Description
Luxurious pecan pie french toast combines classic breakfast indulgence with Southern dessert charm. Crisp bread layers soak in rich custard, caramelizing with maple-glazed pecans for an irresistible morning experience you will crave.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 large eggs
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- 2 tbsps vanilla extract
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into 8 slices
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 6 tbsps unsalted butter
Instructions
- Custard Preparation: Blend whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until silky and homogeneous.
- Bread Soaking: Arrange bread slices in a deep container, thoroughly drenching each piece with the custard mixture by gently pouring and pressing to ensure complete absorption.
- Chilling Process: Cover soaked bread with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6-8 hours, allowing bread to fully incorporate the creamy custard.
- Caramel Foundation: Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in dark brown sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup, and chopped pecans until creating a glossy, rich caramel mixture.
- Dish Assembly: Spread pecan caramel evenly across the bottom of a 3-quart casserole dish, then carefully layer the custard-soaked bread slices on top for complete coverage.
- Baking Stage: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35-40 minutes until the surface turns golden-brown and the custard sets completely.
- Resting and Serving: Let the french toast rest for 5 minutes to allow caramel to slightly firm and flavors to meld before serving warm.
Notes
- Plan Ahead: Refrigerate the bread mixture for at least 6 hours or overnight to ensure maximum flavor absorption and a luxurious, custardy texture.
- Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old, slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for the best absorption and a more substantial casserole structure.
- Caramel Precision: Whisk the pecan caramel mixture thoroughly to prevent sugar crystallization and create a smooth, glossy coating.
- Serving Tip: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the caramel to set and flavors to meld, ensuring a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg