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At the heart of any great French toast is the bread used, and for Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, quality French bread is essential. This type of bread is characterized by its crusty exterior and soft, airy interior, which allows it to soak up the custard mixture without turning mushy. The unique texture of French bread creates the perfect vessel for the rich custard, ensuring each slice is infused with flavor and retains a delightful chewiness after baking.

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Elevate your breakfast with this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast recipe! This indulgent dish combines the rich flavors of custard-soaked French bread with a delightful caramelized sugar topping. Perfect for leisurely weekends or special occasions, it’s easy to prep the night before. Just slice the bread, mix up the custard, and let it chill overnight. Bake it in the morning for a deliciously crispy and creamy treat, garnished with fresh berries and whipped cream. A sweet start to your day awaits!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup light brown sugar (for topping)

Fresh berries (for garnish)

Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange the slices of the French bread in the dish, slightly overlapping them.

    Make the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

      Combine with Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is soaked well. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the custard.

        Cover and Chill: Tightly cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) to allow the bread to soak up the custard.

          Preheat the Oven: The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

            Bake the French Toast: Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and sprinkle the light brown sugar evenly over the top of the soaked bread. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.

              Caramelize the Sugar: For an authentic crème brûlée finish, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the brown sugar on top until it forms a crisp, golden crust. (Alternatively, you can place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on it.)

                Serve: Let the French toast cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes | Servings: 8