Caramelized Pecan French Toast Bake
Indulge in this delightful Caramelized Pecan French Toast Bake, a luxurious twist on a classic breakfast dish. This recipe features fluffy cubes of French bread soaked overnight in a rich custard made from eggs, milk, and cream, infused with warm spices. Topped with a delicious mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, and crunchy pecans, this dish bakes to a golden perfection, creating a crispy top layer while remaining soft and custardy inside. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a special family breakfast, this crowd-pleaser is sure to impress with its sweet, nutty aroma and enticing flavors. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and fresh fruit for an unforgettable morning treat.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
French bread
1 loaf (cut into 1 inch cubes)
eggs
6 (beaten)
milk
1.5 cups (none)
half-and-half cream
1.5 cups (none)
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
pecans
1 cup (chopped)
maple syrup
3 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
The night before, cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a lightly greased bowl or airtight container.
2
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. Add in the milk, half-and-half, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly.
3
Pour the egg mixture over the cubed bread, making sure to coat each piece. Gently stir to combine, then cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard mixture.
4
In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5
Transfer the soaked bread into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and maple syrup. Mix until combined.
7
Pour the pecan topping evenly over the bread mixture, ensuring all pieces are covered.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with additional maple syrup and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caramelized Pecan French Toast Bake?
It is a luxurious breakfast dish featuring French bread cubes soaked overnight in a spiced egg custard and topped with a buttery pecan and brown sugar glaze.
What kind of bread should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for one loaf of French bread.
How should the French bread be prepared?
The bread should be cut into 1-inch cubes before soaking.
How many eggs are required?
You will need 6 beaten eggs for the custard base.
What liquids are used for the custard soaking mixture?
The recipe uses a combination of 1.5 cups of milk and 1.5 cups of half-and-half cream.
Which spices give the dish its flavor?
The custard is infused with 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How long does the bread need to soak?
The bread should be refrigerated and allowed to soak in the custard mixture overnight.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the dish.
What size baking dish is needed?
You should use a greased 9x9-inch baking dish.
What ingredients make up the caramelized topping?
The topping is made from 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1 cup chopped pecans, and 3 tablespoons of maple syrup.
How long does the French toast bake in the oven?
It should bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden.
How do I know when the dish is fully cooked?
The dish is done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Should I serve this dish with anything else?
It is delicious served with an additional drizzle of maple syrup and fresh fruit.
What is the texture of the finished bake?
The bake features a crispy, crunchy top layer while remaining soft and custardy on the inside.
Do the pecans need to be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the 1 cup of pecans should be chopped before being added to the topping.
Is the brown sugar measured specifically?
Yes, use 1 cup of packed brown sugar for the best caramelized results.
Do I need to grease the dish?
Yes, you should grease the baking dish as well as the bowl or container used for overnight soaking.
Can I prepare the custard and bread in advance?
Yes, this is an overnight recipe where the bread is intended to soak in the custard before baking the next morning.
Should the dish be served hot or cold?
The French toast bake is best served warm after cooling slightly.
Is this recipe considered a Southern dish?
Yes, it is tagged as Southern cuisine.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is this a good recipe for a crowd?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for brunch gatherings or special family breakfasts.
What should I do with the egg mixture initially?
Beat the eggs thoroughly before mixing in the milk, half-and-half, and spices.
How do I ensure the bread is properly soaked?
Pour the egg mixture over the cubed bread and gently stir to ensure every piece is coated.
When do I add the pecan topping?
Add the topping in the morning, just before placing the dish in the oven to bake.
Can I use plain sugar instead of brown sugar?
The recipe calls for brown sugar to achieve the specific caramelized flavor and texture.
Is the maple syrup only for the topping?
Maple syrup is used both in the topping mixture (3 tablespoons) and as an optional drizzle when serving.
Does the recipe contain any fiber information?
Nutritional data such as fiber, calories, and protein are not specified in the provided recipe details.
How should I store the soaked bread overnight?
Place the bread and egg mixture in a covered airtight container or a greased bowl in the refrigerator.