Description
This make-ahead Maple Pecan French Toast Bake transforms ordinary bread into an extraordinary breakfast casserole. Custardy, cinnamon-spiced bread is topped with caramelized pecans and maple syrup, then baked to golden perfection. Prepare it the night before for stress-free morning entertaining!
Ingredients
Scale
For the French Toast Base:
- 1 large loaf French bread or challah (about 16 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Topping:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 cups pecan halves or chopped pecans
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Serving (optional):
- Extra maple syrup
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or cooking spray. Arrange the cubed bread evenly in the dish, filling it completely.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until completely smooth and well combined. The mixture should be uniform in color with no streaks of egg white.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure to coat all pieces. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press the bread down into the liquid, ensuring every piece gets soaked. Some bread will float to the top, and that’s perfectly fine.
- Refrigerate overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, creating that perfect custardy texture.
- Prepare the pecan topping: When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in the pecans.
- Add the topping: Spoon the pecan mixture evenly over the top of the soaked bread, spreading it to cover the surface as much as possible. The pecans and syrup will create a gorgeous caramelized layer as it bakes.
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, tenting it slightly so it doesn’t touch the pecan topping.
- Bake covered: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the custard to set without the top getting too dark.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown, the pecans are toasted, and the center is set (it should not jiggle when you gently shake the pan). A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the French toast bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up properly so it slices cleanly. Serve warm with extra maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream.
Notes
- Bread matters: Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy. If using fresh bread, cut it into cubes and let it dry out for a few hours or lightly toast it.
- Don’t skip the overnight soak: This step is crucial for proper texture. The bread needs time to fully absorb the custard.
- Check for doneness: The center should be set and not jiggly. If the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil and continue baking until the center is done.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare this up to 24 hours in advance. Add the pecan topping just before baking.
- Scaling: This recipe easily doubles for a crowd or halves for a smaller family. Adjust baking time accordingly for smaller pans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of recipe)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 180mg