Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole brings the decadent creaminess of crème brûlée into an easy-to-make, overnight-friendly breakfast dish. The brown sugar and butter caramel base adds a deliciously rich flavor, while the custard-soaked bread bakes into a soft, golden perfection. Best of all, you can prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning—no flipping, no fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• French bread or brioche, cut into thick slices
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Light corn syrup (optional, for extra smooth caramel)
• Eggs
• Whole milk or half-and-half
• Heavy cream (optional for added richness)
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Powdered sugar (optional, for topping)
• Maple syrup or whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup (if using) until the mixture is smooth and bubbling. Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. Layer the slices of bread over the caramel mixture in a single, slightly overlapping layer.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream (if using), granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
5. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently to help it absorb.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
8. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
9. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Flip slices upside-down when serving to reveal the caramel layer.
10. Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream or maple syrup, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people. Prep time is about 15 minutes, with a chill time of 4 hours to overnight, and a bake time of 40–45 minutes.

Variations

• Orange Zest: Add orange zest to the custard for a citrusy note.
• Berry Twist: Sprinkle raspberries or blueberries between the bread layers before baking.
• Bourbon Touch: Add a splash of bourbon or rum extract to the custard for depth.
• Nutty Addition: Top with chopped pecans or sliced almonds before baking for texture.
• Mini Version: Make in ramekins for individual servings.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm the whole dish in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 15–20 minutes. This casserole also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What bread works best for this recipe?

Brioche, challah, or French bread work best due to their soft yet sturdy texture that soaks up the custard without falling apart.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, it’s designed to be made ahead—ideally assembled the night before and baked in the morning.

Do I have to use corn syrup?

No, it’s optional. It helps create a smoother caramel texture, but brown sugar and butter alone will still caramelize nicely.

Can I use low-fat milk?

Yes, but whole milk or half-and-half will yield a creamier custard.

Can I use pre-sliced sandwich bread?

You can, but thicker bakery-style bread works better for texture and structure.

How do I prevent soggy casserole?

Use day-old bread and make sure not to overload with too much custard. Bake until the center is fully set.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, freeze the baked casserole in portions or whole. Thaw and reheat before serving.

What’s the best way to serve it?

Serve warm, flipped to showcase the caramelized bottom, with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or syrup.

Can I add flavoring like cinnamon?

Absolutely. Cinnamon or nutmeg can be added to the custard for extra warmth.

Do I need to flip the casserole after baking?

Not required, but flipping slices reveals the caramel base and enhances presentation and flavor.

Conclusion

Crème brûlée French toast casserole is the perfect marriage of elegance and ease—rich, custardy, and kissed with a buttery caramel glaze. Whether you’re serving it for a festive brunch or a lazy Sunday breakfast, this indulgent bake is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

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Crème brûlée French toast casserole is a rich and elegant breakfast bake made with custard-soaked bread layered over a buttery brown sugar caramel base. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for brunch, holidays, or special mornings.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (+ overnight chill)
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread or brioche, cut into thick slices
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp light corn syrup (optional)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Butter (for greasing the dish)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
• Maple syrup or whipped cream (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup (if using) until smooth and bubbling. Pour evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. Arrange the bread slices in a single, slightly overlapping layer over the caramel mixture.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream (if using), granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt.
5. Pour the custard evenly over the bread. Press gently so the bread absorbs the liquid.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
8. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and center is set.
9. Cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Flip slices to reveal caramel base and serve with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or syrup if desired.

Notes

• Use day-old bread for best texture and custard absorption.
• Corn syrup is optional but helps create a smooth caramel layer.
• Customize with orange zest, nuts, or spices in the custard.
• Let casserole rest after baking before slicing to allow caramel to set slightly.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 26g
• Sodium: 260mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 195mg