Rustic Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 55 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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Rustic Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole is your new go-to for a cozy weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast. Imagine waking up to a sweet, nutty aroma filling your kitchen, drawing everyone to the table. This dish combines the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of maple syrup, and the crunch of pecans in a delightful, make-ahead casserole.

Ingredients for Rustic Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole

The foundation of our casserole is a loaf of brioche bread, chosen for its light, buttery texture that soaks up the custard beautifully. Eggs provide the structure, while whole milk and heavy cream create a luxuriously rich custard base. The pure maple syrup sweetens naturally with its unique, deep flavor, complemented by packed brown sugar for a hint of molasses. To elevate the aroma and flavor, vanilla extract and ground cinnamon are added, along with a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Pecans are the crowning glory, offering a delightful crunch, and a drizzle of melted unsalted butter ensures a golden, crispy top. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for an optional touch of sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use day-old brioche for better absorption and texture.
  • Prep the night before and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning.
  • Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center. It should come out clean.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is wonderful with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like treat. For a fresh contrast, serve with a side of mixed berries or a fruit salad. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice pairs beautifully with its sweet and tangy notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, challah or a sturdy sourdough can work, though the texture will vary slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the texture.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Freeze after baking and cooling. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Rustic Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and take a moment to grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. This will make sure our casserole comes out easily later on. Next, cut your brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in your prepared dish. We want those bread pieces to soak up all the custardy goodness.

In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is blended well; you should see a nice, smooth mixture. Pour this over the bread cubes, making sure to press down gently so the bread is submerged and soaking up every bit of flavor.

Now, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top. Drizzle the melted butter across everything — this helps to give our casserole a beautiful golden brown finish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for another 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and a set center.

Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly. If you’re feeling fancy, dust with powdered sugar right before serving. Enjoy it warm.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for a crowd — no standing over a griddle flipping slices.
  • Rich and comforting with a balance of sweet and nutty flavors.
  • Simple to prepare the night before, so your morning is stress-free.
  • Customizable with your choice of toppings or mix-ins.

Ingredients

1 loaf of brioche bread (approx. 16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the brioche cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, 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. Scatter the chopped pecans over the top and drizzle with melted butter.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
8. Let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm.

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