Decadent Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast with Caramelized Top
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1 loaf of French bread, sliced 1 inch thick
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
Directions:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth and bubbly. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange the slices of French bread in the baking dish in a single layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, and salt. Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the dish out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top of the soaked bread slices.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- For an extra caramelized top, place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)
- Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
FAQs:
- What ingredients do I need to make Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast?
- For Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, you will need bread (preferably challah or brioche), eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt. You may also want to have some powdered sugar and fresh berries for serving.
- How do I prepare Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast?
- To prepare Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, start by melting butter and mixing it with brown sugar to create a caramel base in a baking dish. Layer thick slices of bread on top of the caramel. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Pour this custard mixture over the bread, ensuring each slice is well-coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, bake it in the oven until golden and set.
- Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use different types of bread, but it is recommended to use a rich, sturdy bread like challah, brioche, or French bread. These types of bread absorb the custard well and hold up during baking, resulting in a deliciously creamy and flavorful French toast.
- How long should the French toast be refrigerated before baking?
- The French toast should be refrigerated for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a rich, creamy texture and enhanced flavor after baking.
- How do I achieve the signature caramelized top for Crème Brûlée French Toast?
- The caramelized top is achieved by the layer of brown sugar and butter at the bottom of the baking dish, which turns into a rich caramel as it bakes. To ensure a perfectly caramelized top, let the French toast sit for a few minutes after baking before serving. This will allow the caramel to set and thicken slightly. If desired, you can also sprinkle a bit of sugar on top and use a kitchen torch to achieve an extra-crispy, brûléed finish.