There’s something magical about a morning filled with the comforting aroma of warm spices, maple syrup, and toasted pecans. This Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole is perfect for cozy weekend breakfasts, holiday brunches, or any time you want to make your morning feel extra special. It’s the kind of dish that brings family and friends together, filling the kitchen with warmth and anticipation.
Inspired by classic French toast but elevated into a luscious, baked delight, this casserole combines layers of soft bread, rich custard, and crunchy pecans, all drizzled with natural maple syrup. It’s an easy way to serve a crowd without spending hours at the stove, and it’s versatile enough to be prepared ahead of time. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or indulging in a quiet morning at home, this recipe promises a cozy, flavorful start to your day.
Ingredients
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1 loaf of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (brioche or challah recommended)
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6 large eggs
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2 cups whole milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup pure maple syrup
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 cup chopped pecans, divided
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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Optional: powdered sugar, for serving
Directions
1. Prepare the Bread
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or a light coat of non-stick spray. This step is essential to prevent the casserole from sticking and to help the edges brown evenly during baking. Once the dish is ready, take your bread cubes and place them evenly in the dish. It’s important to spread them out rather than just dumping them in one corner—this allows the custard to seep into every piece and ensures consistent flavor and texture throughout the casserole.
Using day-old bread works best for this recipe. Fresh bread can become too soft and mushy when soaked in custard, but slightly stale bread absorbs the mixture perfectly, giving you that ideal custardy interior with a lightly crisp exterior. Brioche or challah are particularly good choices because of their buttery texture and slight sweetness, which complements the maple and pecans beautifully. As you arrange the bread, take a moment to gently press down on the cubes with your hands or the back of a spatula. This helps them fit snugly in the dish, creating layers that will soak up the custard more efficiently.
Once your bread is evenly distributed, set the dish aside while you prepare the custard. This small step may seem minor, but it makes a big difference in how the casserole holds together and bakes evenly.
2. Make the Custard
The custard is the heart of this French toast casserole, providing the creamy, flavorful base that transforms simple bread into a decadent breakfast treat. In a large mixing bowl, crack in the eggs and whisk them thoroughly. Then add the milk and heavy cream, mixing gently to combine the liquids before incorporating the sweet and aromatic ingredients.
Pour in the maple syrup, which infuses the casserole with a deep, natural sweetness that complements the warm spices. Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk all the ingredients together until fully combined and smooth. The custard should be slightly thick but pourable, with a rich aroma of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg filling your kitchen.
Take your time to whisk the mixture well; this ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated, which helps the casserole set properly in the oven without leaving any uneven texture. A well-mixed custard also distributes the flavors evenly, ensuring that each bite has the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and creaminess.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Slowly pour the custard over the arranged bread cubes, making sure to cover the entire surface. As you pour, gently push the custard into the gaps between the cubes with a spatula or spoon. This step is crucial for ensuring that each piece of bread absorbs enough liquid to become tender and flavorful.
Once the custard is evenly distributed, sprinkle half of the chopped pecans over the top. These nuts will toast slightly during baking, adding a satisfying crunch and rich, nutty flavor to contrast the soft custard-soaked bread.
After topping with the pecans, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. This allows the bread to soak in the custard without drying out. Refrigerate the casserole for at least two hours, or, for best results, overnight. Overnight soaking not only intensifies the flavor but also gives the custard time to fully penetrate the bread, resulting in a custardy interior that’s soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
4. Preheat and Bake
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator to let it sit at room temperature. This step helps the casserole bake more evenly. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly preheated oven ensures that the casserole cooks through without overbrowning the top before the inside is fully set.
When the oven is ready, remove the plastic wrap and check the bread. It should be thoroughly soaked and slightly glossy from the custard. If it looks a little dry in spots, gently press the cubes down again to make sure they’re fully coated before baking.
