Maple Pecan French Toast Bake

Name: Maple Pecan French Toast Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Deutsch
Ingredients: 1 loaf (1 lb) challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 8 large eggs; 2 cups milk (whole or 2%); 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, plus more for serving; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; Pinch salt; For the Pecan Streusel Topping:; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

(0 Ratings)

Perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a special holiday morning, this French Toast Bake is pure comfort. Cubes of soft challah bread are submerged in a decadent custard flavored with pure maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla. It’s then crowned with a buttery, sweet pecan streusel that adds a wonderful crunch. Preparing it the night before means you can wake up, pop it in the oven, and enjoy a warm, delicious breakfast with minimal fuss. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that celebrates the sweetness of maple season.

speichern

Prep Time20 min

Cook Time50 min

Servings8 servings

DifficultyEasy

Equipment

9x13 inch Baking DishLarge Mixing BowlWhisk

Instructions

1
Prepare the bread: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish. For best results, let the bread sit out overnight to dry slightly, or toast lightly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, then cool.
2
Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish, ensuring all the bread is soaked. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
3
Prepare the streusel: In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Add the cold butter cubes and, using your fingertips or a pastry blender, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form.
4
Assemble and chill: Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard.
5
Bake: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats. Remove the plastic wrap and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown, puffed, and the center is set (a knife inserted into the center should come out clean).
6
Serve: Let the French toast bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and serve warm with additional pure maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream if desired.

Nutrition

Calories520 kcal

Protein15g

Fat25g

Carbohydrates

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this French toast bake ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! It's designed to be a make-ahead dish. You can assemble it the night before and let it soak in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a more flavorful and uniform texture when baked.

What kind of bread works best for this recipe?

Challah or brioche bread are ideal choices because they are rich, slightly sweet, and have a sturdy texture that holds up well to soaking without becoming soggy. Stale or day-old bread is even better as it absorbs the custard more effectively.

Can I use different nuts for the topping?

Certainly! If you're not a fan of pecans or have an allergy, you can substitute them with chopped walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a different texture and flavor profile.

What others say

No ratings yet

Be the first to rate this recipe and share your feedback.

Rate Recipe!

RECIPE BY

Leckere Rezepte

We are a team of passionate cooks and food enthusiasts.