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Overnight Cream Brûlée French Toast

A delightful blend of crème brûlée and French toast, this dish is perfect for lazy weekends and impressing guests with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the custard
  • 4 large large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
For assembly and serving
  • 1 loaf brioche bread, sliced thickly
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, for topping
  • Butter for greasing the pan and serving
  • Fresh berries for garnish (optional)
  • Maple syrup for serving (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl until fully combined.
  2. Lay the brioche slices in a single layer in a deep baking dish or casserole dish.
  3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the brioche slices, gently pressing down to help the bread soak up the custard.
  4. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for a minimum of 6 hours.
Cooking
  1. In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a separate baking dish.
  2. Transfer the soaked brioche slices into the prepared dish, arranging them in a single layer.
  3. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the slices for that signature brûlée crust.
  4. Bake in the oven for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the brown sugar is caramelized and slightly crisp.
  5. For an extra crunchy topping, place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes; just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
  6. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For an elegant presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar and arrange fresh berries around the dish. Pair with crispy bacon or sausage for a lovely contrast, and consider setting up a toppings bar with honey or chopped nuts.