Description
This indulgent Overnight Pecan Pie French Toast combines the rich flavors of pecan pie with classic French toast for a spectacular breakfast treat. Prepare it the night before and wake up to a deliciously gooey, caramelized pecan bottom that transforms into a stunning topping when served.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 6 large eggs plus 3 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into 8 slices
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Mixture – In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the milk, heavy cream, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well incorporated to create a smooth, rich custard base that will infuse the bread with flavor as it soaks overnight.
- Soak the Bread – Arrange the sliced French bread in a large shallow bowl, then pour the prepared custard mixture evenly over all the bread slices, ensuring each piece gets saturated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard.
- Prepare the Pecan Topping – When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the brown sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup, and chopped pecans until thoroughly combined, creating a rich caramel-pecan mixture.
- Assemble and Bake – Spread the pecan mixture evenly across the bottom of a 3-quart casserole dish, creating a sweet foundation. Carefully arrange the soaked bread slices on top of the pecan layer, placing them close together. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Cool and Serve – Allow the french toast to cool for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This brief resting period helps the caramel topping to set slightly while still remaining deliciously gooey. Serve warm, flipping each portion so the pecan topping is on top.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture.
- Use day-old bread for better absorption of the custard mixture.
- You can substitute brioche or challah for the French bread for an even richer result.
- This dish can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 6-8 hours for soaking)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 240mg