Get ready to wake up and smell the maple syrup, folks! This Fluffy Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake is about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise. With its soft, pillowy texture and decadent pecan topping, this dish is a true breakfast sensation that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Prepare to experience the ultimate in maple-infused, nutty goodness – this recipe is an absolute game-changer!
Why You’ll Love This Fluffy Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake
Imagine sinking your fork into a fluffy, cloud-like piece of baked French toast, perfectly infused with the rich, caramelized sweetness of maple syrup and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. This Fluffy Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake is the ultimate breakfast indulgence that will have you craving a second (or third!) helping. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also a breeze to make, perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead of time for an easy, stress-free morning. Get ready to transform your breakfast routine into a flavor-packed, Instagram-worthy experience with this truly epic dish!
Ingredients
This Fluffy Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake requires just a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. You’ll need eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to create the custard-like base, and then you’ll top it all off with slices of crusty bread, pecans, and an extra drizzle of maple syrup. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and nutty, with a texture that’s out of this world.
- 8 large eggs – for the rich, custardy base
- 2 cups milk – to create that soft, pillowy texture
- 1/2 cup maple syrup – the star of the show!
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – for irresistible warmth and depth of flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – to balance the sweetness
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bread: Feel free to use any type of bread you prefer, from challah to sourdough to brioche. The options are endless!
- Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try substituting walnuts or even a mix of nuts for a delicious twist.
How to Make Fluffy Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake
This Fluffy Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake is a breeze to whip up, and the best part is that you can make it ahead of time for an easy, stress-free morning. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Prep Work
To get started, grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Then, tear or cut the bread into cubes and arrange them in the prepared dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Pour the egg mixture over the bread, making sure to evenly distribute it. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top, and then let the whole thing sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) to allow the bread to soak up all that incredible flavor.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Pop the dish in the oven and let it work its magic for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are golden brown. This is when your kitchen is going to start smelling like a maple-syrup-infused dream.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
As soon as the Fluffy Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake comes out of the oven, drizzle it with an extra dose of maple syrup for that perfect, gooey, sweet-and-nutty finish. Let it cool for a few minutes, then dig in and prepare to be amazed!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Toasted Pecans: Be sure to toast the pecans before adding them to the dish – it really brings out their incredible flavor.
- Seasonal Twists: Want to take this Fluffy Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake to the next level? Try folding in some chopped apples or pears for a seasonal twist.
- Indulgent Toppings: Top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Individual Servings: Make this recipe in individual ramekins for a fun, customizable presentation.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, and perhaps a side of crispy bacon or sausage for the ultimate breakfast feast.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Make-Ahead: This Fluffy Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake is the perfect make-ahead dish. Simply assemble the entire recipe, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as usual.
Nutrition Information
This Fluffy Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake is a decadent breakfast treat, but the combination of protein-rich eggs, fiber-filled pecans, and wholesome maple syrup makes it a satisfying and nourishing way to start your day.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 41 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Fluffy Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake is the perfect make-ahead dish. Simply assemble the entire recipe, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as usual.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Definitely! This recipe is super versatile. You can use any type of bread you have on hand, from sliced sandwich bread to brioche to sourdough. Just be sure to cut or tear it into cubes before assembling the dish.
Can I add any extra ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and customize this recipe to your liking. Some delicious additions could include chopped apples, pears, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The Fluffy Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake is ready when the center is set and the edges are golden brown, about 40-45 minutes in the oven. You can also do the classic toothpick test – insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes, you can easily reheat any leftovers of this Fluffy Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake. Simply pop a serving in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or heat it up in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Try These Next
Print
Fluffy Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Sides
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fluffy Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake is a delightful and hearty dish perfect for a cozy morning. With a rich maple flavor and crunchy pecans, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
4 cups of cubed bread
1 cup of chopped pecans
4 large eggs
2 cups of milk
1/2 cup of maple syrup
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add the cubed bread and chopped pecans to the mixture, stirring gently to combine.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with extra maple syrup if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use brioche or challah bread.
You can substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: breakfast, bake, maple, pecan