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Decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole Recipe

Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole - featured image
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An indulgent yet easy French toast casserole with a creamy custard-soaked bread base and a crispy caramelized sugar crust, perfect for brunch gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 12 cups) thick-cut brioche or challah, day-old
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Butter for greasing and topping
  • Additional 1/3 cup granulated sugar for topping

Instructions

  1. Cut the brioche or challah into thick slices or cubes.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla bean paste or extract, salt, and cinnamon until smooth.
  3. Place bread cubes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour custard evenly over the bread, pressing down gently to submerge all pieces.
  4. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to soak.
  5. Remove casserole from fridge 30 minutes before baking to come to room temperature.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap, sprinkle 1/3 cup granulated sugar evenly over the top, and dot with small pieces of butter if desired.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until custard is set and top is lightly golden.
  8. Let cool for 10 minutes. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar topping until crisp and golden. Alternatively, broil for 2-3 minutes watching carefully.
  9. Cut into squares and serve warm.

Notes

Use day-old thick-cut brioche or challah for best texture. Chill casserole overnight for custard to soak fully. Use a kitchen torch for best caramelized sugar crust; broiler can be used as alternative but watch closely. Let baking dish cool before torching to avoid cracking. For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and almond milk; for gluten-free, use gluten-free bread.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, crème brûlée, brunch recipe, custard, caramelized sugar, easy brunch, holiday breakfast

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/decadent-cr-e-me-br-u-l-e-e-french-toast-casserole-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-brunch/