Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole
Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast transformation of the classic French dessert. This indulgent dish features thick slices of challah bread soaked in a rich custard of heavy cream and eggs, baked until golden brown, and topped with a sweet, caramelized sugar crust. Perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts, this casserole serves up layers of creamy sweetness and crunchy texture that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 8 cups challah bread, cut into thick slices
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 6 large whole eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar (for topping)
- ½ cup pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Layer the challah slices in a greased baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is soaked. Gently press down any floating pieces.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix brown sugar with nuts (if using) and sprinkle over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider using fresh vanilla bean instead of extract. You can incorporate fruits like berries or bananas into the layers for added sweetness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat at 350°F until warmed through.