Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast (Print Version)

Decadent overnight French toast with creamy custard and a crisp caramel topping—an elevated breakfast treat.

# Ingredients:

→ Main

01 - 1 loaf French bread, sliced into 2.5 cm thick pieces
02 - 5 large eggs
03 - 240 ml half-and-half
04 - 240 ml whole milk
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 133 g granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
07 - 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 56 g unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
10 - Maple syrup, for serving

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Generously butter a 23 x 33 cm baking dish. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer, overlapping slightly if needed.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until thoroughly blended.
03 - Pour the custard evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each slice is coated. Gently press bread into the custard to maximize absorption.
04 - Cover the dish securely with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
05 - Preheat oven to 175°C. Remove dish from the fridge and discard the plastic wrap. Dot bread with pieces of butter and lightly sprinkle sugar over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until puffed and golden.
06 - Let the dish cool slightly. Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated sugar over the surface. Use a kitchen torch or oven broiler to caramelize the sugar until crisp and golden.
07 - Allow to cool for several minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For enhanced depth, substitute brown sugar for part or all of the granulated sugar in the custard.
02 - Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
03 - Enhance presentation by adding fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream before serving.