Name: Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 8 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup salted butter; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons white corn syrup (or substitute with honey/maple syrup); 1 loaf day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 cups half-and-half; 5 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; Optional: coarse sanding sugar for topping; Optional: sliced almonds for garnish

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A rich, indulgent breakfast casserole, this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole brings together everything I love about a comforting weekend brunch: warm caramel, pillowy-soft custard-soaked bread, and the ease of prepping it all the night before. With its silky texture and sweet, golden topping, this dish transforms basic ingredients into a crowd-pleasing centerpiece perfect for holidays, celebrations, or lazy mornings.

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 13" x 9" baking dish.

In a saucepan, I melt the butter with the brown sugar and corn syrup over medium heat, stirring until smooth and caramel-like.

I pour this caramel mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.

Then I scatter the cubed French bread over the caramel layer.

In a large bowl, I whisk together the half-and-half, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is frothy.

I pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing them down slightly to ensure even soaking.

I cover the dish with foil and refrigerate it overnight, giving the bread time to absorb the custard.

The next morning, I bake it uncovered on the center rack for 30–35 minutes, until golden and set. If the top browns too quickly, I loosely tent it with foil.

Just before serving, I sometimes sprinkle the top with sanding sugar and sliced almonds for extra texture and a bit of crunch.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes

Chill Time: At least 8 hours

Total Time: ~8 hours 45 minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: Approximately 340 kcal per serving

Variations

Add fruit: I sometimes layer thinly sliced apples, pears, or fresh berries between the bread cubes for a fruity twist.

Swap the bread: Brioche or challah can be used instead of French bread for an even richer texture.

Use flavored extracts: A splash of almond or orange extract alongside the vanilla adds a unique depth of flavor.

Nut topping: Chopped pecans or walnuts can replace sliced almonds for a nuttier finish.

Spice it up: I like to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for a warm, spiced undertone.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I either microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. For a crispier top, I reheat it uncovered in the oven.

FAQs

How far in advance can I prepare this casserole?

I usually prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. The longer it chills, the more the bread absorbs the custard, which results in a creamier texture after baking.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, I freeze it after assembling but before baking. I cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

What if I don’t have corn syrup?

Honey or maple syrup can be used as a substitute for white corn syrup, though the flavor and consistency might differ slightly.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I swap the half-and-half with a mix of full-fat coconut milk and almond milk, and use plant-based butter. The texture remains rich and creamy.

Is this casserole overly sweet?

I find it pleasantly sweet, thanks to the caramel layer, but it’s well-balanced when served with fresh fruit or plain Greek yogurt.

Conclusion

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is my go-to when I want to serve something that looks impressive but requires minimal effort in the morning. The combination of buttery caramel, tender bread, and rich custard makes every bite irresistible. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch or a quiet weekend treat, this casserole brings warmth and decadence to the table with ease.

📖 Recipe:

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and indulgent overnight French toast casserole featuring a caramel base, custard-soaked French bread, and a soft, soufflé-like texture. Perfect for holidays or weekend brunches.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13" x 9" baking dish.
In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and corn syrup over medium heat, stirring until smooth and caramel-like.
Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Scatter the cubed French bread evenly over the caramel layer.
In a large bowl, whisk together half-and-half, eggs, and vanilla extract until frothy.
Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing them down slightly to ensure even soaking.
Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
In the morning, bake uncovered on the center rack for 30–35 minutes, until golden and set. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
Optional: Sprinkle with sanding sugar and sliced almonds before serving for added texture.