Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is a decadent breakfast treat combining the creamy custard texture of crème brûlée with the comforting layers of French toast, baked to a golden perfection. It’s an ideal dish for brunch or a special morning meal, featuring a rich blend of eggs, milk, and brown sugar that soak into bread slices and form a caramelized, crispy top after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 8–10 slices of day-old bread, preferably brioche or challah
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Extra brown sugar for sprinkling (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Lightly butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the slices of bread evenly in the dish, layering if necessary, to fill the dish fully.
- Mix the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until completely combined and smooth.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, pressing down gently to ensure all bread absorbs the liquid. Let the mixture soak for about 10 minutes to saturate the bread thoroughly.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s fully heated before baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Dot the top of the soaked bread with small pieces of butter and sprinkle additional brown sugar evenly over the surface. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden and caramelized.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This cooling helps the custard set further and develops the signature crème brûlée texture.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better absorption of the custard mixture without becoming soggy.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg into the custard mixture.
- Ensure the casserole is baked until just set to maintain a creamy center.
- Optionally, you can torch the top with a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar further, mimicking traditional crème brûlée.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Keywords: Crème Brûlée French Toast, baked French toast casserole, brunch casserole, sweet breakfast casserole, caramelized French toast
