Pecan French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe for its ease, flavor, and versatility. It’s simple to assemble, can be made the night before, and bakes into a golden, indulgent masterpiece that feels special yet effortless. The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and toasted pecans creates a deliciously nutty caramel flavor, while the custard-soaked bread keeps everything tender. Perfect for feeding a crowd or savoring leftovers during the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• French bread or brioche, cut into cubes
• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg (optional)
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Chopped pecans
• Maple syrup (for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare the bread base: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
2. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
3. Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently so every piece absorbs the liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. Prepare the pecan topping: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans until combined.
5. Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
6. Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours (or overnight)
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: Approximately 3 hours (including chilling)

Variations

• Overnight Cinnamon Roll Style: Add a swirl of cinnamon sugar and cream cheese dollops for a dessert-like version.
• Apple Pecan French Toast Casserole: Layer thinly sliced apples between the bread cubes for a fruity twist.
• Chocolate Chip Pecan: Sprinkle chocolate chips before baking for a sweet, indulgent touch.
• Pumpkin Spice Version: Add ½ cup pumpkin purée and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the custard for a fall variation.
• Bourbon Pecan: Stir a tablespoon of bourbon into the custard for a subtle, warming flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds, or reheat the whole casserole in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

What kind of bread works best?

A sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or French bread works best since it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.

Do I need to toast the bread first?

If your bread is very fresh, lightly toasting it helps prevent sogginess. Day-old bread works perfectly.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but using a mix of milk and cream gives the casserole a richer, custard-like texture.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The center should be set and not jiggly, and the top golden brown. You can insert a knife into the center—it should come out mostly clean.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free milk and plant-based butter. The texture will remain soft and flavorful.

What’s the best way to serve it?

It’s delicious with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit on top.

Can I add raisins or dried fruit?

Absolutely! Add about ½ cup of raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots to the bread mixture.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes, just use a smaller baking dish and reduce the baking time slightly.

Is it sweet enough without syrup?

The brown sugar and pecan topping make it naturally sweet, but a drizzle of maple syrup adds a perfect finishing touch.

Conclusion

Pecan French Toast Casserole is an irresistible combination of buttery bread, rich custard, and crunchy caramelized pecans. Whether served for a family breakfast or a special occasion brunch, this easy, make-ahead dish brings comfort and warmth to the table. One bite, and it just might become your new favorite morning indulgence.

Pecan French Toast Casserole

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Pecan French Toast Casserole is a rich, custardy breakfast bake topped with buttery caramelized pecans. It combines the classic flavors of French toast with the convenience of a make-ahead casserole—perfect for holidays, brunches, or cozy mornings at home.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling)
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 loaf (about 12 oz) French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• Maple syrup, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the bread base: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly inside.
2. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
3. Soak the bread: Pour the custard evenly over the bread, pressing gently so all pieces absorb the liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Prepare the pecan topping: In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans until combined.
5. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan mixture evenly over the soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
6. Serve: Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

• Day-old or slightly dried bread works best for soaking up the custard.
• Assemble the casserole the night before for an easy morning bake.
• For a richer flavor, use challah or brioche bread.
• Lightly toast fresh bread if it’s too soft.
• Reheat leftovers gently to preserve the custardy texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 26g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 155mg