Indulge in the decadent flavors of this Vanilla Bean French Toast Bake. This recipe combines the rich essence of creme brulee with the comforting warmth of a classic French toast, creating a delightful dish that is perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Creme Brulee French Toast Casserole is a luxurious twist on traditional French toast, with a creamy custard-like texture and a caramelized sugar topping that adds a delightful crunch. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors and elegant presentation.
Ingredients:
- 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
For the topping: - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions:
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and place the cubed French bread evenly in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and salt. Pour the mixture over the bread, pressing the bread down to absorb the liquid. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- To make the topping, combine 1 cup light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and diced butter in a bowl. Mix with a fork or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the soaked bread.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp.
- Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes + overnight soaking
Kcal: 560 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Recipe Tips:
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of rum or bourbon to the custard mixture.
- You can customize the toppings by adding fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Make sure to let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Enjoy this sumptuous Creme Brulee French Toast Casserole for a special breakfast treat that will leave your taste buds craving for more!