All-American Maple Pecan French Toast

This All-American Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole turns any morning into a celebration with its buttery brioche, rich maple-spiced custard, and crunchy pecan topping. A perfect make-ahead treat for family brunch, holidays, or when you want to serve something truly special without stress.

Before this casserole, I dreaded early brunches but making it ahead means good food and a rested cook. The first time I made it for Thanksgiving morning, it disappeared before the coffee finished brewing.

Ingredients

• Brioche or challah bread: about sixteen ounces cubed into one inch pieces The bread delivers pillowy texture that soaks up custard Best to use day old or slightly stale bread for perfect absorption
• Large eggs: eight whole eggs help set the rich custard Select the freshest eggs for optimal flavor
• Whole milk: adds classic creamy texture and helps balance richness
• Heavy cream: deepens the custard for an indulgent mouthfeel Only a little is needed to make it silkier
• Pure maple syrup: brings unmistakable sweetness and caramel notes Use real maple syrup not pancake syrup for depth
• Light brown sugar: in both custard and topping boosts flavor and gives subtle molasses undertones Look for soft moist brown sugar
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the custard and adds warmth Choose pure vanilla for best aroma
• Ground cinnamon: for warm spice Underlines the breakfast character of the dish
• Ground nutmeg: a pinch gives custard an aromatic lift Freshly grated makes a difference
• Salt: sharpens all the sweet flavors Do not skip it
• Pecan halves: roughly chopped Layer the top with these for extra crunch Toasted pecans have the best flavor
• Unsalted butter: melted for the topping Adds richness and helps create the crispy golden finish

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Grease a nine by thirteen inch dish with butter or nonstick spray Arrange all the bread cubes evenly inside This ensures every bite gets some custard

Whisk the Custard:

In a large bowl add eggs whole milk heavy cream maple syrup light brown sugar vanilla extract cinnamon nutmeg and salt Whisk together until completely smooth and well blended The mixture should look uniform without visible streaks of egg yolk

Soak the Bread:

Slowly pour the custard evenly over the cubed bread Use clean hands or a spatula to press down gently helping all pieces get soaked by the liquid Make sure no dry spots remain

Chill for Best Texture:

Cover the dish tightly with plastic or foil Place in the fridge for at least two hours Overnight is even better for deep flavor and a soft creamy interior

Mix the Topping:

In a small bowl combine the chopped pecans melted butter light brown sugar and cinnamon Mix everything until pecans are evenly coated The butter binds the sugar and helps it crisp during baking

Add the Topping:

After chilling the bread and custard mixture remove from fridge Remove cover and evenly sprinkle the pecan topping across the entire dish

Bake:

Place in a preheated three hundred fifty degree oven Bake uncovered for forty to forty five minutes The casserole is ready when puffy golden brown and the center feels set not jiggly

Rest and Serve:

Let the casserole rest about ten minutes before slicing This helps it firm up Serve warm with extra maple syrup or fresh berries if desired

Save

Maple syrup is my favorite part of this dish because it tastes like pure weekend happiness to me Pouring a little extra maple over the warm casserole feels like a celebration My family always gathers in the kitchen with excitement when the scent of cinnamon fills the house

Storage Tips

This casserole keeps well covered in the fridge for up to three days Slice before reheating for even warming Individual slices can be microwaved or the whole dish can be gently warmed in a low oven covered with foil to prevent drying

Ingredient Substitutions

Challah is a great swap for brioche if needed You can use half and half in place of the heavy cream plus whole milk Try walnuts for a different nutty topping style For a dairy free version try almond milk and vegan creamer with plant butter

Serving Suggestions

Serve straight from the oven with a pitcher of warm maple syrup Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream add a pop of brightness and taste amazing next to the warm custard If you like some savory contrast crispy bacon or a slice of ham is a classic brunch side

Save

Enjoy this casserole as a festive centerpiece for any brunch gathering or holiday morning With its cozy flavors and no fuss prep everyone will be asking for seconds

Cooking Questions

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for best texture and flavor.

→ What kind of bread works best?

Brioche or challah are preferred for their richness and ability to absorb custard, but French bread also works well.

→ How do I make it nut-free?

Simply omit the pecans or substitute with pumpkin seeds to create a nut-free version while retaining crunch.

→ What toppings pair well with this casserole?

Extra maple syrup, fresh berries, or lightly whipped cream add delicious finishing touches to each serving.

→ Can the casserole be frozen?

For best results, bake and cool the casserole, then wrap tightly and freeze. Reheat in the oven before serving.

→ Is stale bread necessary?

Stale bread is recommended as it soaks up the custard better, preventing a soggy texture after baking.