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Easy Overnight Brown Sugar Pecan French Toast Bake

overnight brown sugar pecan french toast bake - featured image
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A simple, no-fuss French toast bake soaked overnight in a custard of eggs, milk, and brown sugar, topped with toasted pecans for a perfect brunch or holiday breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups day-old bread, cubed (preferably brioche or challah)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Maple syrup (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cube about 8 cups of day-old bread into 1-inch pieces and place evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. (10 minutes)
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup packed dark brown sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth. (5 minutes)
  3. Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down to ensure bread soaks up the liquid. Let sit for 5 minutes, then gently fold the bread to coat all pieces fully. (10 minutes)
  4. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or at least 6 hours.
  5. Before baking, toss 1 cup chopped pecans with 2 tablespoons melted butter until evenly coated. Set aside. (5 minutes)
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the bake from the fridge, sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the top. Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden, pecans toasted, and custard set but still jiggly in the center. (45-50 minutes)
  7. Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with maple syrup or fresh fruit. (5 minutes)

Notes

Press bread cubes gently into custard before refrigerating to avoid dry pockets. Use foil during first baking phase to trap steam and set custard, then remove foil to toast pecans. Fresh pecans improve flavor and texture. If custard is too runny after baking, bake a few extra minutes uncovered. Overnight soak is ideal but 2-3 hours can work in a pinch.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast bake, overnight French toast, brown sugar pecan, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, holiday breakfast, pecan French toast

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/easy-overnight-brown-sugar-pecan-french-toast-bake-recipe-for-perfect-breakfast/