Ah, Pecan French Toast! This delightful dish has a special place in my heart—and my belly! I remember the first time I made it for a friends’ brunch gathering. It was one of those golden mornings where the sunlight peeks into the kitchen just right, and the aroma of sweet maple syrup fills the air. We gobbled it up and talked about everything from travel plans to our favorite Netflix shows, all while the rich flavors of creamy custard and nutty pecans melted in our mouths. Honestly, what’s not to love about a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate?
What makes this Pecan French Toast unique is the bubbly, golden brown top that forms while baking, thanks to that magical mixture of eggs and cream soaking into soft brioche or challah bread. The pecans add a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy bite of the custard, and let’s not forget the maple syrup that brings everything together – it’s practically a breakfast symphony! Whether it’s a regular Sunday brunch or a special occasion, this recipe is one I reach for time and again.
What’s in Pecan French Toast?
Let’s break down these delicious ingredients, so we know exactly what we’ll be working with:
Brioche or Challah Bread: These rich and buttery breads are amazing for French toast due to their fluffy texture. You can use about 10-12 slices, and who wouldn’t want a thick, delicious slice to soak up all that custard?
Large Eggs: The foundation of our custard! Eggs help bind everything together and provide that luscious texture as they bake.
Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: A combination of these two dairy ingredients gives the French toast its creamy richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can substitute the heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based option, but I promise the cream adds a luxurious touch!
Granulated Sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness without going overboard.
Vanilla Extract: Because who doesn’t love that sweet aroma and flavor? It’s like a hug in a bottle!
Ground Cinnamon: A warm, cozy spice that elevates the flavor profile and makes your kitchen smell divine while baking.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out all those sweet flavors and balances the dish.
Pecans: These crunchy nuts are the stars on top! They not only add texture but a delicious nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the sweet custard.
Maple Syrup: This syrup is a necessary addition, both in the recipe and for serving. It’s the cherry on top of this breakfast masterpiece!
Butter: A little bit of butter greases the dish and keeps the toast from sticking—because we want our slices to slide out smoothly!
Is Pecan French Toast Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health side of things. While this Pecan French Toast isn’t exactly a “health food,” it can definitely fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Bread: Brioche or challah provides quick energy due to their carbohydrate content. Opting for whole grain bread can add fiber, which is always a bonus!
Eggs: Packed with protein and essential nutrients, eggs are fantastic for heart health when consumed in moderation.
Pecans: These nuts bring healthy fats and protein to the table. They help keep you full longer and provide a nice dose of antioxidants.
Maple Syrup: While delicious, remember that a little goes a long way! If you’re watching your sugar intake, using less syrup or opting for a natural sweetener like honey could be great alternatives.
In short, this dish is a delightful excess of flavor and comfort, best enjoyed occasionally, or perhaps on a slow Sunday morning when you can savor every bite!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this tasty Pecan French Toast, which serves about 8:
– 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (about 10-12 slices)
– 6 large eggs
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup pecans, chopped
– 1/2 cup maple syrup (plus more for serving)
– 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing)
How to Make Pecan French Toast?
Ready to get your bake on? Let’s go through the steps:
1. **Prepare the Baking Dish**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with the butter—don’t skip this step!
2. **Bread Preparation**: Cut the loaf of bread into 1-inch cubes and scatter those delicious little cubes into the greased baking dish.
3. **Make the Custard Mixture**: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is beautifully combined.
4. **Combine Ingredients**: Pour that glorious egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press down gently to ensure each cube soaks up the custard like a sponge. Sprinkle the chopped pecans generously over the top.
5. **Chill (Optional)**: If you have the time, cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour or even overnight! This allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. **Bake**: When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the fridge (if you refrigerated it). Uncover and drizzle the maple syrup over the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
7. **Serve**: Let your masterpiece cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, perhaps with some extra maple syrup drizzled on top for good measure!
Delicious Tips and Variations
Alright, before you head off to make this lovely dish, here are a few last-minute suggestions:
– **Make it Ahead**: This French toast is a dream for prepping in advance! It stores well in the refrigerator, which means less stress on busy mornings.
– **Add Some Freshness**: Consider topping your Pecan French Toast with fresh fruits like berries, bananas, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
– **Finishing Touch**: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar can really make this dish pop when serving. It also adds a little café-style flair to your breakfast table!
I honestly can’t wait for you to try this Pecan French Toast—it’s such a crowd-pleaser. When you do, let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with the sweet scents of breakfast magic!
