If you’ve been dreaming of a breakfast that tastes like a warm hug and a holiday celebration all rolled into one, then this Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe is exactly what your mornings have been missing. Picture thick, custardy slices of brioche drenched in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, cooked to golden perfection, then lavishly topped with a sticky, buttery pecan pie glaze that adds crunch and pure indulgence. It combines the best of two beloved classics—pecan pie and French toast—creating a showstopper brunch dish that your family and friends will adore. Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or a festive occasion, this recipe is your ticket to a memorable table moment packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe starts with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver rich taste, smooth texture, and that irresistible golden color we all crave for French toast. Each ingredient plays a vital role, so let’s dive into what makes this dish shine.
- Brioche or challah bread: Thick 1-inch slices offer a soft, slightly sweet base that soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
- Large eggs: The key to that creamy, velvety egg custard that holds everything together perfectly.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture, helping create that luscious soak for the bread.
- Heavy cream: Boosts the custard’s decadence with extra creaminess and a silky texture.
- Granulated sugar: Just the right hint of sweetness to balance the spices and bread.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and a subtle floral aroma that enhances every bite.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers a cozy, spicy nuance that’s perfect for morning indulgence.
- Salt: A pinch to elevate and balance all the flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for cooking the French toast to golden, buttery perfection.
- For the pecan pie topping:
- Unsalted butter: The base for the rich, gooey topping that will coat each slice with sweet goodness.
- Brown sugar (packed): Gives a deep molasses flavor and sticky texture reminiscent of classic pecan pie.
- Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and complexity, blending beautifully with the butter and sugar.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the topping’s flavor, tying everything together harmoniously.
- Salt: Just a hint to balance the sweetness and bring out the buttery notes.
- Chopped pecans: The star crunch element that’s toasted lightly in the syrup for that perfect nutty finish.
How to Make Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Custard Mixture
Start by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. This mixture is your flavorful, smooth custard that will soak right into the bread, so make sure everything is well combined for even flavor distribution.
Step 2: Soak the Bread Slices
Dip each thick slice of brioche or challah bread into the custard mixture, allowing both sides to soak well but not become soggy. The goal is for the custard to penetrate the bread enough to make each bite moist, but sturdy enough to hold up while cooking.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Cook the soaked bread slices for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through. The butter helps create that delightful crisp edge while keeping the custard center tender and creamy.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Pie Topping
While the French toast cooks, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly. Then, stir in the chopped pecans and cook for one more minute to toast the nuts slightly and blend all those rich flavors.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Stack the cooked French toast slices on plates and generously spoon the warm pecan pie topping over each serving. The warm, sticky topping cascades over the toast, creating a sweet, nutty crown that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can elevate your Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe to a whole new level of indulgence. Try topping with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a luscious, creamy contrast, or drizzle with a bit of caramel sauce for extra sweetness. A dusting of powdered sugar and a few whole pecans scattered on top add a festive and elegant finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a few complementary side dishes can create a balanced brunch spread. Fresh seasonal berries or a mixed fruit salad bring brightness and acidity that contrast beautifully with the sweetness. Crispy bacon or sausage links add a savory, salty component that rounds out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe as a layered breakfast casserole. Arrange the soaked bread in a baking dish, pour the custard over it, bake, then drizzle with the pecan topping just before serving. Alternatively, cut the French toast into smaller cubes and serve the topping as a warm dip, creating an interactive and shareable brunch experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the French toast and pecan topping separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the bread from becoming soggy and the pecan topping fresh for up to 2 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked French toast slices by layering them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to one month. The pecan pie topping is best made fresh or refrigerated but can be frozen in small portions if necessary.
Reheating
Reheat leftover French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, which helps restore crispness. Warm the pecan pie topping gently on the stovetop or microwave before spooning over the French toast to recapture its gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are ideal for their texture and sweetness, you can also use other sturdy breads like Texas toast or a thick-cut white bread. Just make sure the slices are at least 1 inch thick to hold up well when soaked.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based alternatives such as almond milk or coconut cream. Use a dairy-free butter substitute for cooking and in the topping to keep the same delicious flavors.
Can I prepare the pecan pie topping in advance?
Definitely! The pecan pie topping can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat gently before serving to regain its perfect pourable consistency.
How do I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?
Make sure not to soak the bread slices too long—they should be thoroughly coated but not dripping wet. Cooking in a hot skillet with plenty of butter also helps achieve a crisp, golden exterior that holds the custard inside.
What can I serve alongside Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe for a crowd?
Consider adding sides like fresh fruit platters, yogurt parfaits, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Warm beverages like coffee, tea, or mulled cider also pair beautifully for a complete brunch experience.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe truly brings a sense of joy and celebration to the breakfast table. Its deliciously rich custard-soaked bread combined with that irresistibly sticky and nutty pecan topping will quickly make it a family favorite. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next brunch or holiday gathering—you’re going to love how it fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and your plate with pure happiness.
Print
Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pecan Pie French Toast is a decadent breakfast treat combining the rich flavors of pecan pie with classic French toast. Thick slices of brioche or challah bread are soaked in a spiced egg custard, then cooked until golden and topped with a warm, buttery pecan pie topping made with brown sugar, maple syrup, and toasted pecans. Perfect for holiday brunch or a special weekend breakfast.
Ingredients
French Toast:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (sliced 1-inch thick)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
Pecan Pie Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Soak the bread: Dip each slice of brioche or challah into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly soaked but not soggy.
- Cook the French toast: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter. Place the soaked bread slices onto the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until each slice is golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the pecan pie topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
- Add the pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans and cook for an additional minute to toast them lightly and incorporate them into the syrup.
- Serve: Stack the cooked French toast on plates and generously spoon the warm pecan pie topping over each serving. Optionally, garnish with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, add a scoop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel on top.
- You can make the pecan pie topping ahead and reheat it just before serving.
- This dish works great as a holiday brunch centerpiece or special occasion breakfast.
