If you love the rich, buttery flavors of a classic pecan pie but crave something a little different for breakfast, this Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe is going to sweep you off your feet. Imagine thick slices of brioche soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, baked until perfectly golden, then topped with a luscious, sticky pecan topping that brings caramel and maple syrup notes to life. It’s the ultimate comfort dish that transforms brunch into a celebration, pairing the nostalgic charm of pecan pie with the irresistible texture of French toast. Whether you’re hosting a special morning or simply treating yourself, this recipe shines bright every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is key to nailing this Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, from the richness of the custard to the crunch and sweetness of the pecan topping. These simple yet essential components come together to create layers of texture and flavor you won’t forget.
- Brioche or challah bread: Thick, sturdy slices that soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
- Large eggs: The base for the creamy custard, adding structure and richness.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and a smooth texture to the custard.
- Heavy cream: Boosts the custard’s richness and makes it decadently creamy.
- Brown sugar: Provides deep caramel notes in both the custard and the pecan topping.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the custard with warm, sweet aroma.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle spice that complements the nuts and maple syrup.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for the topping, creating that glossy, buttery crust.
- Maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the pecan topping.
- Chopped pecans: The star ingredient providing crunch and signature nutty flavor.
How to Make Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard and Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking dish to prevent sticking. Whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is combined into a smooth custard. Place your thick slices of brioche or challah bread in the dish, arranging them closely but with a bit of overlap. Pour the custard evenly over the bread, and press the slices gently so they soak up all that luscious liquid. Let the bread sit for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the full flavor and moisture.
Step 2: Make the Pecan Topping
While your bread soaks, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt, letting the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling lightly, fold in the chopped pecans and cook for just a minute or two until they’re toasted and coated in the glossy syrupy sauce. This topping is the magic touch that mimics the richness of pecan pie but with a satisfying crunch.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the warm pecan mixture evenly over the soaked bread in your baking dish, making sure every slice gets that sweet, nutty blanket. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You want the top golden brown and the custard fully set but still soft and creamy inside. When it’s done, remove it and let it cool briefly so the custard firms up, but be sure to serve it warm for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
How to Serve Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnish elevates this Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe even more. A dusting of powdered sugar can lend a delicate sweetness and beautiful presentation, while a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of extra maple syrup enhances the richness and ties all the flavors together perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this decadent dish with fresh seasonal fruit like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or even orange segments to cut through the sweetness and add a refreshing contrast. If you want to keep things cozy, crispy bacon or breakfast sausage adds a savory balance everyone will appreciate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or muffin tins for a personal touch at brunch. You could also create a French toast casserole bar with toppings like chopped nuts, caramel sauce, and fresh fruits for guests to customize their own slice of this Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe bliss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which might be rare!), cool them completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or placing in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 to 3 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
This Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices well in plastic wrap, then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your slice in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes, or use a toaster oven until warmed through and crispy on top. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that delightful texture, as it tends to make French toast soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah are best for their soft texture and ability to absorb custard without getting mushy, you can also use other sturdy breads like Texas toast or even a day-old white bread. Just avoid very thin or delicate loaves.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milk and a coconut cream or cashew cream alternative. Use vegan butter for the topping to keep it dairy-free and just as delicious.
Can I prepare the Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe the night before?
Definitely! One of the perks of this recipe is that you can assemble everything the night before, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just bake it fresh for a hassle-free brunch.
How do I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?
Using thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah is the first step. Also, be sure not to over-soak the bread in the custard. A gentle press after pouring the custard helps the bread absorb just enough without turning mushy.
Can I add other nuts or ingredients to the topping?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix walnuts, almonds, or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut into the pecan topping to add your own twist and extra texture to the Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe is a true delight that perfectly balances indulgence and comfort in every bite. It’s an ideal choice for holiday mornings, special occasions, or whenever you just want to give yourself a delicious treat. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a beloved favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pecan Pie French Toast is a decadent and delicious baked breakfast casserole that combines the rich flavors of pecan pie with the comforting texture of French toast. Made with brioche or challah bread soaked in a sweet custard and topped with a buttery pecan topping, this dish is perfect for holiday brunches or special mornings.
Ingredients
French Toast
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Pecan Topping
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1½ cups chopped pecans
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Assemble Bread: Arrange the sliced brioche or challah bread in the baking dish in a single layer, slightly overlapping the pieces.
- Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices. Press down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the custard fully. Let this sit for 10–15 minutes to soak.
- Prepare Pecan Topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans and cook the mixture for 1–2 minutes until well combined and fragrant.
- Combine Topping and Bread: Pour the pecan topping evenly over the soaked bread in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set.
- Serve: Allow the Pecan Pie French Toast to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm, optionally garnished with extra maple syrup or whipped cream.
Notes
- To make ahead, assemble the French toast the night before and refrigerate covered; bake in the morning for convenience.
- Use thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah to prevent the dish from becoming soggy.
