Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

If you’re looking for a decadent and unforgettable breakfast or brunch recipe, this Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is a must-try! With its rich caramelized base, custardy center, and perfectly golden top, it’s the ultimate indulgence that’s surprisingly easy to make.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and Luxurious – Inspired by the classic French dessert, but made into a breakfast favorite.
Perfect for Entertaining – A crowd-pleasing dish that can be prepared ahead of time.
Custardy and Fluffy – Soft inside with a delicious caramel bottom.
Minimal Effort – Easy steps for a show-stopping result.
Versatile – Customize with fruits, spices, or different types of bread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Caramel Base:
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp light corn syrup (or honey as an alternative)

For the French Toast Layer:
1 loaf French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch slices (about 10 cups)
5 large eggs
1½ cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional for a warm flavor twist)

Optional Toppings:
Fresh berries
Powdered sugar for dusting
Maple syrup for serving

Tools You’ll Need

9×13-inch baking dish
Saucepan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Spatula
Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup (or honey) until smooth and bubbling.
Pour the caramel mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Arrange the Bread
Lay the bread slices in a single layer over the caramel in the baking dish.
You can slightly overlap them if needed to fit all the slices.

Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure all pieces are soaked.
Press the bread gently to help it absorb the custard.

Step 4: Chill
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard for a creamy texture.

Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.
Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.

Step 6: Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes.
Invert onto a large serving platter if you want the caramel to be on top, or serve straight from the baking dish.
Top with powdered sugar, fresh berries, and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.

Tips for Perfect Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole
Use Sturdy Bread – Day-old French bread or brioche soaks up the custard without getting too mushy.
Don’t Skip the Chill – Refrigerating helps the bread fully absorb the custard for a rich, even texture.
Monitor Baking – You want a golden, slightly crispy top but a soft, custardy interior.
Invert Carefully – If flipping the casserole, use a large platter and be cautious with the hot caramel.

Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of crispy bacon or fresh fruit salad for a balanced brunch.
Pair with a strong coffee, latte, or a cup of tea for the perfect morning.
Add a few extra caramelized bananas on top for a Bananas Foster twist.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat covered at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Reheat individual servings in 30-second intervals until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of bread?
   Yes! Challah, sourdough, or even croissants work wonderfully in this recipe.
2. Can I make it less sweet?
   You can reduce the brown sugar to ¾ cup for a lighter caramel flavor.
3. Can I add fruit or nuts to the casserole?
   Absolutely! Add sliced bananas, berries, or chopped pecans before baking.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts
This Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole transforms a classic breakfast favorite into a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Try it soon and enjoy every rich, caramel-soaked bite!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American-French Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 390 | Protein: 8g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 220mg

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