Description

Indulge in the rich, custardy goodness of this Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole! This recipe transforms the classic breakfast favorite into a luxurious baked treat with a golden, caramelized topping. Perfect for holidays, brunch parties, or cozy weekends at home, this make-ahead dish is a crowd-pleaser that tastes like dessert for breakfast.

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Ingredients

For the Caramel Base:
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tbsp corn syrup or honey

For the French Toast Casserole:
1 loaf of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
5 large eggs
1½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt

For Topping (Optional but Recommended):
2 tbsp granulated sugar (for brûlée-style finish)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Fresh berries or sliced fruit
Maple syrup or whipped cream, for serving

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup or honey.
Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly bubbly (about 2-3 minutes).
Pour the caramel mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.

Step 2: Layer the Bread

Arrange the cubed brioche or challah over the caramel layer in the dish.
Spread the cubes evenly so the caramel can soak through the bottom.

Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing down so all the bread is soaked.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the dish from the refrigerator while the oven preheats.
Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 15 minutes.

Step 5: Create the Brûlée Topping

Once baked, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the top.
Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until bubbly and golden.
If you don’t have a torch, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Dust with powdered sugar and add fresh berries or sliced fruit if desired.
Serve warm with maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

Use Stale Bread – Slightly dry bread absorbs more custard without becoming soggy.
Don’t Skip the Chill – Soaking the bread overnight gives it the perfect creamy texture.
Brûlée with Caution – A kitchen torch gives the best finish, but broiling can work in a pinch.
Make It Fruity – Add sliced bananas or berries between bread layers before baking.
Add a Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Cuisine: American