Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole is your perfect breakfast dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. With its gooey center, crispy edges, and the delightful crunch of pecans, it’s a cozy way to start your day or impress guests for brunch. Let’s dive into this delightful, make-ahead dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole

The secret to a great casserole is starting with a quality bread. The brioche bread gives this dish its tender, rich base. The eggs are the backbone that holds everything together, creating that custardy texture. Using whole milk and heavy cream ensures the dish is indulgent, while granulated sugar and maple syrup add sweetness and depth. A touch of vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg brings warmth and flavor. Pecans add a delightful crunch, and a little butter helps everything brown beautifully in the oven. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for a hint of elegance.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you’re short on time in the morning, assemble the casserole the night before and let it soak overnight in the fridge.
  • For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the casserole.
  • Brioche is perfect, but challah or a similar soft, rich bread works well too.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of extra maple syrup can take it up a notch. If you’re serving it at brunch, a side of crispy bacon or sausage adds a savory contrast to the sweet flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, challah or any soft, rich bread will work well in this recipe.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely, just substitute with a gluten-free bread of your choice.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half and half or even more whole milk; just keep in mind the texture might be slightly less rich.

Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor. Take your brioche bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them uniform to ensure even soaking and baking. Spread these cubes in the prepared dish, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

Now, grab a large mixing bowl. Crack in the eggs and whisk them until they’re nicely blended. Add the whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to help it soak up all the liquid goodness.

Scatter the chopped pecans over the top of the casserole. These will toast up nicely in the oven, adding crunch and flavor. Dot small pieces of unsalted butter across the top – this will help the top get golden and delicious. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for a set center and a golden brown top.

Once done, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds the perfect finishing touch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
  • Make-ahead friendly, letting you enjoy a stress-free morning.
  • The combination of maple syrup and pecans adds a rich, nutty flavor.
  • Customizable to your taste with simple ingredient swaps.

Ingredients

1 loaf brioche bread (about 12 slices)
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Powdered sugar (optional, for serving)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
2. Cut the brioche bread into 1-inch cubes and place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all pieces are soaked.
5. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the casserole.
6. Dot small pieces of the unsalted butter over the casserole.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
8. Allow to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!