Name: Overnight Creme Brule French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 8 h 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1/2 cup salted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 Tbsp white corn syrup; Day-old bread cut into 1-inch cubes (about a 9-inch loaf of French bread or other firm white bread); 1 1/2 cups half and half; 5 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; Sanding sugar; Sliced almonds

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 20 reviews

This Overnight Creme Brule French Toast Casserole is your next brunch hero: impossibly simple to prep the night before, yet it emerges from the oven in the morning crowned with a golden, crisp caramelized crust and a soft, custardy center. The secret is a rich caramel layer that bubbles beneath buttery bread, so every bite tastes indulgent and celebratory. If you’re craving a dish that’ll wow friends and family (with barely any work the morning of), this is your new go-to.

Overnight Creme Brule French Toast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of staple ingredients transform into something so spectacular. Each item in this Overnight Creme Brule French Toast Casserole is purposefully chosen: for texture, rich flavor, and gorgeous color. Here’s why you don’t want to skip a single one.

Salted butter: Adds depth and balance, marrying with sugar for that crave-worthy caramel layer.
Brown sugar: Brings warm, molasses-y sweetness and encourages a perfectly crisp top.
White corn syrup: Ensures the caramel stays smooth and glossy without getting grainy.
Day-old bread (French or other firm white bread): Day-old bread soaks up the custard like a dream, becoming perfectly soft inside while staying crisp up top.
Half and half: Creates a decadently rich, creamy custard for the bread to bathe in overnight.
Large eggs: Essential for setting the custard and giving the casserole its signature texture.
Vanilla: Infuses the whole casserole with inviting, bakery-style aroma.
Sanding sugar and sliced almonds (optional): For a sparkly finish and satisfying crunch, these make your casserole brunch-party ready.

How to Make Overnight Creme Brule French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Make the Caramel Layer

Start by combining brown sugar, salted butter, and a splash of white corn syrup in a small saucepan. Stir them together over medium heat until everything is melted and the mix is silky-smooth—no grainy sugar allowed! This luscious caramel forms the base of your Overnight Creme Brule French Toast Casserole and gives every bite its characteristic, slightly crackly richness.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease your trusty 13″ x 9″ baking dish (don’t skip this step, to keep clean-up easy). Pour the warm caramel sauce right in, tilting the pan to spread it into all four corners. You’ll want every slice to have its share of that golden goodness!

Step 3: Add the Bread

Take your day-old bread and cut it into one-inch cubes for even soaking and a delightfully rustic look. Nestle the cubes gently on top of the caramel layer, spreading them out so they form an even bed but without packing them down too tightly.

Step 4: Whisk the Custard

In a mixing bowl, whisk together your half and half, eggs, and rich vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until frothy and well combined—this aeration helps create that dreamy, cloud-like texture for the Overnight Creme Brule French Toast Casserole.

Step 5: Soak and Chill Overnight

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently if needed so all the pieces get a little bath. Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the refrigerator for at least eight hours. Overnight soaking lets the bread absorb all that custard and develop its crave-worthy texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. When ready to bake, remove the foil and place your chilled Overnight Creme Brule French Toast Casserole on the center rack. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden and puffed with crispy caramel bits peeking through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil until fully cooked.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

As soon as it comes out of the oven, add a sprinkle of sanding sugar and sliced almonds if you like a little sparkle and crunch. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving, so those caramel edges set just enough for perfect slicing.

How to Serve Overnight Creme Brule French Toast Casserole

Garnishes

Lift your Overnight Creme Brule French Toast Casserole to new heights with a scattering of sparkling sanding sugar and sliced almonds for an irresistible crunch. For extra flair, add fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar right before you serve. These finishing touches make every square look like it leapt from a bakery window.

Side Dishes

Balance out the casserole’s richness with a platter of tart fresh fruit (think raspberries or citrus slices), creamy Greek yogurt, or thick-cut bacon. A pitcher of hot coffee or spiced chai pairs beautifully with the caramelized flavors, making your morning spread feel like a special occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch crowd, cut the baked casserole into tidy squares and serve each on its own plate with a drizzle of maple syrup. Going for a casual vibe? Let folks spoon out servings straight from the baking dish family style. Or, make individual portions in muffin tins for a playful, portable twist—kids love these!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Overnight Creme Brule French Toast Casserole stores beautifully—just cover the cooled dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. Stash in the fridge and enjoy for up to three days. The caramel base will keep the casserole moist, and the flavors only deepen with time.

Freezing

To freeze, cool the baked casserole completely, then cut into individual portions. Wrap each slice securely in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to two months—perfect for when you want a treat in a hurry!

Reheating

Reheat individual servings of Overnight Creme Brule French Toast Casserole in the microwave for a quick fix (about a minute does the trick). For best results and maximum crispness, warm leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, letting the caramel edges crisp back up.

FAQs

Can I use brioche or challah instead of French bread?

Absolutely! Brioche and challah make the casserole even richer and more tender. Just be sure the bread is slightly stale so it holds up to the custard soaking overnight.

What if I don’t have half and half?

You can substitute equal parts milk and heavy cream, or use all whole milk for a slightly lighter dish. The texture will still be lovely, though half and half gives the most luxurious result.

Does the casserole need to soak overnight?

Overnight soaking is best, as it lets the bread fully absorb the custard. If you’re pressed for time, let it sit for at least 4 hours, but the texture is most decadent when left overnight.

Can this be made dairy free?

Definitely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use your favorite non-dairy milk (like coconut cream or almond milk) instead of half and half. The flavor will be a touch different but still delicious.

How do I know when it’s baked through?

Insert a knife in the center; it should come out clean, and the custard should be set with a lightly puffed golden top. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil and continue baking until done.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping brunch dish that’s as effortless as it is unforgettable, look no further than this Overnight Creme Brule French Toast Casserole. It’s pure comfort with a touch of elegance—and you get to greet your guests with the smell of caramel and vanilla wafting from the oven. Treat yourself and those you love to the magic of this make-ahead favorite. You’ve got this!