Description
Classic Creme Brulee French Toast Casserole blends rich custard with caramelized bread for a luxurious breakfast treat. Elegant French-inspired layers offer guests a memorable morning indulgence you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch slices
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) corn syrup
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract
- 1 tsp (5 ml) ground cinnamon (optional, for a hint of spice)
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) salt
Instructions
- Caramel Creation: Melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the mixture transforms into a glossy, bubbling elixir. Pour this golden liquid evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bread Arrangement: Construct a slightly overlapping layer of French bread slices across the caramel foundation, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
- Custard Fusion: Combine eggs, milk, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl, whisking until a silky, homogeneous mixture forms. Delicately pour the custard over the bread, allowing complete saturation and penetration.
- Flavor Infusion: Wrap the baking dish in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, enabling the bread to thoroughly absorb the custard’s rich essence and develop complex flavors.
- Thermal Preparation: Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. Simultaneously, preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
- Baking Transformation: Uncover the casserole and bake until the surface achieves a golden-brown radiance and the custard sets completely, typically 35-45 minutes.
- Presentation Finale: Allow the casserole to rest briefly after baking. Invert individual servings to reveal the glistening caramel layer. Optional garnishes include fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- Prevent Soggy Texture: Select day-old or slightly stale French bread to absorb custard without becoming overly mushy, ensuring a perfect balance between softness and structure.
- Control Caramel Consistency: Stir caramel mixture continuously while heating to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy texture that coats the bread evenly.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version; use gluten-free bread for celiac-friendly adaptation.
- Master Overnight Technique: Ensure complete custard absorption by gently pressing bread slices during initial layering, allowing maximum flavor penetration and uniform texture throughout the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg