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- 1 loaf of brioche bread, sliced into thick pieces - 4 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - ¾ cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - A pinch of salt - ¼ cup brown sugar (for topping) - Fresh berries (for garnish) - Whipped cream (optional) To make this dish work for you, consider these swaps: - Alternatives for brioche bread: You can use challah bread, French bread, or even whole grain bread if you want a healthier option. Each will give a different taste and texture. - Non-dairy milk options: Almond, oat, or soy milk can replace whole milk and heavy cream. This keeps the recipe creamy while making it dairy-free. - Sugar substitutes for a healthier version: You can try using coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. Just remember that these may change the flavor a bit. Using these substitutions can help you create a dish that fits your needs while keeping it delicious! For the full recipe, don’t forget to check the details above. - Mixing the custard Start by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Make sure it’s smooth and well-blended. This mixture is your custard base. - Arranging the brioche in the baking dish Take a 9x13 inch baking dish and grease it with butter. Then, slice the brioche bread into thick pieces. Layer the slices in the dish, slightly overlapping them. This helps the bread soak up the custard better. - Soaking the bread Pour the custard evenly over the arranged brioche. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 4 hours. This allows the bread to soak up all the delicious flavors. - Preheating the oven The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for even baking and a perfect golden crust. - Adding the brown sugar topping Once the bread has soaked, remove the plastic wrap. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the brioche. This will create a lovely caramelized topping as it bakes. - Baking time and checking doneness Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by ensuring the custard is set and the top is golden brown. For an extra treat, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the brown sugar topping right before serving. Enjoy every bite of your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast! Soaking is key for success. The bread must sit long enough to absorb the custard. I suggest soaking it overnight. This allows all the flavors to meld together. To check if it’s done, look for a slight jiggle in the center. If it moves too much, give it extra time. When it's set, it will have a firm edge and soft center. Spices can elevate your dish. Adding a pinch of nutmeg gives warmth. You can also try cinnamon for a cozy touch. Infusing with citrus zest adds brightness. Grate some orange or lemon peel into the custard mix. This small step can make a big difference. It adds a fresh pop that balances the richness of the cream. For more ideas, don’t forget to check the Full Recipe for delicious variations! {{image_4}} You can make this dish even more fun with some flavor twists! Here are two ideas: - Chocolate chip crème brûlée French toast: Add chocolate chips to your brioche before soaking. The warm chocolate will melt and mix with the creamy custard. It gives a sweet surprise in every bite! - Seasonal fruit additions: Try adding fresh fruit like apples, peaches, or berries. Just slice them and sprinkle them on the brioche. The fruit brings a nice tartness and color, making your dish pop. You can also adapt this recipe for different diets. Here are some options to consider: - Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free brioche or bread. Many stores sell great gluten-free bread. Just make sure it’s thick enough to soak well. - Vegan version suggestions: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal or silken tofu. Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of dairy. This keeps it creamy and delicious while being plant-based. These variations ensure everyone can enjoy this delightful dish! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast fresh, store it in the fridge. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps maintain its flavor and texture. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat the toast for about 10-15 minutes until it warms through. You can also use the microwave. Heat it for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Just check to ensure it doesn't dry out. If you want to freeze your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, wrap it tightly. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep air out. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, it stays fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. After thawing, you can reheat it in the oven or microwave. For the best results, bake it. This will help restore the crispy top. Enjoy it warm with your favorite toppings! You can store this dish for up to three days. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps preserve its creamy texture and flavor. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm it in the oven. Yes, you can make it up to 12 hours in advance. Prepare the dish the night before. Follow all steps until you cover it and place it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to blend and the bread to soak well. You can skip the overnight soak, but I don't recommend it. Without soaking, the bread won't absorb as much custard. This leads to a drier texture and less rich flavor. The overnight soak is key for that creamy goodness. I suggest serving it with fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries. Whipped cream adds a nice touch too. You can also pair it with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. These sides will enhance the dish's sweetness and fun. In this post, we explored how to make Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and storage tips. You learned about substitutions and variations to suit your taste. Creating this dish is simple and fun. It’s perfect for any occasion. Don't hesitate to customize it with your favorite flavors or dietary needs. Enjoy your delicious creation and make it a breakfast favorite!

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, a perfect brunch treat! Made with rich brioche bread, eggs, and creamy custard, this recipe delivers a luscious caramelized crust you can't resist. Discover how easy it is to prep this show-stopping dish the night before for a stress-free morning. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your breakfast game with this sweet delight!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of brioche bread, sliced into thick pieces

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

A pinch of salt

¼ cup brown sugar (for topping)

Fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for garnish)

Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

    Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange the slices of brioche bread in the dish, overlapping them slightly to maximize the soaking of the custard.

      Gradually pour the egg mixture evenly over the brioche slices, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated. Gently press on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the custard mixture effectively.

        Cover the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator overnight, or for a minimum of 4 hours, to allow the bread to soak up all the delicious flavors.

          The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.

            Upon removing the plastic wrap, evenly sprinkle the brown sugar over the top of the soaked brioche, ensuring good coverage for that delightful caramelized topping.

              Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown with a caramelized crust.

                Once baked, let the dish cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. For an extra indulgent crème brûlée experience, use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the brown sugar topping until it creates a crisp, golden crust.

                  Serve warm, beautifully garnished with a handful of fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream if you desire an extra touch of decadence.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 12 hrs | Servings: 8