There’s something undeniably cozy about waking up to a warm, nutty, custardy breakfast. This French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe is like a hug on a plate — overflowing with soft challah, cinnamon-spiced custard, and that irresistible crunch of toasted pecans. It’s perfect for weekends when you want a fuss-free dish that feels fancy and homemade.

A white plate holds several thick, golden-brown pieces of bread pudding, layered unevenly with a soft, spongy texture visible inside. Scattered pecans rest on and around the pudding, adding a crunchy contrast. A woman's hand pours amber syrup from a small glass jar over the bread pudding, creating shiny, flowing streams that catch the light. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, with a silver fork resting nearby and a white dish filled with more bread pudding in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made this French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe on a chilly Sunday morning when I had a houseful of family. What struck me was how effortlessly the flavors came together and how it felt like a little celebration without needing hours of prep or fancy skills. It’s become my go-to dish when I want something comforting and crowd-pleasing.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it the night before, saving you precious morning time.
Crispy, Yet Custardy: That perfect balance between soft inside and crunchy topping thanks to the pecans.
Simple Ingredients: No complicated pantry raids—just everyday staples with a touch of warmth from spices.
Customizable: Whether you swap pecans for walnuts or add fresh fruit, it’s endlessly adaptable.

A white rectangular dish filled with a layered bread dessert made of golden brown bread pieces that are toasted and soft inside. The chunks of bread are piled together, some shiny from syrup or butter, and scattered with small pieces of pecans that add a crunchy texture. The bread shows a mix of light yellow, golden, and deep brown tones. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a folded striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe plays an important role in making that luscious texture and flavor you crave. I always suggest using challah bread because it soaks up the custard beautifully without turning mushy. Here’s a quick breakdown of why these ingredients gel so well.

Flat lay of a small loaf of challah bread cut into 1-inch cubes, five large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of milk, a small white bowl of light brown sugar, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of ground nutmeg, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white bowl of melted unsalted butter, a small white bowl of chopped pecans, and a small white bowl of golden maple syrup, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Challah Bread: Its slightly sweet crumb holds the custard and gives a soft yet sturdy base.
Eggs: They create that rich, set custard that binds everything together.
Milk: A creamy liquid that softens the bread and blends all the flavors.
Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and caramel notes, especially in the topping.
Vanilla Extract: Brings a lovely fragrant sweetness that ties the spices and sugars together.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic warming spices that evoke cozy mornings.
Sea Salt: A pinch boosts all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Pecans: Toasted pecans on top add a delightful crunch and buttery flavor.
Butter or Coconut Oil: Used both in the pan and topping, it adds richness and ensures the crust browns nicely.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe “my way” by switching up the nuts or adding a handful of fresh berries right before baking. It’s a dish that encourages creativity, so don’t be shy about experimenting!

Nut Swap: Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully if pecans aren’t your favorite or you want a milder crunch.
Make It Vegan: Use a plant-based milk like oat or almond and swap eggs for a flax egg mixture; just reduce the soaking time.
Flavor Boost: Sometimes I add a teaspoon of orange zest for a bright pop that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and pecans.
Extra Fruity: Layer in sliced apples or pears before pouring the custard for naturally sweet pockets of fruit.

Step-by-Step: How I Make French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Bread and Pan

Start by greasing your baking dish—whether you choose butter or coconut oil, the key is thorough coverage to prevent sticking. Then, cube your challah bread into 1-inch pieces. Using slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard better without falling apart. Spread these cubes evenly in the pan so each bite gets a bit of everything.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a big bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt until smooth and fragrant. You’ll notice how the spices fill the air—that’s where the magic starts. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to coax the bread to soak up all that flavorful custard. If you have time, cover and refrigerate overnight; if not, letting it sit for 30 minutes at room temp works just fine.

Step 3: Add the Pecan Topping and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Drizzle melted butter or coconut oil over the top, then sprinkle brown sugar and chopped pecans generously. Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist for the first 35 minutes. Then, uncover it and bake for an additional 10 to 20 minutes to get that golden, crunchy topping. When done, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes to set perfectly.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve warm straight from the pan with a drizzle of real maple syrup. It’s especially delicious with a cup of coffee or fresh fruit on the side. Trust me—once you taste that blend of soft, spicy custard and toasted pecan crunch, you’ll want to make this again and again.

Top Tip

After several tries, I realized these little tips made a big difference in nailing the perfect texture and flavor in this French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe.

Use Day-Old Bread: Day-old or slightly stale challah soaks up custard without turning into mush—fresh bread can get soggy fast.
Let It Rest: Whether you refrigerate overnight or wait 30 minutes at room temp, give the bread time to absorb the custard fully.
Cover Then Uncover: Baking covered locks in moisture initially, then uncovering crisps up the pecan topping beautifully.
Rest Before Serving: Letting it sit 10 minutes after baking allows the custard to set and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe

French Toast Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My favorite way to garnish this casserole includes a light dusting of powdered sugar for a little sweet spark and a handful of fresh berries for a juicy contrast. Sometimes, I add a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness and add creaminess.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this with crispy bacon or sausage for a salty bite and some fresh fruit salad or citrus slices to brighten the plate. A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai rounds out the comforting breakfast experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked individual ramekins instead of one big dish. It feels extra personal and looks fancy on a brunch table. Another trick is layering a swirl of cream cheese or jam between bread layers to surprise guests with pockets of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that letting them cool completely before sealing helps keep them from getting soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to revive the crunchy pecan topping without drying out the custard. Microwave works in a pinch, but the texture isn’t quite the same.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other bread instead of challah?

You absolutely can! Brioche or a sturdy white bread work well, too. The key is using bread that’s slightly stale or a day old, so it soaks up the custard nicely without turning to mush.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! One of the best parts of this French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe is that you can prepare it the night before. Just cover the assembled dish and refrigerate overnight. The bread soaks up all the flavors perfectly while you sleep.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap the butter for coconut oil and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. These substitutions keep it rich and flavorful while accommodating dairy-free diets.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the pecan topping crisp.

Final Thoughts

This French Toast Casserole with Pecans Recipe isn’t just breakfast—it’s a ritual of slowing down, indulging in cozy flavors, and sharing warmth with the people you care about. I hope you find as much joy in making and eating it as I do. So go ahead, treat yourself to a slice (or two), and savor the simple deliciousness.