This Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is everything you love about brunch—sweet, custardy, and golden—with a clever twist that keeps it light and satisfying. Soaked overnight in a rich vanilla custard and baked to golden perfection, it features a caramelized bottom that mimics the classic brûlée crust. Ideal for holidays, weekend brunches, or a special breakfast treat, this dish delivers indulgence without the heaviness of traditional versions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Custardy and Comforting – Soft, rich layers with just the right amount of sweetness.
Brûlée-Inspired Base – Brown sugar and light butter create a caramel-like bottom.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep it the night before and just bake in the morning.
Lightened-Up Classic – All the flavor, with smart swaps for fewer calories.
Ingredients
For the base:
- 2 tbsp light butter
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (or brown sugar substitute)
- 1 tbsp light corn syrup or honey (optional, for texture)
For the custard:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
- ½ cup egg substitute or 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp salt
Bread:
- 6 slices day-old French bread or brioche, cut 1-inch thick
Instructions
Prepare the Base
Lightly coat a baking dish (about 8×8 inches) with cooking spray. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth and bubbly. Pour the mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.
Layer the Bread
Arrange the bread slices tightly over the caramel mixture, slightly overlapping as needed.
Mix the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together almond milk, eggs or egg substitute, Greek yogurt, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Pour and Chill
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Gently press the slices down to help them soak it up. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
Bake
In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Uncover and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set.
Serve
Let cool for a few minutes, then invert slices onto plates to reveal the caramelized bottom. Serve as is or with a light dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 190
Protein: 7g
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Tips for Success
- Use Sturdy Bread – Slightly stale French bread or brioche works best for soaking up the custard without falling apart.
- Soak Overnight – Giving it time to absorb ensures a creamy texture throughout.
- Caramel on Bottom – Don’t flip until serving—this keeps the brûlée-style base intact.
- Top It Off – Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt, berries, or a drizzle of sugar-free syrup for extra flair.
Why This Recipe Works
By swapping full-fat dairy for Greek yogurt and almond milk, and using just a touch of light butter and sweetener, this version of Crème Brûlée French Toast keeps all the richness and elegance without the extra calories. The make-ahead method also makes it a breeze for hosting or relaxed mornings.
Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast brings together the elegance of dessert and the comfort of a warm breakfast—all in a lightened-up, prep-ahead package. With its custardy texture and caramel base, it feels like a treat, but you can enjoy it with zero guilt. Whether for a holiday brunch or weekend indulgence, it’s a showstopper that doesn’t overdo it.
Easy Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe Everyone Will Love
6
servings15
minutes40
minutes190
kcalThis make-ahead Crème Brûlée French Toast combines the luxurious flavor of caramelized custard with a light, wholesome twist. Perfect for brunch or special occasions, it’s an easy, elegant dish that satisfies without being overly rich.
Ingredients
For the base:
2 tbsp light butter
⅓ cup brown sugar (or brown sugar substitute)
1 tbsp light corn syrup or honey (optional, for texture)
For the custard:
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or low-fat milk)
½ cup egg substitute or 3 large eggs
¼ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon
⅛ tsp salt
Bread:
6 slices day-old French bread or brioche, cut 1-inch thick
Instructions
- Prepare the Base
Lightly coat a baking dish (about 8×8 inches) with cooking spray. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth and bubbly. Pour the mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. - Layer the Bread
Arrange the bread slices tightly over the caramel mixture, slightly overlapping as needed. - Mix the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together almond milk, eggs or egg substitute, Greek yogurt, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. - Pour and Chill
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Gently press the slices down to help them soak it up. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours). - Bake
In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Uncover and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set. - Serve
Let cool for a few minutes, then invert slices onto plates to reveal the caramelized bottom. Serve as is or with a light dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries.
Notes
- Use Sturdy Bread – Slightly stale French bread or brioche works best for soaking up the custard without falling apart.
Soak Overnight – Giving it time to absorb ensures a creamy texture throughout.
Caramel on Bottom – Don’t flip until serving—this keeps the brûlée-style base intact.
Top It Off – Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt, berries, or a drizzle of sugar-free syrup for extra flair.