Description
Luxurious French-inspired Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole brings elegant breakfast magic to weekend mornings. Rich custard-soaked bread bakes into a golden masterpiece that makes weekend gatherings deliciously memorable for family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch slices
- 5 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) whole milk
Sweeteners and Syrup:
- 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) corn syrup
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
Spices and Flavoring:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) ground cinnamon (optional, for a hint of spice)
Instructions
- Craft a luscious caramel foundation by melting butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the mixture transforms into a glossy, bubbling elixir. Pour this golden liquid evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking vessel.
- Layer French bread slices atop the caramel base, creating a slightly overlapping mosaic that maximizes coverage and ensures every inch is enveloped in sweet potential.
- Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract, salt, and optional cinnamon in a mixing bowl until the custard achieves a harmonious, silky consistency that promises luxurious texture.
- Gently cascade the custard mixture over the bread, allowing each slice to luxuriate and absorb the creamy liquid, ensuring complete saturation.
- Shroud the baking dish with plastic wrap and nestle it in the refrigerator for an overnight transformation, permitting the bread to fully embrace the custard’s rich essence.
- When morning arrives, extract the dish from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for a brief 15-minute interlude to equalize its temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C), then slide the uncovered casserole into the warm embrace, baking until the surface achieves a golden-brown radiance and the custard sets firmly.
- Allow the casserole a momentary rest after baking, then invert individual servings to showcase the caramel’s glistening surface. Embellish with fresh berries or a delicate snowfall of powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Bread Selection: Choose day-old or slightly stale French bread for maximum custard absorption and a richer texture that prevents soggy results.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole the night before to allow bread to soak up all the delicious custard flavors, reducing morning preparation stress.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version, and use gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly alternative.
- Caramel Consistency: Watch the caramel sauce carefully while cooking to prevent burning, aiming for a smooth, golden-brown mixture that coats the baking dish evenly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 210mg