, you can substitute Grand Marnier with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version or use another citrus liqueur like Cointreau.
What does the corn syrup do in this recipe?
The corn syrup helps create a smooth, caramelized sauce at the bottom of the dish that mimics the burnt sugar topping of a crème brûlée.
Is it necessary to trim the crusts?
Trimming the crusts ensures a uniform, soft, and creamy texture similar to a custard dessert, but you can leave them on if you prefer a rustic style.
How thick should the bread slices be?
The bread should be sliced into 1-inch thick pieces to ensure it can soak up enough custard and maintain its structure while baking.
Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
Half-and-half provides the signature richness of crème brûlée, but whole milk can be used for a slightly lighter version.
How do I know when the French toast is done baking?
It is done when the French toast has puffed up and the edges are a pale golden brown, usually after 35 to 40 minutes.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but if you use salted butter, you may want to omit the additional 1/4 teaspoon of salt called for in the recipe.
What size baking dish is required?
A 13x9x2 inch baking dish is recommended to fit the bread slices in a single layer.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
Can I freeze this French toast?
Freezing before baking is not recommended, but you can freeze leftovers for up to one month.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How should I reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I add fruit to the recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh berries, sliced peaches, or bananas are excellent when served on top of the baked French toast.
What toppings go well with this dish?
Popular toppings include powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a light drizzle of maple syrup.
Why does it need to sit overnight?
The overnight rest allows the bread to fully saturate with the custard, resulting in a creamy, bread-pudding-like interior.
Can I use a different citrus liqueur?
Yes, Cointreau or Triple Sec are excellent alternatives to Grand Marnier.
What if I don't have vanilla extract?
You can use vanilla bean paste as a substitute or omit it, though the flavor profile will be less traditional.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the country bread with a sturdy gluten-free loaf of your choice.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can attempt to use a dairy-free butter alternative and full-fat coconut milk or a heavy almond creamer.
Why is it called 'Crème Brûlée' French toast?
It features the classic flavors of vanilla and orange found in the dessert, combined with a caramelized sugar layer.
Does the bread get soggy?
While the inside is soft and creamy from the soak, the baking process ensures it puffs up and maintains a distinct structure.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Should I cover the dish while it's in the oven?
No, bake the dish uncovered so that the top can brown and the French toast can rise properly.
How long should I let it sit at room temperature before baking?
It is best to let the chilled dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Can I use more than 5 eggs?
5 eggs are the ideal ratio for 1.5 cups of liquid, but adding one extra egg will make the custard slightly firmer.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for entertaining because it is prepared in advance and easy to serve for up to 6 people.