Decadent Overnight French Toast Bake
This Decadent Overnight French Toast Bake is a luxurious and delightful breakfast treat that will impress your guests and become an instant favorite. The rich, custardy bread soaks up a mixture of eggs and creamy dairy, infused with warm spices, and melded beautifully with a crunchy topping of buttery brown sugar and pecans. Prepare it the night before for a hassle-free morning, allowing flavors to meld together while you sleep. With its perfect balance of sweetness and richness, this casserole is so delicious that you won’t even miss the syrup!
10
Servings
420
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
French bread
1 (loaf, sliced)
Eggs
8 (large)
Half-and-half
2 (cups)
Milk
1 (cup)
Granulated sugar
2 (tablespoons)
Vanilla extract
1 (teaspoon)
Ground cinnamon
1/4 (teaspoon)
Ground nutmeg
1/4 (teaspoon)
Butter
1 (cup, melted)
Brown sugar
1 (cup)
Pecans
1 (cup, chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the French bread into thick pieces and arrange them evenly in two large baking pans that have been lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
3
Evenly pour the egg mixture over the sliced bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Cover the pans with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
4
The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
5
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Mix well until the ingredients form a crumbly topping.
6
Remove the bread mixture from the refrigerator and evenly distribute the butter-pecan mixture over the top.
7
Sprinkle additional cinnamon and nutmeg on top if desired.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
50g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Overnight French Toast Bake?
It is a luxurious breakfast casserole made with thick-sliced French bread soaked in a spiced egg and dairy custard, topped with a buttery brown sugar and pecan crumble.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 10 servings.
Can I make this French toast bake the same day?
While it is designed for overnight soaking to allow flavors to meld and the bread to fully absorb the custard, you can prepare it a few hours ahead if necessary.
What type of bread is recommended?
The recipe calls for one loaf of French bread, sliced thick to stand up to the soaking process.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does the French toast bake take to cook?
Bake the casserole for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Do I need to grease the baking pans?
Yes, you should lightly spray two large baking pans with cooking spray before arranging the bread.
What ingredients are in the topping?
The topping consists of melted butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans.
Can I use different types of milk?
The recipe uses a combination of 2 cups of half-and-half and 1 cup of milk for a rich texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a brunch gathering?
Yes, its make-ahead nature and decadent flavor make it perfect for hosting brunch or holiday mornings.
How many eggs are required for the custard?
You will need 8 large eggs to create the base for this French toast bake.
What spices give this dish its flavor?
The custard is flavored with ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
Do I need to serve this with syrup?
The casserole is quite rich and sweet on its own due to the brown sugar topping, so syrup is optional.
Can I omit the pecans if I have an allergy?
Yes, you can simply leave out the pecans or substitute them with seeds or extra crumble if preferred.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 420 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 21g of fat per serving in this recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
One serving contains 50g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 10g of protein.
How long should the bread soak in the refrigerator?
For the best results, the bread should soak in the egg mixture overnight.
Can I add extra spices to the topping?
Yes, you can sprinkle additional cinnamon and nutmeg on top of the pecan mixture before baking if desired.
What should I do before serving the casserole?
Allow the casserole to cool slightly after removing it from the oven to let the custard set.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The interior is soft and custardy, while the top is crunchy and caramelized.
Can I use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar for the topping?
Brown sugar is recommended for the topping to achieve a deep caramel flavor and the right texture.
How many tablespoons of granulated sugar go into the custard?
The custard mixture requires 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is classified as an easy breakfast recipe because most of the work is done the night before.
How many cups of pecans are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped pecans for the topping.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of melted butter specifically for the topping mixture.
Can I use vanilla bean paste?
Yes, you can substitute the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract with vanilla bean paste for a more intense flavor.
Should the bread be sliced thin or thick?
The bread should be sliced into thick pieces to prevent it from becoming too soggy during the overnight soak.
Is this a make-ahead meal?
Yes, this is a classic make-ahead meal designed to be prepared the evening before serving.