Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe

Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe

This Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe is a gooey and decadent recipe, which is made with thick-cut French bread and a rich pecan pie topping. It’s the perfect holiday breakfast, ready in about 1 hour.

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Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe Ingredients

French Toast

  • Butter or nonstick spray
  • 1 loaf French bread, about 18 inches long
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

Pecan Pie Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups pecans
  • 1 stick salted butter (1/2 c.)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup

How To Make Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe

  1. Prepare the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cut the French bread into 16 slices, each about 1-inch thick.
  2. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown and granulated sugars, cinnamon, and vanilla until well combined.
  3. Soak the bread: Working in batches, dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, letting it soak for about 1 minute per side. Arrange the soaked slices in the prepared baking dish, shingling them slightly. Pour any remaining egg mixture over the top.
  4. Make the pecan topping: Roughly chop the pecans. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and maple syrup. Cook over medium heat, whisking frequently, for 5-8 minutes, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and stir in the pecans.
  5. Assemble and bake: Spoon the warm pecan mixture all over the top of the bread. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, until the egg custard is set and the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
  6. Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve with a drizzle of the extra syrup from the bottom of the pan.
Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe
Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • What’s the best bread to use? A sturdy, day-old bread is essential so it doesn’t get mushy. A crusty French loaf, challah, or brioche are all excellent choices.
  • Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! This is a perfect overnight casserole. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
  • How do I know when the casserole is done? The custard should be set, meaning it doesn’t jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. The topping should be a deep golden brown and bubbly.
  • Can I use a different nut? While pecans are classic for a “pecan pie” theme, this recipe would also be delicious with toasted walnuts.

What To Serve With Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole

This is a very rich and sweet breakfast that is a complete meal on its own.

  • A side of crispy bacon or sausage to add a savory contrast.
  • A fresh fruit salad to lighten things up.
  • A hot cup of black coffee.

How To Store Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 75g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 50g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Why is my French toast casserole soggy on the bottom?

This can happen if the bread is too fresh and soft, or if it was over-soaked in the custard. Using day-old, sturdy bread is the best way to prevent this.

Can I make this without corn syrup?

The corn syrup is key to creating that classic, gooey “pecan pie” texture in the topping that doesn’t crystallize. It’s not recommended to omit it.

Can I use a different kind of milk?

For the richest, most custard-like result, the combination of whole milk and heavy cream is best. You could use all whole milk, but the final dish will be slightly less decadent.

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Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole Recipe

Recipe by MarryCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

10

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

50

minutes
Calories

650

kcal

A decadent, make-ahead breakfast casserole that combines all the flavors of a gooey pecan pie with classic, custard-soaked French toast.

Ingredients

  • French Toast: 1 loaf French bread, 8 eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1 Tbsp. vanilla.

  • Topping: 1 1/2 cups pecans, 1 stick butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup corn syrup, 1/3 cup maple syrup.

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch dish.
  • Whisk together all French toast custard ingredients.
  • Soak 1-inch thick bread slices in the custard and arrange them in the dish.
  • Make the topping by melting butter with sugars and syrups in a saucepan; stir in pecans.
  • Spoon the pecan topping over the bread.
  • Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the custard is set.
  • Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • This is a perfect overnight casserole; assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning.
  • Using a sturdy, day-old bread like a French loaf or challah is key to preventing a soggy bottom.
  • The gooey pecan topping creates its own delicious syrup, so there’s no need for extra on top.
  • Don’t over-soak the bread; just a minute per side is plenty.

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