why make this recipe
This Creme Brulee French Toast Casserole mixes the best of two desserts: creamy custard and crunchy caramel. It feeds a crowd and works great for holiday mornings or a slow weekend brunch. You can make it the night before so it is easy in the morning.
introduction
This recipe is simple and forgiving, and it bakes into a warm, custardy dish with a crisp sugar top. For other easy casserole ideas you might try a similar comfort dish like the classic green bean casserole for holiday meals.
how to make Creme Brulee French Toast Casserole
Make this dish in a few steps. Cube the French bread and soak it in a mix of eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Let the bread soak in the fridge for at least two hours or overnight so the custard sets well. Bake until the custard is set and the top is golden. At the end, sprinkle brown sugar and granulated sugar on top and use a torch to caramelize it into a crisp, bruleed crust. Serve warm.
Ingredients :
- 1 loaf of French bread
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
Directions :
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cut the French bread into cubes and place them in the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Remove from the oven. To create the caramelized topping, sprinkle brown sugar and then granulated sugar evenly over the baked casserole.
- Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm, enjoy!
how to serve Creme Brulee French Toast Casserole
Serve warm straight from the dish. Cut into squares and plate with fresh berries, a dust of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup. A dollop of whipped cream also pairs well.
how to store Creme Brulee French Toast Casserole
Cool the casserole to room temperature. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or use an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm single portions in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. If you want the sugar top crisp again, use a torch after reheating.
tips to make Creme Brulee French Toast Casserole
- Use slightly stale French bread so it soaks the custard well without getting too soggy.
- Let it soak in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
- If you do not have a kitchen torch, place the casserole under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely so the sugar does not burn.
- Use full-fat cream for a rich custard.
variation (if any)
- Add a layer of sliced apples or pears for a fruit twist.
- Mix 1/2 cup chocolate chips into the bread cubes for a chocolate version.
- Swap cinnamon for nutmeg or cardamom for a different spice note.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use a gluten-free bread loaf and follow the same steps.
Q: Do I have to use heavy cream?
A: Heavy cream makes it richer, but you can use extra milk if you need a lighter version. The texture will be slightly less creamy.
Q: Can I prepare it the same day?
A: Yes. If you are short on time, soak the bread for at least 2 hours, but overnight gives the best result.
Q: Is the torch necessary to caramelize the top?
A: A torch gives the classic brulee crust. If you don’t have one, use the broiler for a short time and watch carefully.
Creme Brulee French Toast Casserole
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 170 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious blend of creamy custard and crunchy caramel, perfect for holiday mornings or a leisurely brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cut the French bread into cubes and place them in the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Remove from the oven. To create the caramelized topping, sprinkle brown sugar and then granulated sugar evenly over the baked casserole.
- Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm, enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use slightly stale French bread and let it soak overnight.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 200mg