Kittencal’s Overnight Layered Caramel French Toast
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 24 hours
Total Time: 24 hours 45 minutes
Recipe Category: Breakfast
Servings: 6
Description
This indulgent Overnight Layered Caramel French Toast is the perfect dish for a relaxing weekend brunch or even a satisfying dinner. It’s an easy yet impressive recipe that combines the richness of caramel with the soft, comforting texture of French toast. Ideal for preparing ahead of time, this recipe requires a little planning as it needs to sit in the refrigerator overnight, allowing the flavors to meld. Simply bake it in the morning or evening, and you’ll have a warm, mouthwatering breakfast waiting for you and your loved ones. Prepare to be asked for seconds!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Corn syrup | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter, unsalted | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar, packed | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Eggs | 6 large |
| Half-and-half cream | 1 1/2 cups |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 814.9 kcal |
| Total Fat | 29.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 249.1 mg |
| Sodium | 994.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 116.1 g |
| Fiber | 3.1 g |
| Sugar | 40.9 g |
| Protein | 23.3 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Pan: Butter a 13×9-inch baking dish generously to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
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Make the Caramel Layer: In a small saucepan, combine the corn syrup, butter, and brown sugar. Place over medium heat, stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to simmer until it becomes syrupy and smooth. This will take about 5 minutes. Once the caramel is ready, pour it over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring it coats the entire surface evenly.
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Arrange the Bread: Lay 6 slices of French bread over the caramel mixture, making sure they are evenly spaced. You can use a whole loaf of French bread, sliced into thick pieces, for the best results. The bread will soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a rich, custard-like texture after baking.
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Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half cream, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Be sure to whisk the ingredients until they are well combined and smooth.
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Layer the Bread: Pour half of the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices in the pan, making sure the bread is fully covered. Then, add the remaining 6 slices of bread on top, and pour the remaining egg mixture over these slices. It’s important that every piece of bread is covered in the egg mixture to ensure it cooks properly and absorbs the flavor.
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Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, which enhances the flavor and texture.
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Bake the French Toast: The next morning (or evening, depending on when you plan to serve), remove the pan from the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes. You will know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the edges are crisp. The caramel at the bottom will have bubbled up, creating a rich, gooey sauce.
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Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the caramel to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy with a drizzle of extra maple syrup or fresh fruit for an added touch.
Tips for Success
- Use day-old bread: For the best texture, use slightly stale French bread or any other firm bread. This helps the bread soak up the egg mixture without falling apart during baking.
- Make it ahead: This dish is perfect for busy mornings! Simply prepare it the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it the next morning.
- Add toppings: Top your caramel French toast with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or fresh berries for an extra burst of flavor.
Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner, this Overnight Layered Caramel French Toast is guaranteed to become a family favorite. The combination of soft, custardy bread soaked in a sweet caramel syrup is irresistible. Make sure to prepare ahead so you can bake and indulge in this rich and comforting dish with minimal effort.
