Pin This hearty Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole has been my go-to dish for holiday mornings and special family gatherings for years. The magic happens overnight as the bread soaks up a rich custard, creating a decadent breakfast that feels both indulgent and comforting when baked to golden perfection.
I first created this recipe when hosting my in-laws for Christmas morning. The ability to prep everything the night before meant I could enjoy coffee and present opening with the family instead of standing over a hot stove flipping individual slices of French toast.
Ingredients
- Brioche or challah bread: these enriched breads create the perfect custardy texture while maintaining structure
- Whole milk and heavy cream: the combination provides richness that regular milk alone cannot achieve
- Pure maple syrup: accept no substitutes the real stuff infuses authentic maple flavor throughout
- Pecans: their buttery flavor perfectly complements the maple and adds essential textural contrast
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: these warming spices bring depth and that classic French toast flavor profile
- Vanilla extract: enhances all the other flavors look for pure rather than imitation for best results
Instructions
- Prepare The Baking Dish:
- Start with a 9x13-inch baking dish and thoroughly grease it with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes serving much easier. Ensure you coat all corners and sides completely.
- Arrange The Bread:
- Cut your brioche or challah into consistent 1-inch cubes. If your bread is fresh, consider leaving the cubes out for a few hours to dry slightly which helps them absorb more custard without becoming soggy. Distribute them evenly in the baking dish.
- Create The Custard Mixture:
- In a large bowl, crack your eggs and whisk until well beaten. Add the milk, cream, granulated sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk vigorously until everything is thoroughly combined with no streaks of egg remaining. The custard should be smooth and consistent in color.
- Soak The Bread:
- Pour the custard mixture slowly over the bread cubes, making sure to distribute it evenly. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to encourage absorption. Every piece should be in contact with the custard. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, though overnight produces the best results.
- Prepare The Pecan Topping:
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt, stirring until the sugar begins to dissolve. Add the pecans and toss until every piece is generously coated in the sweet mixture.
- Top And Bake:
- Remove the soaked bread from the refrigerator and uncover it. Distribute the pecan topping evenly across the surface, making sure to spread it to all edges. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top is golden brown and caramelized, and the center is set but still moist.
- Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This resting period allows the custard to set further and makes serving cleaner and easier. Drizzle with additional warm maple syrup just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Pin The pecans are truly the crown jewel of this recipe. I once tried making it without them when I was out, and while still delicious, it lacked that perfect textural contrast. My daughter now insists on helping place each pecan on top before baking, creating what she calls the "crunchy treasure map" across the top.
Make-Ahead Options
This casserole was designed with convenience in mind. You can prepare everything up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This makes it perfect for busy mornings when you want something special without the work. The extended soaking time actually improves the texture, allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard. When ready to bake, simply remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, add the pecan topping, and bake as directed. You might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the casserole is still cold from the refrigerator.
Ingredient Substitutions
While traditional ingredients create the classic flavor profile, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream and use almond milk in place of whole milk. The slight coconut flavor actually complements the maple and pecans beautifully. If you need to make it gluten-free, use a good quality gluten-free bread, preferably one that's enriched similar to brioche. For nut allergies, sunflower seeds can provide crunch, though the flavor profile will change slightly. Alternatively, a streusel topping made with oats offers texture without nuts.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides elevates the entire breakfast experience. Serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness with savory. A fresh fruit salad with berries and citrus segments provides a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. For drinks, coffee is the classic pairing, but spiced apple cider or a mimosa bar creates a festive touch for holiday brunches. When serving for dessert rather than breakfast, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
Pin Seasonal Adaptations
Summer version add fresh berries between layers and lemon zest in the custard
Fall variation incorporate diced apples and increase the cinnamon
Winter holiday special add cranberries and orange zest for festive color and flavor
This casserole is best served warm, shortly after its short rest period. A final drizzle of maple syrup enhances its rich, sweet flavor.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this French toast casserole ahead of time?
Yes! This casserole is actually best when prepped ahead. Assemble the entire dish (without the pecan topping) and refrigerate overnight. Add the pecan topping just before baking in the morning.
- → What's the best bread to use for this casserole?
Brioche or challah are ideal as they're rich, slightly sweet, and have a tender structure. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy.
- → Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts make an excellent substitute. You could also use almonds or a mixture of your favorite nuts. For a nut-free version, try using a streusel topping made with oats.
- → How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the center is set and no longer liquid. The top should be golden brown and the edges slightly crispy. If you insert a knife in the center, it should come out clean without liquid custard.
- → Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?
Yes! Cut leftover casserole into individual portions, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- → What can I serve with this French toast casserole?
This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage. For a dessert-like treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.