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.