Creme Brulee French Toast Casserole

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Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

Introduction:

Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of vanilla and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, drawing you to a cozy breakfast table where this decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole awaits. With a creamy, custard-soaked interior and a crispy caramelized top, this dish feels like a hug on a plate. It’s not only indulgent but also incredibly easy to make – the perfect treat for a weekend brunch or special occasion.

This French toast bake is all about convenience without sacrificing flavor. Prep it the night before, so the bread has plenty of time to absorb that rich custard mixture, making each bite tender and flavorful. The topping, made with butter and brown sugar, creates a beautifully caramelized crust that’s reminiscent of a crème brûlée’s signature crackle, adding a delightful texture contrast to each slice.

Whether you’re serving a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish is a surefire way to impress. Pair it with fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of maple syrup to elevate each bite. Let’s dive in and make this French toast bake a new brunch favorite!

Recipe: Decadent Vanilla Bean French Toast Bake

Ingredients:

French Toast Base:

1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

Prepare the Bread and Custard:

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and arrange the cubed French bread evenly in the dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing the bread down gently to help it soak in the liquid.
Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Make the Topping and Bake:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a separate bowl, combine the cold butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Use a fork or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked bread.