Overnight Crème Brûlée Brioche Bread is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish—luxuriously rich, softly custardy inside, and finished with a caramelized, crackly top that feels straight out of a French bakery. It’s everything you love about crème brûlée and French toast combined, with the ease of preparing it the night before.
This is the kind of recipe that shines on holidays, special mornings, or anytime you want to impress without waking up early to cook.
Yield and Timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep time is 15 minutes (the night before).
Rest time: overnight (8–12 hours).
Bake time: 40–45 minutes.
Ingredients
For the base:
- 1 loaf brioche bread, cut into thick slices or cubes
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup (or honey)
For the custard:
- 5 large eggs
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the brûlée topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Preparation
The night before, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth and glossy. Pour this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Arrange the brioche bread over the caramel layer in a snug, even layer.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. Slowly pour the custard mixture over the brioche, making sure all pieces are soaked.
Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Baking
The next morning, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
Brûlée Finish
Just before serving, sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crackly.
If you don’t have a torch, place the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching very closely to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, straight from the dish, with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired. It pairs beautifully with coffee or espresso and makes any morning feel special.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven. While the brûlée topping is best fresh, leftovers are still rich and delicious.
Why This Recipe Is a Showstopper
Overnight Crème Brûlée Brioche Bread delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The overnight soak creates a soft, custardy center, while the caramelized sugar topping adds that unmistakable crackle everyone loves.
It’s elegant, comforting, and unforgettable—proof that the best breakfasts are the ones you plan ahead.
