Save It This Maple-Pecan Overnight French Toast Bake is my go-to easy brunch when I want to treat guests to something decadent and fuss-free. Great for holidays and lazy weekends alike, it features pillowy cubes of brioche soaked in a maple custard and finished with buttery, crisp pecans on top. You assemble everything the night before, so all you need in the morning is an oven and some coffee.
Whenever my house smells like maple and cinnamon in the morning everyone wakes up happy My kids even set their alarms early just to snag the crispy corners
Ingredients
- Brioche or challah bread: gives a rich texture and soaks up the custard beautifully Look for a loaf that feels tender but holds its shape so it does not get too mushy
- Large eggs: are essential for binding the custard and making the bake set Seek out fresh eggs for the richest flavor
- Whole milk and heavy cream: provide that creamy texture Use high quality dairy for best results or sub half and half for a lighter option
- Granulated sugar: ensures the custard is lightly sweet If your bread is very sweet you can reduce the sugar a touch
- Vanilla extract: brings out the warmth of the spices and maple Try real vanilla for a fuller aroma
- Pure maple syrup: gives distinctive sweetness and depth Grade A amber syrup works especially well
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: create cozy warmth Always use fresh spices for best flavor
- Salt: sharpens all the sweet flavors and balances the custard Choose fine salt for even distribution
- Unsalted butter: in the topping makes every bite more luscious Go for high-fat European-style butter if you can
- Light brown sugar: in the topping blends with the butter and pecans for a caramel crunch Pack it well to keep accurate measurement
- Chopped pecans: offer a nutty crunch and contrast Pick pecans that look fresh shiny and deeply golden for the best taste
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray then scatter the cubes of bread evenly in a single layer letting the edges and corners overlap a bit for more interesting texture
- Mix the custard
- Crack eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk them until the yolks and whites are fully combined Add milk cream sugar vanilla maple syrup cinnamon nutmeg and salt Whisk steadily for 1 to 2 minutes to dissolve the sugar and create a completely smooth custard
- Soak the bread
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes in the dish Make sure all surfaces are moistened Gently press the bread into the liquid with clean hands or a wide spatula so each piece will absorb the custard You want a slightly springy even layer there should be a little liquid pooling at the bottom
- Chill overnight
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least eight hours Overnight resting lets the bread absorb flavors and the custard set up for baking
- Bring to room temperature and preheat oven
- Remove the casserole from the fridge as you preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit Letting the dish warm up for 15 to 20 minutes helps it bake more evenly
- Make the pecan topping
- Combine melted butter with brown sugar and chopped pecans in a small bowl Stir thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand and the nuts are evenly coated
- Add topping to casserole
- Sprinkle the pecan mixture over the soaked bread Cover every inch of the surface so each serving gets a little crunch
- Bake until golden
- Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a sharp knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean Expect the middle to puff up and edges to turn crisp Let cool for 10 minutes before serving
- Serve
- Cut into squares and lift out gently with a spatula Drizzle extra maple syrup at the table for even more indulgence
Save It My favorite part is the pecan topping because it caramelizes into the coziest buttery crunch My daughter always sneaks extra pecans from the corner before breakfast is served which has become our little tradition
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to two days To reheat warm individual squares in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave briefly The topping will soften slightly but you can return a little crunch by toasting under the broiler for one to two minutes
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap challah for brioche if you like a firmer bite or use a rustic white bread in a pinch Almonds or walnuts can be used instead of pecans For dairy allergies try substituting your favorite rich plant milk and vegan butter Use gluten free bread to make this casserole safe for those sensitive to wheat
Serving Suggestions
For a festive brunch top each piece with fresh berries or serve alongside vanilla yogurt Dust with a touch of powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish For a truly luxurious touch bring a small pitcher of warmed maple syrup to the table
Cultural and Historical Context
Overnight French toast bakes have roots in classic American brunch traditions and are inspired by both traditional French pain perdu and hearty Southern breakfast casseroles Maple and pecans are beloved in American cooking especially in regions where maple syrup is harvested and pecan groves are common This bake reflects the joy of slowing down and sharing a comforting meal with loved ones
Seasonal Adaptations
Try folding in chopped apples or pears for autumn or fresh berries in summer Use pumpkin pie spice instead of just cinnamon and nutmeg for a fall twist Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream in winter for a holiday treat
Save It With a little planning ahead you will have an impressive cozy breakfast that feels like a treat for any occasion Make it once and it is sure to become a tradition
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use a different bread instead of brioche?
Yes, challah or any sturdy, enriched bread works well and absorbs the custard beautifully, providing a soft texture.
- → How do I prevent soggy French toast?
Use day-old or slightly dry bread. Ensure the custard is properly absorbed and bake until the center is set.
- → Can I prepare this without nuts?
Simply omit the pecans or replace them with seeds, or extra streusel topping if desired, for a nut-free version.
- → Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?
Chilling allows the custard to fully soak the bread for best texture, but a minimum of 4 hours will work in a pinch.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave for best results.