Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole: The Ultimate Breakfast Indulgence
Prep overnight for a warm, crowd-pleasing centerpiece that delights every morning.
Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole
Few breakfasts feel as delightfully luxurious as a Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole. This dish marries the chewy, custardy texture of classic French toast with the gooey, nutty flavors of pecan pie, all baked in a single dish for minimal fuss and maximum reward. It’s a surefire centerpiece for holiday breakfasts, special brunches, or mornings when you crave something genuinely special.
Why Make Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole?
- Easy Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning—perfect for busy holidays or hosting guests.
- Indulgent & Comforting: The rich custard, caramel-like syrup, and toasty pecans deliver all the cozy flavors of pecan pie in breakfast form.
- Feeds a Crowd: One 9-by-13-inch casserole dish easily yields enough for a group, making it ideal for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for your casserole. Sturdy French bread is recommended as it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy.
For the French Toast Layer:
- Butter or nonstick spray (for the baking dish)
- 1 loaf French bread, about 18 inches long
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Pecan Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups pecans (roughly chopped, with some left whole)
- 1 stick salted butter (1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow this method for perfectly baked, richly flavored casserole every time.
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously butter or spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
- Slice the Bread: Cut the French bread into 16 thick slices (about 1 inch each).
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Soak the Bread: Dip 4 slices at a time into the egg mixture, letting each rest for 1 minute per side. Arrange soaked slices in the baking dish, slightly overlapping. Repeat until all bread is used. Pour any leftover custard over the bread in the dish.
- Let It Rest: Allow the bread to soak in the mixture while you prepare the topping. If making ahead, cover and refrigerate at this stage for several hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Pecan Topping: Roughly chop the pecans (leave some whole for texture). In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and maple syrup. Cook, whisking often, until the butter is melted and the sugar has dissolved (about 5-8 minutes). Stir in pecans and immediately remove from heat.
- Assemble & Bake: Distribute the pecan mixture evenly over the bread. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for 25-30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice into squares. Serve with a drizzle of syrup from the pan and additional maple syrup, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Bread Choice: Sturdy French bread works best and resists becoming overly soggy. Avoid pre-sliced sandwich loaves, which can fall apart during soaking.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole through the soaking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add the topping just before baking for best texture.
- Craving Variety? Stir in a handful of chocolate chips to the bread layer or add a sprinkle of orange zest to the custard for festive flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This decadent casserole is the star of any breakfast table—but why not go all out? Try serving with:
- Fresh seasonal fruit (such as berries or sliced oranges)
- Extra maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream
- A savory side, like crispy bacon or breakfast sausage, to balance the sweetness
How to Store & Reheat
- Storing: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm slices in a 300°F oven until heated through, or microwave single servings for 30–60 seconds.
- Freezing: For longer storage, assemble and freeze (unbaked) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
What others are reading
Nutritional Overview
| Serving Size | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 square (approx.) | ~420 | 25g | 40g | 9g |
Values are estimates and will vary based on exact portions and ingredient brands used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes, assemble the casserole (through soaking the bread) the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Add the pecan topping just before baking for the freshest results.
What’s the best bread to use?
French bread is ideal—it absorbs the custard well without disintegrating. Brioche or challah are also good options, though richer.
How can I make this recipe nut-free?
Replace the pecan topping with a simple brown sugar streusel, omitting the pecans. Substitute pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added crunch, if desired.
Can I substitute the corn syrup?
You can use additional maple syrup or honey in the topping, though the texture may be slightly less gooey than with corn syrup.
What should I do if my casserole is not setting?
Ensure your oven is fully preheated and bake until the custard is no longer liquid in the center—an extra 5–10 minutes may help if needed.
Recipe Variations and Customizations
- Apple-Pecan French Toast: Layer thinly sliced apples between the bread slices before baking for a sweet, tart twist.
- Chocolate-Pecan French Toast: Add chocolate chips to the custard-soaked bread for extra indulgence.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and a dairy-free cream alternative, plus vegan butter for the topping.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- Crowd-pleaser: Both kids and adults love the combination of warm cinnamon custard and gooey pecan topping.
- Make-ahead Friendly: Prep in advance so your morning stays stress-free yet delicious.
- Party Perfect: Looks impressive; tastes even better with little hands-on effort.
Troubleshooting & Expert Tips
- Soggy Casserole? Be sure to use bread that is at least a day old, or briefly toast your slices before soaking if using fresh bread.
- Too Dry? Check to make sure all slices are evenly soaked, and pour leftover custard over the top before resting.
- Even Topping: Distribute the pecan syrup mixture uniformly so every bite gets a nutty crunch and caramelized sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This irresistible pecan pie french toast casserole honors everything cozy, rich, and inviting about special-occasion breakfasts. Whether it’s for a festive holiday breakfast or a laid-back weekend brunch, its gooey, crisp-topped goodness is guaranteed to make memories.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a37612689/pecan-pie-french-toast-casserole-recipe/
- https://imhungryforthat.com/pioneer-woman-french-toast-casserole/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10733/baked-french-toast/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g65574882/french-toast-recipes/
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