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- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 6 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (plus extra for drizzling) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted - Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) To make the Maple Pecan French Toast Bake, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Start with a loaf of brioche or challah bread. This bread is soft and holds moisture well. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Next, gather your wet ingredients. You’ll need six large eggs and two cups of whole milk. The eggs give richness, while the milk adds creaminess. For sweetness, use half a cup of pure maple syrup. It gives a lovely flavor that pairs well with the pecans. Don’t forget the flavorings! Add one teaspoon of vanilla extract, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a quarter teaspoon of salt. These enhance the taste and add warmth to the dish. For the pecan topping, grab one cup of roughly chopped pecans. They add crunch and a nutty taste. Mix this with half a cup of brown sugar and one tablespoon of melted unsalted butter. This topping will caramelize and create a sweet crust on top. Optionally, you can dust the finished dish with powdered sugar for a nice touch. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish delightful and satisfying. Enjoy gathering these items, as they all come together to create a delicious breakfast treat! - Preheat Oven and Grease Baking Dish Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. Next, grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. You can use non-stick spray or butter. This helps the bake come out easily after it's done. - Prepare Custard Mixture In a large bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, and 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix until smooth. This will be the custard that flavors the bread. - Soak Bread Cubes Cut 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread into 1-inch cubes. Add the bread cubes to your custard mixture. Gently fold until each piece is coated. Let this sit for about 10 minutes. This soaking time helps the bread absorb all those yummy flavors. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of roughly chopped pecans with 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter. Mix well until the pecans are coated. This topping adds a nice crunch and sweetness. - Transfer Mixture to Dish Once the bread has soaked, pour the entire mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it evenly. Sprinkle the pecan topping over the top. This creates a delicious crust when it bakes. - Bake and Check for Doneness Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check for doneness by looking for a golden brown top. The center should feel firm to the touch. This tells you it’s ready to enjoy! Soaking the bread is key to a tasty bake. You want your bread to soak long enough to absorb all the flavors. I suggest soaking the bread cubes for at least 10 minutes. This gives them time to soak up the egg and milk mixture. If you have time, you can soak them overnight in the fridge. This way, the flavors become even richer! - Enhancements like Fresh Fruit or Whipped Cream Serving this bake with fresh fruit adds a nice touch. Think about berries, bananas, or even slices of peach. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream. It makes the dish feel extra special! - Use of Maple Syrup and Powdered Sugar Drizzling more maple syrup on top is a must. It brings out the sweet maple flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar also looks lovely and adds sweetness. To get the best texture, bake at 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps the top become golden and crunchy while keeping the inside soft. Make sure to check the bake after 35 minutes. If the top is golden and the center feels firm, it’s ready! Avoid opening the oven too often, as it can change the bake time. {{image_4}} You can use many types of bread for this recipe. Brioche and challah are great choices. They soak up flavor well. If you want something healthier, try whole wheat bread. It adds a nice texture and taste. For those who need gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. This will keep the dish tasty for everyone. Adding flavors makes this dish even better. You can mix in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Dark or milk chocolate works well. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries add a fruity touch. They bring a burst of sweetness and chewiness. Just remember to adjust the amount of maple syrup if you add more sweet stuff. While pecans are great, you can switch them for other nuts. Walnuts are a good choice and give a rich flavor. Almonds also work well and add a nice crunch. Just chop them up like you would with pecans. This way, you can enjoy a new taste each time you make it. If you have leftovers, let the Maple Pecan French Toast Bake cool first. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it’s sealed well to keep it fresh. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover French toast bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on a plate for about 1 to 2 minutes. If you want to freeze it, cut the bake into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then in foil. This will keep it safe from freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can make this dish a day before. Just prepare the custard and soak the bread. Then, cover and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, add the pecan topping and bake it. This method saves time and makes for an easy breakfast. If you don’t have maple syrup, try honey or agave nectar. Both will give a sweet flavor. You can also use brown sugar mixed with water. This will mimic the syrup's taste but may not have the same rich flavor. Your French toast bake is done when the top is golden brown. The center should feel firm when touched. You can also insert a knife into the middle. If it comes out clean, it is ready to serve. Enjoy the warm, sweet goodness! This blog post covered how to make Maple Pecan French Toast Bake. We discussed ingredients, step-by-step prep, and baking tips for a tasty dish. Remember to soak your bread for great flavor. Adding fresh fruit or whipped cream can enhance your serving. Explore different bread options and flavor additions for variety. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. By following these tips, you can create a delicious meal. Enjoy making this dish that is fun and easy for anyone!

Maple Pecan French Toast Bake

Delight in a mouthwatering Maple Pecan French Toast Bake that’s perfect for any breakfast or brunch! This easy recipe combines rich brioche or challah bread with creamy custard, sweet maple syrup, and crunchy pecans. Just mix, soak, bake, and enjoy! Ready in under an hour, it’s a dish your family will love. Click through to discover this delicious recipe and transform your mornings into a special occasion!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

6 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup pure maple syrup (plus extra for drizzling)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish using non-stick cooking spray or butter to ensure easy removal of the french toast bake once cooked.

    In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk to combine the eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Beat the mixture until it is smooth and well blended.

      Carefully add the cubed brioche or challah bread into the egg mixture. Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard mixture, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Allow the bread to soak in the mixture for approximately 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

        While the bread is soaking, prepare the delicious pecan topping. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted unsalted butter. Stir until the pecans are well coated in the mixture.

          Once the bread has soaked, transfer the entire mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the prepared pecan topping generously over the top of the bread mixture.

            Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top becomes a beautiful golden brown and the center feels firm to the touch.

              After baking, allow the dish to cool slightly for about 10 minutes. Serve warm, drizzled with additional maple syrup and dusted with powdered sugar, if desired for an extra touch of sweetness.

                - Preparation Tips: To serve, portion the French toast bake onto plates, and feel free to accompany it with fresh fruit or whipped cream for a delightful breakfast or brunch experience.

                  Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 55 min | Servings: 6-8