Description

This French Toast Bake is an indulgent breakfast casserole made with golden toasted brioche or challah, soaked in a cinnamon-maple custard, and topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for holidays, brunches, or lazy weekends.

Ingredients

1 16 oz. loaf challah or brioche, cut into 3/4” cubes

6 eggs

2 1/2 cups half and half

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 ½ cups pecans, chopped

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2–2/3 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

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Instructions

Toast the bread: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and dry. Let cool.
Make the custard: Whisk eggs, half and half, sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
Assemble: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add toasted bread cubes and pour custard over them. Press bread gently to absorb liquid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Prepare the crumb topping: Mix chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Stir in melted butter and maple syrup. Break up large pieces and refrigerate.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle cold pecan topping over soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until golden on top and set in the center.
Cool and serve: Let cool for 15 minutes before serving. Serve as is, or with syrup and fresh berries.

Notes

For a fruit mix-in, add chopped apples or berries before soaking in custard.

For a chocolate twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips between layers.

For a nut-free option, use a simple flour, sugar, and butter streusel for the topping.

To store: Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To freeze: Freeze without topping. Thaw overnight, add topping, then bake.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 105mg