Thick, golden, custard-soaked bread layered with a buttery caramelized crust and finished with a crackling brulee top – this Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast is the kind of breakfast indulgence dreams are made of. Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or just treating yourself on a slow weekend morning, this recipe combines the elegance of creme brulee with the comfort of a French toast bake.
Its magic lies in the overnight soak, allowing the rich vanilla custard to deeply penetrate each slice of bread. When baked, it transforms into a soft, pudding-like center with a crisp top and notes of caramel throughout. Finished with a sugar topping that gets torched or broiled to a shattering finish, it’s both visually stunning and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients for this Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah, sliced thick
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for custard)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- Extra granulated sugar for brulee topping
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base
In a saucepan, melt the butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir until smooth and combined. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 2: Layer the Bread
Arrange the slices of brioche or challah tightly over the caramel layer. It’s okay to slightly overlap them to fit snugly.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla, salt, granulated sugar, and cinnamon if using. Mix until fully blended.
Step 4: Pour and Soak
Slowly pour the custard over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is saturated. Lightly press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Step 5: Bake
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until puffed and golden.
Step 6: Add the Brulee Top
Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the top of the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until crisp. Alternatively, broil in the oven for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can I prepare this?
You can assemble the French toast up to 24 hours in advance. It actually benefits from the long soak.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, Texas toast or French bread work well. Just make sure it’s thick-cut and slightly stale for better absorption.
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
Broiling works fine. Just keep an eye on it and rotate for even caramelization.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Substitute the milk and cream with full-fat coconut milk or any rich dairy-free alternative.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free brioche or sandwich bread. Make sure it holds shape after soaking.
Is it overly sweet?
The sweetness balances out during baking. For a lighter touch, reduce the caramel base or use less sugar on top.

Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Description
Treat yourself to a luxurious breakfast experience with this Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast. This easy recipe takes rich, custardy slices of brioche or challah and soaks them overnight in a silky vanilla cream mixture. Come morning, you’ll bake them to golden perfection with a caramel bottom and a crisp sugar-brulee top. Whether you’re planning a holiday breakfast, brunch with friends, or looking for new breakfast ideas, this is a must-try food idea that turns everyday ingredients into an extraordinary dish. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast prep that delivers big on flavor and presentation.
Ingredients
1 loaf of brioche or challah, sliced thick
6 large eggs
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for custard)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
Extra granulated sugar for brulee topping
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup. Pour into greased 9×13-inch dish.
- Layer bread slices over caramel mixture.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, cream, milk, vanilla, salt, sugar, and cinnamon. Pour over bread.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- The next day, preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar on top and torch or broil until crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight chill)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch