Description
Decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole featuring rich custard soaked bread, caramelized sugar crust, perfect for a luxurious brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf (16 oz/450g) brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old works best)
- 8 large eggs
- 2½ cups (590ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar, plus ⅓ cup (70g) for topping
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish Start by generously buttering a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures easy serving and prevents sticking, especially around the caramelized edges where the magic happens. If you’re feeling extra decadent, you can even sprinkle a thin layer of brown sugar on the buttered surface for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Step 2: Prepare the Bread Cut your brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes, aiming for about 8-10 cups total. Place the cubes in your prepared baking dish, arranging them so they’re evenly distributed but not packed too tightly. Remember that they’ll need room to expand slightly as they soak up the custard.
- Step 3: Create the Custard Mixture In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until well beaten. Add the milk, heavy cream, ¾ cup sugar, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely combined and slightly frothy. Pour the melted butter in while whisking to incorporate it fully into the custard.
- Step 4: Combine and Soak Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces get saturated. Using a spatula, gently press the bread down to help it absorb the liquid. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight (up to 24 hours). This resting time is crucial for developing the signature texture of your **Decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole**.
- Step 5: Prepare for Baking When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish.
- Step 6: Create the Brûlée Topping Sprinkle the remaining ⅓ cup of sugar evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create that signature crackly, caramelized crust that makes this **Crème Brûlée French Toast Bake** so special.
- Step 7: Bake to Perfection Bake the casserole uncovered for 45-55 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly (like a custard) and the top is golden brown with caramelized sugar. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
- Step 8: Finish and Serve Allow the casserole to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the custard set up properly for cleaner slices. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, like fresh berries, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 calories per serving
- Sugar: 24 grams
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 11 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 38 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 11 grams
- Cholesterol: 185 mg