Go Back
Creme Brulee French Toast Casserole Recipe
Emily

Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

A decadent overnight breakfast casserole made with custard-soaked French bread and a buttery brown sugar topping that caramelizes as it bakes. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or whenever you crave a rich, crème brûlée-inspired twist on French toast.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: French-American Fusion
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (slightly stale)
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar (for topping)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (for topping)

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • plastic wrap
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread cubed bread evenly inside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. Pour over bread and press gently so all cubes soak custard.
  3. Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
  4. Before baking, mix diced butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and custard is set.
  6. Cool 5–10 minutes before serving. Serve with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fruit.

Notes

Use slightly stale bread so it soaks up the custard better. Prepare it the night before for stress-free mornings. Top with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries. For extra indulgence, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or add a splash of orange liqueur to the custard.