Pecan Crunch French Toast Bake
Experience a delightful twist on your morning routine with this Pecan Crunch French Toast Bake. This dish combines the rich flavors of custardy French toast with the delightful crunch of pecans, creating a perfect balance of textures. Ideal for serving at brunches or special occasions, this make-ahead recipe allows you to enjoy more time with family and friends while impressing them with a deliciously golden, baked masterpiece. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, alongside the sweetness of brown sugar and pecans, ensures that this French toast will become a new favorite in your breakfast repertoire.
8
Servings
418
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs
6 (large, beaten)
Milk
1 1/4 cups (whole or any milk of choice)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon
Ground Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon
Ground Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
French Bread
8-10 slices (cut into 1-inch diagonal slices)
Butter
1/4 cup (softened)
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Chopped Pecans
1/3 cup (toasted if desired)
Light Corn Syrup
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a large baking dish.
2
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
3
Arrange the sliced French bread in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, with the slices touching each other.
4
Evenly pour the egg-milk mixture over the bread, ensuring that all slices are soaked.
5
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
6
The next morning, in a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and light corn syrup, mixing until a crumbly topping forms.
7
Uncover the baking dish and spread the pecan topping evenly over the soaked bread slices.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and the edges are slightly crisp.
9
Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
48g
Carbs
10.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pecan Crunch French Toast Bake?
Pecan Crunch French Toast Bake is a breakfast casserole that combines custardy French bread with a sweet and crunchy pecan topping.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 418 calories.
What type of bread should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 to 10 slices of French bread cut into 1-inch diagonal slices.
How many eggs are required?
You will need 6 large, beaten eggs for the custard base.
Can I use different types of milk?
Yes, you can use whole milk or any milk of your choice.
Does this French toast bake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, it should be covered and refrigerated overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the custard.
What is the baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does it take to bake?
Bake for about 40 minutes until it is puffed and golden brown.
What ingredients are in the crunchy topping?
The topping consists of softened butter, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and light corn syrup.
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Yes, walnuts or almonds would work as a great substitute for pecans.
What spices are used in the custard?
The custard is flavored with ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg.
Is this recipe suitable for make-ahead meals?
Absolutely, it is designed as a make-ahead breakfast specifically for easy morning preparation.
Can I substitute the light corn syrup?
Maple syrup or honey can be used as a substitute for the light corn syrup in the topping.
How thick should the bread slices be?
Bread should be cut into approximately 1-inch thick diagonal slices.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 22 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 48 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides 10.5 grams of protein.
Do I need to toast the pecans before adding them?
Toasting the pecans is optional but can be done if you desire a deeper nutty flavor.
How do I know when the French toast bake is done?
It is done when it is puffed up, the topping is golden brown, and the edges are slightly crisp.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should butter a large baking dish before arranging the bread.
Can I add fruit to this recipe?
Yes, you can add berries or sliced bananas between the bread layers for extra flavor.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the French bread with your favorite gluten-free bread loaf.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I reheat this dish?
Yes, reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in the oven at 350 degrees until warm.
Can I use vanilla bean paste instead of extract?
Yes, you can use an equal amount of vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla flavor.
Is the brown sugar packed?
Yes, the 1/2 cup of brown sugar should be packed into the measuring cup.
What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with fresh fruit, breakfast sausages, or a hot cup of coffee.
How long should I let it cool before serving?
Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to let the custard set slightly before slicing.