Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole: The Ultimate Brunch Indulgence

If you love rich, creamy desserts and decadent breakfast treats, then Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole 🍮✨ is the recipe you need. This baked brunch dish combines the

luxuriously creamy custard of traditional crème brûlée with the comforting, soft-baked bread of French toast. Topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust, it’s a show-stopping centerpiece for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or any special occasion.

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Ingredients

Casserole Base:

• 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cubed (about 10 cups)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt

Caramelized Topping:

• ½ cup granulated sugar (for brûlée topping)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup

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Instructions

1. Prep the Bread:
   Cube the brioche or challah into roughly 1-inch pieces. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
2. Make the Custard:
   In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
3. Combine Bread and Custard:
   Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread, gently pressing down so the bread absorbs the liquid. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor and custard infusion.
4. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Bake the Casserole:
   Remove the casserole from the fridge and let sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the custard is set in the center and the edges are golden.
6. Caramelize the Sugar:
   Sprinkle ½ cup granulated sugar evenly over the top. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp. Alternatively, broil for 1–2 minutes in the oven, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh berries, a light dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired. Slice into squares and serve warm.

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Tips for Perfect Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

• Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs custard better without becoming mushy.
• Overnight Soak: Refrigerating overnight enhances flavor and ensures each bite is custard-soaked.
• Even Caramelization: When using a torch, move it steadily across the sugar for a uniform brûlée crust.
• Make Ahead: This casserole is perfect for preparing the night before, then baking fresh in the morning.

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Variations

1. Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips between layers for a sweet surprise.
2. Nutty Twist: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans on top before caramelizing.
3. Coffee Flavor: Mix 1–2 tsp instant espresso into the custard for a subtle mocha flavor.
4. Tropical: Top with sliced mango or pineapple and coconut flakes for a fruity version.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice.
• Serve alongside whipped cream or mascarpone for extra decadence.
• Perfect for brunch gatherings—slice into squares for easy serving.

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Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Crème brûlée, a classic French dessert, is known for its creamy custard base and crisp caramelized sugar topping. Combining it with French toast—a staple breakfast in America—creates a hybrid dish that elevates brunch into a luxurious experience. This casserole embodies indulgence, balancing sweet, creamy, and slightly crunchy textures. Perfect for holiday mornings, special occasions, or a decadent weekend breakfast, it’s a dessert-first approach to your favorite breakfast dish.