Sure, let’s dive into the delicious realm of Overnight Caramel Strata! 🍮 This scrumptious breakfast treat is not only kid-friendly but also perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and comforting. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of prep the night before, you can wake up to a delightful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Overnight Caramel Strata
Preparation Time: 8 hours
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 12 slices of bread (preferably day-old)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Caramel Sauce:
- In a heavy small saucepan, combine the dark brown sugar, unsalted butter, and light corn syrup.
- Stir the mixture over medium-low heat until the butter melts and the sugar completely dissolves.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then remove it from the heat.
-
Coat the Baking Dish:
- Pour the caramel sauce into a 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish, ensuring to coat the bottom evenly.
- Tilt the dish to spread the caramel sauce evenly across the bottom.
-
Layer the Bread:
- Arrange 6 slices of bread in a single layer on top of the caramel sauce, trimming the bread as needed to fit the dish.
- Cover the caramel layer with the remaining bread slices, also trimming them to fit if necessary.
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Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
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Assemble the Strata:
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers of bread in the baking dish.
- Ensure that all the bread slices are soaked in the egg mixture.
-
Refrigerate Overnight:
- Cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the egg mixture.
-
Bake the Strata:
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the covering from the baking dish and bake the strata uncovered until the bread is puffed and lightly golden, which should take about 40 minutes.
-
Rest and Serve:
- Once baked, let the strata stand for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
- Then, cut the strata into 6 portions.
- Using a spatula, carefully invert each portion onto a plate so that the caramel side faces up, creating a beautiful presentation.
Now, sit back, relax, and savor the delightful flavors of this Overnight Caramel Strata with your loved ones. It’s a wonderful way to start any day on a sweet note! 🌞🍞
