Overnight Crème Brûlée-Inspired French Toast: A Decadent Make-Ahead Breakfast

Slice the bread into 1-inch thick slices. If your bread is not already stale, place the slices on a baking sheet and toast them lightly in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to dry them out slightly. This helps the bread absorb the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
Make the custard mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Assemble the French toast:

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange the slices of bread in the dish, overlapping slightly. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure all slices are soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, so the bread absorbs the custard fully.
Bake the French toast:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the French toast has soaked overnight, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature while the oven preheats.
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread, then sprinkle with the light brown sugar. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
Caramelize the topping:

Once the French toast is baked, sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy, golden-brown layer. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Serve:

Let the French toast cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with fresh berries or whipped cream, if desired, for an extra indulgent touch.
Serving and Storage Tips: