Maple Pecan French Toast
Indulge in the ultimate breakfast with our Maple Pecan French Toast recipe! Perfect for cozy mornings or brunch gatherings.
Servings: 6
Calories: 794kcal
Ingredients
Pecan Base:
- 1 stick of Butter
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- ⅓ cup Maple Syrup
- ¼ cup Heavy Cream
- 1 ½ cups Chopped Pecans
- ½ tsp Salt
French Toast:
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 3 Eggs
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 ½ tsp Cinnamon
- ½ tsp Nutmeg
- Zest of one Orange optional for flavor balance but leave out if you prefer
- 6 slices Brioche Bread
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Pecan Base: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, and heavy cream. Continue to cook, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the chopped pecans and salt to the saucepan. Stir until the pecans are well coated with the syrup mixture. Pour the pecan mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Set Aside.
- Prepare the French Toast Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest (if using) until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Dip both sides of each slice of brioche bread in the egg mixture and place on top of the pecan mixture in the casserole dish without overlapping. Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up more of the egg mixture. This step ensures a custardy texture in the final product.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Use a spatula to take the slices out of the baking dish and flip them over onto the plate so the pecan side is up. Baking the bread right side up allows the bread to get nice and crispy.
- Serve: Top with more maple syrup,a dusting of powdered sugar and whipped cream if you’d like!
Notes
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
Store leftovers in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and reheat. To reheat, cover individual servings with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
For those who plan ahead, this French toast is a gem. Assemble the dish the night before, cover it, and let it rest in the refrigerator. The next morning, simply bake as directed. This not only enhances the flavors but also makes your morning routine a breeze.Substitutions & Variations
Dietary restrictions or missing an ingredient? Don’t fret. Swap in almond milk or oat cream for heavy cream, or substitute walnuts if pecans aren’t your thing. You can even add in some fruit for a different twist.Helpful Cooking Notes
- Bread Choice: While brioche is luxurious, challah or even thick slices of Texas toast can be excellent alternatives. The key is using bread that's sturdy enough to soak up the egg mixture without falling apart.
- Nutty Tip: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the base can unlock more of their aromatic oils, enhancing the nutty flavor.
- Sweetness Adjust: Feel free to dial the maple syrup up or down based on your preference. Remember, the joy of cooking is making it your own.