Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish Recipe

Ready to transform an ordinary brunch into something truly memorable? This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is everything I love in a cozy morning meal: decadent custard-soaked bread, an irresistible caramelized sugar crust, and all the make-ahead magic you need to entertain without stress. The first step—Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish—sets the stage for a golden, flavor-packed bake that impresses with every bite. If you’re searching for a showstopper breakfast or a sweet start to a special day, this is the dish your mornings have been waiting for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These classic ingredients come together for pure breakfast bliss—all you need are a handful of pantry staples to create creamy, sweet, and utterly craveable French toast. Each element brings its own special quality to the dish, ensuring every bite is dreamy from top to bottom.

• French bread: Go for a loaf with a sturdy crust and tender crumb—perfect for absorbing the rich custard and holding its shape when baked.
• Eggs: Large eggs are the backbone of the custard, thickening it and adding that iconic French toast silkiness.
• Half-and-half: Lends richness and creates a wonderfully creamy base for the custard.
• Whole milk: Balances out the half-and-half to keep things luscious but not too heavy.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a floral sweetness that instantly elevates the dish.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and becomes that signature brûlée topping for crunch and caramel flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings subtle spice and a cozy depth to every bite.
• Ground nutmeg: A touch of nutmeg brightens the overall flavor and plays so well with the vanilla and cinnamon.
• Unsalted butter: Dotting the top with butter ensures richness and promotes that golden finish—plus, Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish for nonstick perfection.
• Maple syrup: Classic French toast isn’t complete without a warm drizzle, so keep this on hand for serving.

How to Make Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish

Step 1: Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish

This is where the magic starts! Grab your butter and really go for it. Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish—every inch, every corner. This not only prevents sticking but also adds a subtle buttery undertone as the toast bakes. Arrange your French bread slices in the dish, letting them overlap ever so slightly for maximum coverage and delicious, custardy pockets.

Step 2: Make the custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until completely smooth and blended. This dreamy mixture is what soaks into your bread, delivering that signature creaminess and cozy spice. Don’t shortcut here—whisk until you’re sure everything’s truly incorporated.

Step 3: Soak the bread

Slowly pour the custard over your layered bread, making sure every single slice is well soaked. Use a spatula (or your hands, if you feel like channeling your inner chef) to gently press the bread down so it’s nicely submerged. This step ensures those slices absorb all of the luscious custard.

Step 4: Refrigerate overnight

This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it moment. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, slide it into the fridge, and let it rest overnight. This time allows the bread to fully soak up the custard, giving you the creamiest texture in the morning with basically zero effort at brunch time.

Step 5: Bake the French toast

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your dish out of the fridge and remove the plastic wrap. Scatter the bread with the small pieces of butter and sprinkle a little extra sugar on top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is puffed and golden brown—almost soufflé-like!

Step 6: Caramelize the sugar topping

The pièce de résistance! Once the French toast is baked and slightly cooled, sprinkle a generous layer of granulated sugar over the top. Use a kitchen torch or the oven broiler to caramelize the sugar until it forms a golden, crisp crust. This is the moment where brunch dreams truly come alive.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy

Let the dish rest for a few minutes after caramelizing so you don’t burn your mouth. Cut into hearty slices and serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup. Every bite will offer sweet crunch, rich custard, and just the right amount of cinnamon-spice.

How to Serve Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish

Garnishes

You can always go classic with just maple syrup, but don’t be afraid to get creative. A dusting of powdered sugar gives beautiful visual appeal, a few fresh berries add color and brightness, and a dollop of whipped cream takes things over the top. Even a sprinkle of toasted nuts (like sliced almonds) can bring an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is rich and decadent, so pair it with lighter, fresh elements. A fresh fruit salad, citrus segments, or simply some crisp bacon balance out the sweetness and make the meal feel complete. You could also offer a bowl of Greek yogurt on the side for something cooling and tangy.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make this the star of your brunch table? Try slicing and fanning pieces on a platter, finished with a dramatic crackle of caramelized sugar. For individual servings, use ramekins—you can still Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish, but portion the custard-soaked bread into separate vessels for a restaurant-style wow factor. Or, sprinkle a few edible flowers on top for a pop of color and sophistication.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking. The caramelized top will soften slightly, but the French toast will still taste amazing for up to three days. Make sure to let the dish cool before storing to prevent condensation from making things soggy.

Freezing

Want to prep even further ahead? Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and assemble the soaked bread, then wrap tightly and freeze before baking. When you’re ready for brunch, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with the baking instructions. Leftover baked portions can also be individually wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months—just let them thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic, place slices of French toast in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F (163°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. If you want to re-crisp the top, uncover for the last five minutes. A quick blast under the broiler works wonders for the caramel topping too—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

FAQs

Do I have to use French bread, or can I substitute another bread?

French bread is ideal thanks to its thick slices and sturdy texture, but brioche, challah, or even day-old sourdough will work beautifully. Just make sure whichever bread you choose can handle soaking up a generous amount of custard without falling apart.

Can I prepare and bake the French toast all in one morning?

While the overnight rest is what makes this recipe so spectacular, you can let the bread soak for at least 2–3 hours if you’re short on time. The result may not be quite as luscious, but it will still be delicious and brunch-worthy!

Is a kitchen torch necessary for the brûlée topping?

No torch, no problem! Simply place your baked French toast under an oven broiler and watch closely as the sugar melts and caramelizes. You’ll get that irresistible crispy topping either way.

How do I keep the French toast from getting soggy?

Be sure to use hearty bread, and don’t skimp on the overnight chill time. Also, Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps crisp the base so you get that perfect contrast between creamy center and slightly crunchy crust.

Can this recipe be scaled up or down?

Absolutely! You can halve the ingredients for a smaller crowd (use an 8×8-inch dish), or double the recipe for a family gathering—just make sure to Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish, or whatever size you choose, for best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing more comforting or impressive than a dish of Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast fresh from the oven. Whether you Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish for a crowd or make mini versions just for you, the creamy custard and crackly sugar top will win over everyone at the table. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try—get ready to bring a little luxury to your next breakfast or brunch!

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