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French toast has long been a beloved breakfast staple, cherished for its delicious simplicity and comforting familiarity. This classic dish takes on a new level of indulgence with the Maple Pecan Overnight French Toast, a recipe that marries the rich, creamy custard of traditional French toast with the delightful crunch of toasted pecans and the warm sweetness of pure maple syrup. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply want to elevate your morning routine, this recipe stands out as a convenient and satisfying option.

Maple Pecan Overnight French Toast

Transform your breakfast routine with Maple Pecan Overnight French Toast, a deliciously indulgent dish that's easy to prepare ahead of time. This recipe blends the creamy custard of traditional French toast with crunchy pecans and the sweetness of pure maple syrup. Perfect for busy mornings or special occasions, it fuses comforting flavors into a satisfying meal. Follow our detailed instructions to create this rich and flavorful delight that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients
  

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (approximately 8 cups)

6 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Additional maple syrup and powdered sugar for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Bread: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with the chopped, toasted pecans. Gently toss the mixture to evenly distribute the pecans among the bread cubes, ensuring every piece will benefit from that nutty crunch.

    Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and fully blended, resulting in a rich custard base.

      Combine Ingredients: Carefully pour the egg custard mixture over the bowl with the bread cubes and pecans. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the mixture to ensure that all the bread cubes are well-coated in the custard, absorbing that delicious flavor.

        Chill Overnight: For best results, transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish if not already done. Spread it out evenly and then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator to chill overnight, or for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the bread to soak up the custard.

          Preheat the Oven: The following morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking.

            Bake: Once preheated, remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish, and place it in the oven. Bake the French toast for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the custard is set in the middle. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

              Serve: After baking, let the French toast cool for about 5 minutes before slicing it into squares. Serve each piece warm, drizzled generously with additional maple syrup and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 1 hour | 8 servings