Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Get ready for the ultimate breakfast experience with this Maple Pecan French Toast Bake that’s about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise! This recipe is absolutely INSANE – and I’m not even sorry about it. Life gave us ingredients, and we’re about to make them LEGENDARY!
Why You’ll Love This Maple Pecan French Toast Bake
This Maple Pecan French Toast Bake is the ultimate breakfast indulgence that will have your taste buds exploding with joy. Imagine layers of thick-cut brioche bread soaked in a rich, custard-like egg mixture, infused with the irresistible flavors of pure maple syrup and crunchy pecans. It’s a decadent dish that’s perfect for lazy weekends, holiday brunches, or anytime you need a mouth-watering, comfort-food experience. Warning: This dish causes serious food jealousy, so be prepared to share (or not)!
Ingredients
Gather up the essentials for this Maple Pecan French Toast Bake: thick-cut brioche bread, eggs, heavy cream, milk, pure maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and of course, those incredible, crunchy pecans. This combination of ingredients creates a sensational blend of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds)!
- 1 loaf (about 16 oz) – Thick-cut brioche bread, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 8 large – Eggs
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
- 1 cup – Milk
- 1/2 cup – Pure maple syrup, plus more for serving
Ingredient Substitutions
- Brioche Bread: Challah or a gluten-free bread option (works just as well)
- Pecans: Walnuts or almonds (for a dietary swap)
How to Make Maple Pecan French Toast Bake
This Maple Pecan French Toast Bake is a breeze to make, and the results are simply out of this world. Let’s dive in and get started!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by greasing a large baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Tear the brioche bread into bite-sized pieces and arrange them in the prepared dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined. Pour this custard-like mixture over the bread, making sure all the pieces are evenly coated. Cover the dish and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the top of the soaked bread with the chopped pecans, pressing them gently into the mixture. Bake the Maple Pecan French Toast Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and crispy.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm, drizzled with additional maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired. This dish is truly a sensational explosion of flavors and textures that will have your guests smashing their plates and begging for more!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add-Ins: Try adding chopped apples, berries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar on top for extra flavor and texture.
- Nut Swaps: Substitute the pecans for walnuts or almonds if desired.
- Creamy Twist: Layer in a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone for an extra indulgent touch.
- Savory Pairing: Serve with a side of crispy bacon or sausage links for a truly decadent breakfast.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Additional maple syrup, powdered sugar, crispy bacon, or sausage links.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: This Maple Pecan French Toast Bake can be assembled the night before, covered, and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
This Maple Pecan French Toast Bake is certainly a decadent and indulgent dish, but it’s also packed with some nutritional benefits. The eggs and heavy cream provide a good source of protein, while the pecans offer healthy fats and fiber. And of course, the pure maple syrup is a natural sweetener that offers some antioxidants. Enjoy this sensational breakfast in moderation, and savor every bite!
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the bake
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Maple Pecan French Toast Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for making in advance. Simply assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can definitely use a different type of bread if you don’t have access to brioche. Challah, sourdough, or even a gluten-free bread will all work well in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this Maple Pecan French Toast Bake dairy-free, simply substitute the heavy cream and milk with non-dairy alternatives, like almond or oat milk. You can also use a dairy-free butter or coconut oil to grease the baking dish.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
For a healthier version, you can use a sugar-free maple syrup, reduce the amount of brown sugar, and incorporate whole wheat or sprouted bread. You can also add in more nutrient-dense ingredients like fresh berries or chopped nuts.
Can I freeze this French toast bake?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze this Maple Pecan French Toast Bake! Simply bake it as directed, let it cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven until warmed through.
Try These Next
- Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake
- Maple Bacon French Toast Casserole
- Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour With Toasted Pecans
Maple Pecan French Toast Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Maple Pecan French Toast Bake is a delicious and easy breakfast dish, perfect for serving a crowd. It’s made with layers of bread soaked in a sweet maple custard and topped with crunchy pecans.
Ingredients
1 loaf of French bread, cubed
4 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans, chopped
Butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Add the cubed French bread to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Notes
Serve warm with additional maple syrup on the side.
This dish can be prepared the night before and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: French Toast, Breakfast, Maple, Pecan