Description
An indulgent overnight French toast recipe that combines the rich flavors of crème brûlée with fluffy bread, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the French bread slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well-combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring every slice is thoroughly coated. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press the bread into the custard.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Bake the French toast: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Dot the bread with small pieces of butter and sprinkle a light layer of sugar over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed and golden.
- Caramelize the sugar topping: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top of the bread. Use a kitchen torch or the broiler setting on your oven to caramelize the sugar until it is golden and crisp.
- Serve: Allow the French toast to cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, use stale bread for a firmer texture.
- Feel free to add fresh fruit as a topping, such as strawberries or blueberries.
- This recipe can be made a day in advance, making it perfect for brunch gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 200mg