Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast Recipe that You'll Find Waiting for you in Your Sundance Cabin

We love leaving welcome baskets for our guests that are checking in! Sometimes we leave beautiful foods and meats, sometimes ingredients and to an included recipe.

Our return guests often for a ask for a repeat of our Crème Brûlée French Toast - a rich, custardy twist on a classic breakfast — made with caramelized sugar, vanilla cream, and thick slices of brioche or challah.

Here its - incase you missed it -

What You’ll Need

French Bread (Day-Old, Thick-Cut Slices)Using slightly stale bread helps it absorb the custard while maintaining structure. If your loaf is fresh, lightly toast it before assembling.

Eggs (8 large)The foundation of the custard, eggs bring richness and help bind the dish together.

Half-and-Half (2 cups) + Heavy Cream (1 cup)This duo creates a creamy, decadent custard for soaking the bread.

Granulated Sugar (½ cup)Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the eggy custard.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)Infuses the custard with warm, aromatic depth.

Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon)A gentle touch of spice to elevate the flavor.

Pinch of SaltHelps balance the sweetness and enhance the custard’s richness.

For the Crème Brûlée Topping

Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed) + Granulated Sugar (½ cup)This blend creates the signature brûléed topping that sets this French toast apart.

Optional Add-Ons and Substitutions

Dairy-Free VersionUse coconut cream, almond milk, or oat milk in place of dairy for a lighter (or allergy-friendly) option.

Gluten-FreeSwap the bread with your favorite gluten-free variety—just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to the custard.

Spice VariationsAdd nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist or holiday flavor profile.

Tips for Perfect French Toast

Use Slightly Dry BreadThis helps avoid a soggy texture and gives the dish structure after baking.

Soak CompletelyMake sure every slice is evenly covered in the custard so the flavor is distributed throughout.

Refrigerate OvernightLetting it rest overnight allows the custard to fully absorb into the bread, creating the best texture.

Prevent Over-BrowningIf the top begins to brown too quickly, tent with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Let It Rest Before ServingA 5-minute rest makes slicing cleaner and allows the custard to set.

Preparing the Topping

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the soaked bread. This is what will give your dish that crave-worthy caramelized finish.

Bake and Finish

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and crisp. For an extra-crispy caramel top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—but watch closely to avoid burning.

Let rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Add Fresh FruitGarnish with sliced strawberries, raspberries, bananas, or pomegranate seeds for brightness and a pop of color.

Whipped Cream or Maple SyrupJust a little goes a long way to make it even more indulgent.

Pair with Savory SidesBalance the sweetness with bacon, sausage, or eggs on the side.

Creative Twists

Turn It Into DessertAdd a scoop of vanilla ice cream and serve warm for a crowd-pleasing finale.

Add TextureTop with toasted pecans, walnuts, or coconut flakes before baking for extra crunch.

IF YOU'RE FEELING COOL . . . TRY THIS

Homemade Buttermilk Syrup

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (optional, helps with smooth texture)

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Stir in the sugar, buttermilk, and corn syrup (if using).

3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly.

4. Once boiling, add the baking soda. The syrup will foam up—this is normal and part of what gives it its signature light texture.

5. Reduce heat and simmer for 1–2 minutes, stirring often.

6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

7. Let it cool slightly before serving—it will thicken as it sits.

Storage TipStore leftovers in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop before serving.