Overnight Crème Brûlée Toast (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Caramel Base

01 - 115g unsalted butter
02 - 200g brown sugar
03 - 2 tablespoons light corn syrup

→ Custard

04 - 5 large eggs
05 - 350ml half-and-half
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ Base & Topping

09 - 1 loaf brioche or challah, sliced into 2cm thick pieces
10 - 50g granulated sugar (for caramelizing)

→ Optional Garnishes

11 - Maple syrup
12 - Fresh berries
13 - Powdered sugar
14 - Whipped cream

# Instructions:

01 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until fully combined and smooth. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly across the bottom.
02 - Place the brioche or challah slices in a single layer over the caramel mixture, ensuring complete coverage of the dish.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure all slices are saturated.
04 - Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
06 - Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the baked French toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp, or place under a hot broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
07 - Allow to cool slightly before cutting into portions. Serve warm with optional toppings such as maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.

# Notes:

01 - This dish can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, making it perfect for holiday brunches or special occasions.
02 - If using a broiler for caramelizing, position the rack about 6 inches from the heat source and watch carefully to prevent burning.