Make ahead Caramel Pecan French Toast Bake. This recipe delivers gooey caramel and a satisfying nutty crunch, perfect for stress-free brunches or holidays.
Author:Noah Younssi
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:50 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 10 minutes (plus refrigeration time)
Yield:8 servings
Category:Breakfast
Method:Bake
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 loaf (14 ounces) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup maple syrup (for topping)
Instructions
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Toss the bread cubes and pecans together in the prepared dish.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the bread and pecans.
Sprinkle the cinnamon over the top layer.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread in the baking dish. Press down gently to submerge the bread.
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Let the bake cool for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup.
Notes
For best results and maximum gooeyness, let the casserole soak overnight in the refrigerator.
You can toast the pecans lightly before adding them for a deeper flavor.
Use day-old bread for the best texture absorption.