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Imagine waking up to the enticing aroma of freshly baked French toast, its golden-brown edges perfectly crisped, and the soft, pillowy center waiting to be savored. Now, elevate that experience with a luxurious twist: Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast. This dish transforms the classic breakfast favorite into something extraordinary, combining the rich creaminess of crème brûlée with the comforting familiarity of French toast.

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Wake up to a morning masterpiece with Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast! This luxurious breakfast combines rich custardy brioche with a deliciously caramelized sugar topping, offering a heavenly blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for brunches and gatherings, this make-ahead recipe guarantees minimal morning fuss. Enjoy the bliss of each bite and create lasting memories around the table. Try it and elevate your breakfast game! #Breakfast #FrenchToast #BrunchIdeas #CookingAtHome #DeliciousRecipes #BakingFun
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of brioche bread (about 8 cups, cut into 1-inch cubes)

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or 1 additional tablespoon vanilla extract)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

A pinch of salt

1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the brûlée topping)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Bread: In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed brioche bread. If desired, lightly toast the cubes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until golden but not hard. This step enhances the flavor and texture.

    Make the Custard Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, 3/4 cup of sugar, vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

      Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the brioche bread, ensuring all the cubes are soaked. Gently stir to distribute the liquid throughout the bread. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, smoothing out the top. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight (or at least for 4 hours).

        Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the French toast from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set.

          Caramelize the Top: Once baked, remove the French toast from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of granulated sugar evenly over the top. Using a kitchen torch, carefully melt the sugar until it forms a crispy caramelized layer, resembling a crème brûlée. (If you don’t have a torch, you can place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.)

            Serve: Slice the French toast into squares and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour (plus overnight chilling) | Servings: 8-10 servings