Incredibly Great Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is everything you love about French toast, but taken to the next level with a rich, creamy custard base and a caramelized sugar topping. It’s a perfect balance of textures—soft and custardy inside with a crispy, sweet top. The best part? It’s made ahead of time, so you can simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Whether you’re hosting brunch or enjoying a lazy weekend breakfast, this casserole is guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients

• 1 loaf challah or brioche bread (preferably a day or two old), cut into cubes

• 8 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ cup light brown sugar (for topping)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping) (Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange the cubed bread evenly in the dish.

2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.

3. Pour Custard Over Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all of the bread is soaked. Press the bread down gently to make sure it’s fully immersed in the custard.

4. Chill: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard.

5. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

6. Top with Brown Sugar and Butter: Before baking, combine the light brown sugar and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

7. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy, and the custard is set.

8. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with fresh berries, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 2 hours to overnight chilling)

• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes

• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours (including chilling time)

Variations

• Berry Crème Brûlée French Toast: Add fresh or frozen berries (like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries) to the bread before pouring over the custard for a fruity twist.

• Caramelized Banana: Layer sliced bananas between the bread cubes before pouring the custard for a banana crème brûlée variation.

• Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the top before baking for added crunch and flavor.

• Cinnamon Swirl: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the casserole before baking for extra cinnamon flavor.

• Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and flax eggs or chia eggs to make this casserole vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the casserole with foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for making ahead. After assembling it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! You can use any soft, slightly dense bread such as brioche, French bread, or even sourdough. Brioche or challah are particularly great choices for their buttery texture.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and slightly crispy, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If you prefer a more custardy texture, you can bake it for a little less time.

Can I make this dish without the brown sugar topping?

While the brown sugar topping adds a lovely caramelized finish, you can skip it if you prefer a lighter version. The casserole will still be delicious without it.

Can I add a syrup topping?

Yes, you can drizzle maple syrup or a fruit syrup on top when serving for added sweetness and flavor.

Can I use egg substitutes?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax or chia eggs to make this casserole vegan. Use 1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg as a replacement.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free bread in place of regular bread. Just ensure that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream?

Evaporated milk will work as a substitute for heavy cream, but it will result in a slightly less rich and creamy texture.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the custard mixture for a warm, spicy flavor. You can also sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar over the top for extra sweetness.

Conclusion

Incredibly Great Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is the ultimate indulgent breakfast or brunch dish. With its creamy custard center and caramelized top, this casserole is sure to impress your family and friends. It’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just a weekend treat. With the ability to make it ahead of time and customize with your favorite toppings, this dish is a guaranteed hit that will quickly become a beloved favorite!

Incredibly Great Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Incredibly Great Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is a luxurious breakfast or brunch dish that combines creamy custard with golden, caramelized French toast. Made with challah or brioche, this indulgent casserole features hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and a crispy sugar topping. Perfect for special occasions or weekend indulgence, this make-ahead dish is sure to impress everyone at your table!

---

Ingredients

• 1 loaf challah or brioche bread (preferably a day or two old), cut into cubes

• 8 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ cup light brown sugar (for topping)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange the cubed bread evenly in the dish.

2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.

3. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all bread is soaked. Press the bread down gently to immerse it completely in the custard.

4. Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results.

5. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

6. Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine light brown sugar and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

7. Bake: Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy, and the custard is set.

8. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with fresh berries, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.

---

Notes

Variations:Berry Crème Brûlée: Add fresh or frozen berries (like strawberries or blueberries) before pouring over the custard for a fruity twist.Banana Crème Brûlée: Layer sliced bananas between the bread cubes for a delicious variation.Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch and flavor.Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and flax or chia eggs to make this casserole vegan-friendly.Storage:Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.