Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish Recipe

This overnight Crème Brûlée French toast is pure magic: a creamy, custardy breakfast treat that’s both elegant and incredibly easy to make ahead for a fuss-free morning. The secret to its luscious, caramelized finish is the simple step to generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish, setting the stage for bread to soak up rich custard overnight and bake to golden perfection. Prepare it the night before, then delight in cracking through that brûléed sugar crust to reveal pillowy soft, vanilla-scented French toast beneath. It’s a restaurant-worthy brunch, right from your own kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

This French toast comes together with a handful of everyday ingredients, but don’t underestimate their power! Each one brings something special—whether it’s color, flavor, creaminess, or the perfect crisp finish. Here’s what you’ll need for this memorable brunch bake:

• French bread: Sliced thick, it soaks up the custard while holding its shape for a pillowy soft center.
• Large eggs: The base of a decadent custard—use fresh eggs for the best flavor.
• Half-and-half: Adds a rich, creamy texture that sets this French toast apart from the rest.
• Whole milk: Balances out the richness, keeping the custard light but luscious.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the baked French toast with classic, aromatic warmth.
• Granulated sugar: Slightly sweetens the custard and, of course, caramelizes to a crunchy brûlée crust.
• Ground cinnamon: Just a hint gives the whole dish that irresistible, cozy spice.
• Nutmeg (optional): If you have it, a tiny pinch adds a whisper of holiday cheer.
• Unsalted butter: Dotted on top for golden, melting richness throughout (and don’t forget to generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish!)
• Maple syrup: For serving—because nothing beats the pairing of warm French toast and maple syrup.

How to Make Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

To start things off on the right foot, generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. This may sound simple, but don’t skimp—coat every nook and cranny. It creates a nonstick surface that helps the bread soak up the custard evenly and releases those beautiful, golden edges later. Once buttered, arrange your thick French bread slices in a single layer, letting them overlap just a bit if needed.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and a sprinkle of nutmeg if you like. The goal is a smooth, unified mixture that promises both creaminess and a touch of sweetness. Keep whisking until everything is totally combined and slightly frothy.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Now, pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread slices in your generously buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure each slice is thoroughly doused! Gently press the bread down with a spatula or clean hands to help it absorb every bit of that custard goodness. This step is what gives your French toast its signature creamy interior.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Letting it rest overnight is key—the bread transforms as it soaks up the custard, yielding the most deliciously tender bites in the morning. This is your stress-free ticket to a wow-worthy breakfast!

Step 5: Bake the French Toast

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the dish out of the fridge and remove the plastic wrap. Dot the top of the bread with small butter pieces and sprinkle on a little sugar for extra crunch. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until puffed and richly golden.

Step 6: Caramelize the Sugar Topping

As soon as it comes out of the oven and cools slightly, it’s time to channel your inner pastry chef! Sprinkle an even layer of sugar all over the top, then carefully use a kitchen torch or the broiler setting to caramelize it. Watch closely—the sugar will bubble and crisp up, creating that signature crème brûlée “crack.”

Step 7: Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes so that brûléed crust can set. Then, scoop out hearty portions, drizzle generously with maple syrup, and get ready for a standing ovation at your breakfast table!

How to Serve Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish

Garnishes

There are so many ways to make every serving extra special! Fresh berries, a whisper of powdered sugar, or a few curls of chocolate add color and excitement. Consider a dollop of whipped cream for an over-the-top treat—it pairs beautifully with that caramelized sugar finish.

Side Dishes

Balance the richness of your French toast with fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or some softly scrambled eggs. The contrasting flavors and textures round out any brunch spread, making your table feel like a true celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

You can generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and then bake individual portions in ramekins for a fancy twist—each one gets its own brûléed top! Or cut the finished French toast into neat squares, stack them high, and drizzle with fruit compote for a fun, visually stunning platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the baking dish or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days, and take comfort in those easy, decadent breakfasts still to come!

Freezing

You can freeze portions for later brunches. Allow the French toast to cool completely, then wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Don’t forget to generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish if you’re reheating a larger batch from frozen!

Reheating

To rewarm, place individual slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 10–15 minutes). This helps keep the top crisp. If you’re reheating the whole dish, you can generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and heat everything together, covered loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! Challah or brioche are fantastic alternatives for their airy, tender crumb. Just slice thick and follow the same instructions for soaking and baking in your generously buttered 9×13-inch baking dish.

Is it essential to refrigerate overnight?

For the best results, yes—overnight refrigeration guarantees that every slice fully absorbs the custard, creating that creamy center. In a pinch, let it rest for at least 2–3 hours, but overnight is truly worth it!

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can swap in coconut milk and any non-dairy butter for a dairy-free version. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious. Just be sure to generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish with your preferred dairy-free alternative.

Do I need a kitchen torch for the brûlée topping?

No kitchen torch? No problem! Set your oven to broil, place the sugar-topped dish on the top rack, and watch closely. The sugar will melt and caramelize—just keep an eye to prevent burning.

What’s the best way to generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish?

Use softened butter and a pastry brush or even your hands to get into every corner and up the sides. The extra effort up front really pays off, helping every slice release with a gorgeous, golden edge.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly joyful about gathering loved ones for an easy, make-ahead breakfast that feels like a true indulgence. If you haven’t tried to generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish for this overnight Crème Brûlée French toast yet, now’s the time! It’s a recipe you’ll return to, morning after morning—promise.

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