5. Add Topping and Bake
For the finishing touch, mix the remaining chopped pecans with the melted butter. This mixture will create a golden, crunchy topping that adds both texture and flavor to the casserole. Sprinkle the buttered pecans evenly over the top of the soaked bread, making sure every corner is covered.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes. The top should turn a beautiful golden brown, and the custard should be fully set but still soft and slightly jiggly in the center. To test doneness, insert a knife into the middle of the casserole—it should come out clean or with just a hint of custard clinging to it.
During baking, the sweet aroma of maple, butter, and toasted pecans will fill your kitchen, making it nearly impossible to wait until the casserole is done. Keep an eye on it toward the end to ensure the top doesn’t over-brown; if it starts to get too dark, lightly cover the casserole with foil for the remaining baking time.
6. Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This brief resting period allows the custard to set slightly, making slicing easier and preventing it from falling apart.
To serve, slice the casserole into squares or rectangles and place them on individual plates. Drizzle additional pure maple syrup over each portion for extra sweetness, and, if desired, dust lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. The combination of warm, custardy bread, crunchy pecans, and rich maple syrup creates a breakfast that’s both indulgent and comforting.
This casserole is perfect for sharing with family and friends during a weekend brunch or holiday gathering. Pair it with fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a side of yogurt for a more complete breakfast spread. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, and slices reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave, making it just as delightful the next morning.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
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Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2+ hours soaking)
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Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
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Total Time: 3 hours (including soaking)
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Yield: 8-10 servings
Notes
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Bread Choice Matters: Use day-old brioche or challah for the best texture; stale bread absorbs custard better without becoming mushy.
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Make Ahead Tip: This casserole can be prepped the night before, making mornings stress-free. Simply cover and refrigerate overnight.
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Nut Variations: While pecans add a rich, buttery flavor, walnuts or almonds can be substituted if desired.
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Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or sugar based on personal taste; you can also add a touch of brown sugar to the topping for extra caramelization.
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Serving Ideas: Pair with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a restaurant-style breakfast at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this casserole for a large crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe scales well. For larger gatherings, simply double the ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch dishes. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time for larger casseroles.
2. Can I use a different type of milk or cream?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for the cream and milk if preferred. Non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk work too, though the texture may be slightly less rich.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warm. This casserole also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
4. Can I make this casserole nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the pecans or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds if desired. The casserole will still be flavorful and custardy.
This Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s an experience. Its balance of soft, custardy bread, rich maple flavor, and crunchy toasted pecans is irresistible. Whether you’re aiming for a festive holiday brunch or a leisurely weekend treat, this casserole is a reliable crowd-pleaser that elevates any morning. With easy prep, make-ahead convenience, and the ability to customize toppings or sweetness, it’s no wonder this dish quickly becomes a family favorite.
Embrace the aroma, savor each bite, and enjoy the cozy comfort that only a warm, maple-infused breakfast casserole can provide.
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Cozy & Flavorful Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 3 hours (including soaking)
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
A warm, comforting breakfast or brunch is a wonderful way to start the day, and nothing says cozy like a baked French toast casserole. This Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole is perfect for weekend mornings, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special. With layers of soft bread soaked in a rich custard, sweet maple syrup, and crunchy toasted pecans, every bite is indulgent and satisfying. Inspired by the classic French toast we all love, this casserole elevates it into a dish that’s easy to prepare ahead of time, feeds a crowd, and fills your home with irresistible aromas.
Ingredients
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1 loaf of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (brioche or challah recommended)
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6 large eggs
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2 cups whole milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup pure maple syrup
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 cup chopped pecans, divided
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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Optional: powdered sugar, for serving
Instructions
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Place the cubed bread evenly in the dish, pressing down gently to ensure the custard will soak each piece thoroughly.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
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Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to make sure all pieces are coated. Sprinkle half of the chopped pecans over the top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes while the oven warms.
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Mix the remaining pecans with the melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle additional maple syrup over individual portions and dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
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Use day-old brioche or challah for the best texture; stale bread absorbs custard better without becoming mushy.
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Prepare the casserole the night before to save time in the morning; soak overnight for optimal flavor.
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Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
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Adjust maple syrup and sugar for sweetness to taste.
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Serve with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elevated breakfast presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2+ hours soaking)
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
