Oh my goodness, you guys! If you haven’t tried making an *overnight creme brulee French toast bake*, you are seriously missing out! I remember the first time I served this at a brunch gathering; it was a hit! The aroma wafting through the house as it bakes is pure magic. It’s so easy to prepare the night before—just mix, soak, and chill. Honestly, it feels like you’re indulging in a fancy café dish, but you did all the work while you were sleeping! I love how it comes out golden brown with that delightful caramelized sugar crust on top. Trust me, you’ll want to make this for every brunch occasion!
Ingredients List
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
How to Prepare Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast Bake
Now, let’s dive into making this delightful dish! It’s all about layering those flavors and letting the bread soak up all that creamy goodness. The best part? You do most of the work the night before, and then just pop it in the oven the next morning. So easy, right? Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready for our bake.
- Next, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will help make sure nothing sticks!
- Now, take that beautiful loaf of French bread and cube it into bite-sized pieces. Spread the cubes evenly in the greased dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until it’s all well combined and frothy.
- Pour this luscious mixture over the cubed bread, making sure each piece gets a good soak. You want them to absorb all that deliciousness!
- Once everything is coated, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge overnight. This is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and the bread to soften.
- In the morning, take the dish out and remove the plastic wrap. Sprinkle that brown sugar on top for that signature caramelized crust.
- Now, it’s time to bake! Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes until it’s golden brown and puffy. Oh, it’s going to smell heavenly!
- Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You’ll want to slice it up and dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a total crowd-pleaser! Perfect for brunch with family and friends.
- So easy to prepare—just mix, soak overnight, and bake in the morning!
- The flavors are out of this world; creamy, rich, and just a hint of sweetness.
- That gorgeous caramelized sugar crust gives it a fancy touch without the fuss.
- It can easily be customized with your favorite fruits or toppings.
- Great for meal prep; leftovers (if there are any!) taste amazing the next day!
- It fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that everyone loves.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *overnight creme brulee French toast bake* turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to elevate your dish and avoid any hiccups:
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, almond milk works beautifully in this recipe. It adds a subtle nutty flavor, and you won’t even miss the cream!
- Freshness is Key: Use a freshly baked loaf of French bread if possible. Stale bread soaks up the custard better, but fresh bread gives a wonderful texture. Just let it sit out for a few hours if it’s too fresh!
- Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to mix in a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest for an extra layer of flavor. You can even swap out the vanilla for almond extract if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Top It Off: Consider adding some fresh berries, sliced bananas, or chopped nuts before baking for added flavor and texture. You could also drizzle some maple syrup on top just before serving for a sweet finish.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking. Ovens can vary, so it might take a little more or less time. You want it golden brown and set in the middle—no jiggle!
- Let It Rest: After baking, allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up a bit and makes serving easier!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress your brunch crowd with this delightful bake! Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition in this fabulous *overnight creme brulee French toast bake*! Keep in mind, these values are just estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. For one slice, you’re looking at approximately 350 calories, with 18g of fat and 8g of protein. It has about 40g of carbohydrates, including 20g of sugar. There’s also 300mg of sodium and 2g of fiber. So, while it’s definitely a treat, it’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy brunch! Enjoy knowing you’re indulging in something delicious!
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can easily make this *overnight creme brulee French toast bake* dairy-free by substituting almond milk for regular milk and using a dairy-free cream alternative. I’ve tried it, and it still tastes delicious! Just be sure to check the labels on your cream substitute so you get a good consistency.
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat individual slices in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. This dish tastes amazing even the next day!
Can I add fruits to the recipe?
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your *overnight creme brulee French toast bake* experience, serve it alongside crispy bacon or savory sausage for a delightful sweet-and-salty combo. A fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream on top adds a burst of color and flavor. Don’t forget a drizzle of warm maple syrup for that perfect finishing touch!
Print
Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast Bake: 2 Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful overnight creme brulee French toast bake perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place the cubed French bread in the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap and sprinkle brown sugar on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Can substitute almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Add fruit toppings for extra flavor.
- Serve with maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: overnight creme brulee French toast bake
