Delicious Overnight Pecan French Toast Casserole Recipe

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by Grace Bennett

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When it comes to breakfast, few things can compare to the delight of Overnight Pecan French Toast. Imagine waking up to a golden-brown casserole, bursting with flavors reminiscent of a classic pecan pie. The enticing aroma wafts through your home, inviting you to take a seat at the breakfast table without the hassle of much cooking.

Overnight Pecan French Toast
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Nothing screams comfort and joy quite like this Overnight Pecan French Toast. It’s the type of dish that brings families together on lazy Sunday mornings, making it perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday brunches. With its sweet, nutty topping and soft, custardy bread, you’re in for a flavor experience that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is to prepare.

Why You'll Love This Overnight Pecan French Toast

  • This incredible Overnight Pecan French Toast transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
  • Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
  • Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
  • Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

Ingredients for Overnight Pecan French Toast

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Overnight Pecan French Toast:

3/4 cup whole milk – This adds creaminess to your custard base, keeping the French toast soft and tender.

3/4 cup heavy cream – Rich in flavor, it gives a luxurious texture to the dish. If you’re looking to lighten it up, half-and-half can work too.

6 large eggs – Acts as a binder and delivers that fluffy, custardy goodness.

3 egg yolks – More richness! The extra yolks deepen the custard flavor, making every bite divine.

2 tablespoons vanilla extract – This adds a warm, sweet aroma that pairs perfectly with the pecans.

1 loaf French bread, cut into 8 slices – A crusty, sturdy option that soaks up all the custard without falling apart.

6 tablespoons unsalted butter – Use this to create a delicious caramel-like sauce mixed with the sugars and pecans.

1 cup light brown sugar, packed – For sweetness and that lovely molasses taste, which enhances the richness of the dish.

1/3 cup light corn syrup – Helps create a gooey topping that mimics the sweetness of pecan pie.

1/4 cup maple syrup – Pure maple syrup offers that extra layer of flavor that harmonizes with the pecans beautifully.

1 cup pecans, chopped – Adds a delightful crunch and nutty richness to the dish, making every bite satisfying.

How to Make Overnight Pecan French Toast

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Overnight Pecan French Toast:

Step 1: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Don’t hold back on your whisking; this gourmet concoction needs some love.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Place your sliced French bread in a large shallow bowl or dish. Pour the glorious custard mixture over the bread, evenly soaking each slice. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or, better yet, overnight. This will ensure the bread absorbs all those delightful flavors.

Step 3: Create the Topping
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove it from the heat and whisk in the brown sugar, light corn syrup, maple syrup, and chopped pecans until smooth. The smell should be heavenly by now.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Spread this gooey pecan mixture evenly across the bottom of a 3-quart casserole dish. Carefully layer the soaked bread on top. Make sure each slice is nestled nicely; you want them to bake evenly for perfect results.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for about 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is just set. You may find it hard to resist peeking — that sweet aroma will have you salivating.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before diving in. Scoop it onto plates, perhaps with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra oomph. It’s breakfast magic on a plate.

This Overnight Pecan French Toast recipe is the kind of dish that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether it’s a festive brunch or a regular lazy Sunday, this dish never fails to impress. Pack it full of love and a generous sprinkle of humor, and watch your friends and family revel in the deliciousness. Trust me, you won’t have leftovers!

Overnight Pecan French Toast

You Must Know About Overnight Pecan French Toast

  • This showstopping Overnight Pecan French Toast delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
  • The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
  • Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Overnight Pecan French Toast Cooking Process

The best way to tackle this Overnight Pecan French Toast is to start by prepping your custard mixture. While it’s chilling overnight, you can focus on crafting that delectable pecan topping. It’s all about multitasking efficiently without overwhelming yourself.

Add Your Touch to Overnight Pecan French Toast

Feel free to experiment with different types of bread like challah or brioche for added richness. You can also swap out pecans for walnuts or even add dried fruit like cranberries for a twist that suits your taste.

Storing & Reheating Overnight Pecan French Toast

To store, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. To reheat, simply pop the assembled baked French toast back in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Overnight Pecan French Toast

  • This professional-quality Overnight Pecan French Toast relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
  • Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
  • The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
  • Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Each time I whip up this Overnight Pecan French Toast, I’m flooded with memories of brunches filled with laughter and deliciousness. It’s always a hit, especially when my friends beg for the recipe—music to any cook’s ears!

Overnight Pecan French Toast

FAQs About Overnight Pecan French Toast

What is Overnight Pecan French Toast?

Overnight Pecan French Toast is a delightful breakfast casserole that combines the classic flavors of pecan pie with the comforting texture of French toast. In this recipe, slices of bread are soaked overnight in a rich custard made from eggs, milk, and cream, then baked with a decadent pecan topping. The result is a sweet, gooey dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a leisurely weekend brunch. This dish is loved for its convenience and ability to feed a crowd, making mornings much more enjoyable.

How do I store leftover Overnight Pecan French Toast?

To store leftover Overnight Pecan French Toast, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within three days for optimal freshness. If you want to reheat, simply place the dish in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but for the best texture, the oven method is recommended.

Can I make Overnight Pecan French Toast ahead of time?

Absolutely! One of the beauties of Overnight Pecan French Toast is its make-ahead convenience. You can prepare the custard and layer it with the bread the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just pull it out, bake it, and enjoy a delicious breakfast with minimal morning effort. This makes it a fantastic option for brunch gatherings or holiday breakfasts.

What are some variations for Overnight Pecan French Toast?

There are countless ways to customize your Overnight Pecan French Toast! You could swap out the pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor. Consider adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a touch of sweetness and color. If you prefer a touch of spice, try incorporating cinnamon or nutmeg into your custard mixture. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as brioche or challah, to create a richer texture and taste.

Conclusion for Overnight Pecan French Toast

In summary, Overnight Pecan French Toast is a fantastic blend of flavors that turns a classic breakfast into a standout dish. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can impress your friends and family with a meal that looks as good as it tastes. Always delectable, this Overnight Pecan French Toast feeds a crowd and works wonderfully for any occasion. Whip it up for your next brunch and watch everyone come back for seconds!

Overnight Pecan French Toast

Overnight Pecan Pie French Toast

This Overnight Pecan French Toast offers a delicious twist on a breakfast classic, combining sweet pecan pie flavors with fluffy French toast.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Additional Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Breakfast Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Custard Mixture
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 6 large eggs
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 1 loaf French bread, cut into 8 slices
Pecan Topping
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/3 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • Small Saucepan
  • 3 quart casserole dish
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl combine the milk, cream, eggs, yolks, and vanilla; beat well and set aside. Arrange sliced bread in a large shallow bowl. Pour the liquid mixture over the bread. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). In a small saucepan over medium heat melt the butter. Remove from heat and whisk in the brown sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup, and pecans.
  3. Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of a 3 quart casserole dish. Carefully arrange the soaked bread on top. Bake for 35 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm!

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 9gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 195mgSodium: 360mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 800IUCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Customize this recipe by experimenting with different types of bread such as challah or brioche, and swap pecans for walnuts or add dried fruits for variety.

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