Citrus-Infused Pecan French Toast Bake
Indulge your senses with this decadent Citrus-Infused Pecan French Toast Bake, perfect for hosting overnight guests or treating yourself to a luxurious breakfast. This elegant dish highlights the zesty flavor of fresh orange juice and the comforting crunch of pecans, making it a delightful centerpiece for any brunch table. With easy advance preparation, simply mix the ingredients the night before and let the flavors meld. Baked to perfection, this French toast bake offers a warm, sweet aroma that fills your kitchen and brings a touch of Texas sunshine to your morning routine.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggs
4 (Beaten)
orange juice
2/3 cup (Freshly squeezed)
milk
1/3 cup (Whole milk or your preferred alternative)
sugar
1/4 cup (Granulated)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Pure vanilla extract)
ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly grated if possible)
bread
8 slices (1/2 inch thick (preferably brioche or challah))
butter
1/4 cup (Melted, for greasing pan and topping)
chopped pecans
1/2 cup (Chopped, for topping)
sugar
1/2 cup (For pecan topping)
butter
1/2 cup (Melted, for pecan topping)
orange juice
1 cup (For syrup)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, orange juice, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
2
Layer the slices of bread in a single layer in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all slices are thoroughly soaked.
3
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the bread to absorb the custard mixture.
4
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5
In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat until bubbling. Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the greased baking dish.
6
Remove the plastic wrap from the bread and arrange the soaked slices on top of the melted butter in the dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
7
While the bread is baking, prepare the pecan topping. In a separate bowl, mix together chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted butter until combined.
8
After 20 minutes of baking, sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the bread and return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
9
For the orange syrup, combine 1 cup of orange juice and 1/2 cup of sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved. Avoid boiling the mixture.
10
Cool the syrup for 10 minutes before serving over the warm French toast bake. Enjoy your delightful creation warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Citrus-Infused Pecan French Toast Bake?
It is a decadent breakfast dish featuring bread soaked in an orange-infused custard, topped with crunchy pecans and served with a homemade orange syrup.
How long should the bread soak in the egg mixture?
The bread should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow it to thoroughly absorb the custard mixture.
Can I prepare this French toast bake the night before?
Yes, it is designed for easy advance preparation, making it perfect for hosting overnight guests.
What type of bread is recommended for this recipe?
Brioche or challah bread sliced about 1/2 inch thick is preferred for the best texture.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I make the orange syrup?
Combine 1 cup of orange juice and 1/2 cup of sugar in a small saucepan and cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
What are the ingredients for the pecan topping?
The topping consists of 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted butter.
How many eggs are needed for the custard?
You will need 4 beaten eggs for the custard base.
Should I boil the orange syrup?
No, you should avoid boiling the mixture; simply stir it over low heat until the sugar is dissolved.
How long does the dish need to bake initially?
The soaked bread slices should bake for about 20 minutes before adding the pecan topping.
How long does it bake after adding the pecans?
Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until it is golden brown and crisp.
What spices are used in the custard?
Ground nutmeg is used, preferably freshly grated for the best flavor.
Can I use a milk alternative?
Yes, you can use whole milk or your preferred milk alternative.
How much orange juice is used in the custard?
The custard requires 2/3 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, the baking dish should be greased before layering the bread and adding melted butter.
How much vanilla extract is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Whisk together eggs, orange juice, milk, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl.
How long should the syrup cool before serving?
Allow the orange syrup to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
How much butter is used in the bottom of the pan?
1/4 cup of melted butter is poured into the bottom of the greased baking dish before adding the soaked bread.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, it is described as a delightful centerpiece for any brunch table.
How much sugar is in the custard mixture?
1/4 cup of granulated sugar is used in the egg and milk custard.
What is the preparation for the pecans?
The pecans should be chopped before being mixed into the topping.
How many slices of bread are needed?
The recipe requires 8 slices of bread.
What flavor profile does the orange juice provide?
The orange juice adds a zesty, citrus-infused flavor to the dish.
Should the bread be layered in the dish?
Yes, the bread should be arranged in a single layer to ensure even soaking.
Does this dish have a sweet aroma?
Yes, it offers a warm, sweet aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes.
Is the orange juice in the custard freshly squeezed?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended for the best taste.
How should the final dish be served?
It should be served warm, drizzled with the homemade orange syrup.