If you’re a fan of decadent breakfasts or looking for a showstopping brunch dish, Pecan Pie French Toast is truly next-level comfort food. It combines the pillowy softness of classic French toast with the nutty, caramelized goodness of pecan pie—truly marrying two beloved favorites into an easy, make-ahead treat. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just want something extra special for a weekend morning, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles (and maybe even a few happy dances) to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Pecan Pie French Toast is how it transforms simple kitchen staples into a stunning main event. Each ingredient adds its own special touch—think creamy custard, rich nuts, and a hint of warm spice—so don’t skimp on quality!
- Brioche or Challah Bread: Thick-cut slices soak up the creamy custard while staying fluffy inside—perfect for this baked French toast.
- Large Eggs: Essential for binding the custard and giving your French toast that silky, rich texture.
- Whole Milk: Offers the ideal balance of creaminess without being too heavy, helping to make the custard luscious.
- Heavy Cream: Adds an extra layer of richness, making every bite truly indulgent.
- Brown Sugar: Gives a subtle molasses flavor that echoes the classic pecan pie taste—used both in the custard and topping.
- Maple Syrup: A touch in the custard adds warmth, while more in the topping brings sticky, caramelized magic.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash transforms the whole dish with cozy aroma and flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: A simple spice that gives a warm, familiar hug to every bite.
- Salt: Just enough to balance out all the sweetness—don’t skip it!
- Chopped Pecans: The main attraction for nutty crunch and that classic pecan pie flair.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted into the topping so it bakes into irresistible golden richness.
- Optional Whipped Cream or Powdered Sugar: Perfect for adding a finishing touch and extra wow factor.
How to Make Pecan Pie French Toast
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will keep the French toast from sticking and make for easy serving (and even easier clean-up). You’ll lay out all the bread slices in a single cozy layer, making sure every piece can soak up plenty of custard.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until everything is fabulously smooth and blended. This is the heart of Pecan Pie French Toast—the richer your custard, the more decadent your final dish!
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour that luscious custard evenly over the bread in your baking dish. Take a moment to press each slice gently so it really soaks up all the goodness. You want every bit to be tender on the inside but not overly soggy.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Pie Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, remaining ½ cup brown sugar, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons maple syrup. Stir it up until you have a glossy, sweet, nutty mixture. This is what elevates your baked French toast into Pecan Pie French Toast territory, giving it that signature flavor and irresistible topping.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the pecan topping over the soaked bread, making sure every slice gets plenty of that nutty, buttery love. Slide the baking dish into your hot oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden, the edges are bubbling, and the custard is just set. Your kitchen will smell like pure heaven!
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Pecan Pie French Toast rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This lets it set up beautifully for slicing and helps the flavors settle in together. Serve warm, with dollops of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar if you like. And don’t forget an extra drizzle of maple syrup for ultimate indulgence!
How to Serve Pecan Pie French Toast
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! Top warm slices with a scoop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of maple syrup. For a splash of color, add a few fresh berries or a light grating of orange zest right before serving. These simple garnishes make the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
For a full brunch spread, Pecan Pie French Toast pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon, savory breakfast sausage, or heaping bowls of fresh fruit. A bright fruit salad balances the richness, while a steaming mug of coffee or chai ties the whole meal together. You could even serve with a simple yogurt parfait if you want to lighten things up!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Pecan Pie French Toast hot from the oven, family-style, cut into big, shareable squares. Or, try slicing into smaller pieces for a dazzling brunch buffet. Individual ramekins make it even more fun for guests (and give everyone their fair share of pecan topping). Don’t be afraid to get playful with presentation—these golden-baked slices were made for attention.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors may deepen deliciously overnight. Be sure to let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid condensation.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Pecan Pie French Toast! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 325°F until heated through—this keeps them from getting soggy and revives that fresh-baked flavor. For a quick fix, you can also zap them for 30 seconds in the microwave, though the topping will be less crisp. Either way, you’ll have a warm, sweet treat ready in no time.
FAQs
Can I prepare Pecan Pie French Toast the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble it the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, let it come to room temperature while your oven preheats, and bake as directed. This makes brunch parties a total breeze!
What type Breakfast
Brioche and challah are both ideal for their rich flavor and sturdy texture, but any thick-sliced, slightly stale bread will do. The key is plenty of surface area to soak up the custard without turning to mush.
Can this be made dairy free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite plant-based milk and non-dairy cream, and swap out the butter for a vegan alternative. The texture and flavor will be just as dreamy.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Definitely—Pecan Pie French Toast is perfect for serving a hungry brunch crew. You can easily double the recipe (just use two large pans) or keep baked slices warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Your French toast is ready when the pecan topping is deeply golden, the custard appears set (not jiggly), and the kitchen smells utterly irresistible. If you’re unsure, insert a knife into the center—if it comes out mostly clean, you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a breakfast that’s as impressive as it is comforting, you can’t go wrong with Pecan Pie French Toast. It’s sheer brunch happiness on a plate—simple to make, a joy to serve, and always worth every bite. Gather your favorite people, and treat them to this pecan pie twist on a breakfast classic!
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Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of pecan pie with this decadent Pecan Pie French Toast. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, this baked French toast is a delightful treat that combines the richness of pecans with the sweetness of maple syrup.
Ingredients
Bread Mixture:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (cut into 1-inch slices)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup brown sugar (for topping)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for topping)
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream or powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the bread: Arrange the sliced bread in a single layer in the dish.
- Mix the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Pour the mixture over the bread.
- Make the pecan topping: Combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and maple syrup. Spoon the mixture over the soaked bread.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and set. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- You can prep this dish the night before and refrigerate it for convenience.
- Bring the dish to room temperature before baking for best results.
- Enhance the dish with a drizzle of warm maple syrup when serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
