Name: Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 0.5 cup heavy cream; 0.5 cup whole milk; 7 eggs; 1.5 tablespoons vanilla extract; 1 loaf challah bread, sliced; 0.5 cup butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 0.25 cup corn syrup; 0.33 cup maple syrup; 1.33 cup pecan pieces; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 0.5 teaspoon salt

Imagine waking up to the warm smell of caramel, toasted pecans, and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen—that’s exactly what I get every time I make this Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe. It’s like pecan pie and French toast had a delicious baby, and trust me, it’s totally worth the time it takes to prepare!

The image shows several thick slices of golden-brown French toast soaked in a rich syrup. Each slice is topped with a generous layer of shiny, caramelized pecans that add a crunchy texture. The syrup glistens on the toast and pools around the edges, giving the dish a warm, sticky look. The toast pieces are arranged close together, filling the frame with their layered textures of soft bread and nutty topping against a white marbled 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 Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you, the magic of this Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe lies in how it balances rich, gooey pecan pie flavors with the classic comfort of French toast. Whenever I serve this, everyone’s eyes light up before they even take a bite!

Dreamy Flavor Combo: The toasted pecans mixed with cinnamon and syrup create a flavor that’s both nostalgic and exciting.
Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast: Soaking the bread overnight means your morning is hands-off and stress-free.
Textural Delight: The crunchy pecan topping contrasts perfectly with the soft, custardy French toast inside.
Impress Your Guests: It looks beautiful on the table and tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

A white baking dish filled with slices of pecan pie, each slice topped with whole and halved glossy pecans in a thick golden-brown sticky syrup layer. The pie crust underneath is light brown and slightly crumbly, holding the sugary filling, while a silver spoon lifts one slice showing its texture and shiny pecans close up. The background is a white marbled surface and a blurred white bowl can be seen in the distance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is a beautiful symphony of creamy, nutty, and sweet ingredients that bring warm, deep flavors to each bite. Choosing the right bread and syrups makes a huge difference, so I’ll share a few tips to help you pick the best.

Flat lay of pecan pieces scattered near a small pile of brown sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup elegantly pooled, a split vanilla bean pod resting beside whole eggs and a thick slice of golden challah bread showing its soft, fluffy texture, a small pat of creamy butter melting slightly, a sprinkle of warm cinnamon powder, and a small glass of rich heavy cream gently catching the light, all placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the custard base, making the French toast luxuriously soft.
Whole milk: Lightens the custard just enough while still keeping it creamy.
Eggs: The foundation for a custardy French toast – they set the mixture as it bakes.
Vanilla: Brings warmth and depth, elevating the sweetness naturally.
Challah bread: This slightly sweet, dense bread soaks up all that custard without falling apart.
Butter: Creates a rich base for the topping and helps to brown the topping beautifully.
Brown sugar: Provides that classic caramel flavor essential to pecan pie vibes.
Corn syrup: Keeps the topping gooey and sticky, mimicking pecan pie’s glaze.
Maple syrup: Adds dimension and natural sweetness, pairing perfectly with pecans.
Pecan pieces: The star crunch! Toasted pecans add texture and the signature nutty flavor.
Cinnamon: Brings warmth and a bit of spice that lifts the whole dish.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

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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 playing around with this Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe to suit different cravings or dietary needs. It’s a flexible recipe that welcomes your creativity, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to make it your own.

Variation: One time, I swapped challah for brioche when I was out of store-bought bread and it was just as decadent. If you want gluten-free, thick slices of your favorite gluten-free bread work surprisingly well here.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and almond milk instead of heavy cream and whole milk, and a plant-based butter substitute. It changes the flavor slightly but keeps the richness intact.
Extra Nutty: Feel free to add chopped walnuts or hazelnuts alongside the pecans for even more crunch and complexity.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a little ground ginger to the custard for a warm spice note that’s lovely in fall or winter.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Soak Your Bread in the Perfect Custard

Whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla in a large flat-bottom pan. I like using a casserole dish here – it’s the perfect size to lay out all the bread slices. Dip each challah slice into the mixture, flipping to coat both sides thoroughly. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This waiting makes the bread absorb all those rich flavors while staying soft but not soggy.

Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping

While the bread soaks away, prepare the topping to make the process seamless in the morning. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Let it cook for about a minute until everything melds together beautifully. Take it off the heat, stir in the pecan pieces, and get ready for some serious goodness.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly. Pour the sticky pecan syrup mixture into the bottom of the baking dish, then layer on your soaked bread slices in a single layer on top. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges start to caramelize and the bread feels set but still tender inside.

Top Tip

I used to rush through soaking the bread, thinking 30 minutes would do the trick. Boy, was I wrong! Letting the bread soak overnight is a game-changer for texture and flavor.

Soaking Time Matters: Overnight soak allows the custard to penetrate the bread fully without turning it gummy.
Don’t Skip the Syrup Mix: That pecan pie topping layer is what sets this apart – don’t skimp or you’ll miss the magic.
Use Thick, Dense Bread: Challah or brioche hold up beautifully to the soaking without falling apart.
Watch the Baking Time: Overbaking dries out the toast; aim for golden and bubbly, then take it out.

How to Serve Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe

Pecan Pie French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I adore topping mine with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving warm—makes it feel like a brunch dessert! A drizzle of extra maple syrup is a must for those who love that extra sweetness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few chopped toasted pecans on top for an added crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

I usually pair this baked French toast with fresh fruit—think berries or sliced apples—since their tartness balances the sweetness perfectly. Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage rounds out the meal if you want something savory alongside, creating a delightful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the slices in a circular pattern on a pretty platter and topped the middle with a small bowl of whipped cream and toasted pecans. Garnishing with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves elevates the look for brunch guests. Another fun idea is serving small, individual ramekins layered with pecan pie French toast and a drizzle of syrup for personal portions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be gently wrapped and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to line my container with a paper towel underneath to help absorb moisture and keep the topping from getting soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe by wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and tucking them into a freezer bag. They keep well for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I use a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes—this keeps the topping crisp and the inside warm without drying it out. Microwaving tends to make it soggy, so I avoid that for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Definitely! While challah is ideal for its texture and sweetness, brioche or Texas toast can work too. Avoid very thin or delicate breads as they might fall apart when soaked.

How long can I soak the bread before baking?

The bread should soak for at least 4 hours but overnight soaking yields the best results. This allows the custard to fully penetrate the bread without getting soggy.

What can I do if I don’t have corn syrup?

You can substitute light maple syrup or honey, though the texture of the topping might be slightly less gooey. Brown sugar and maple syrup combination is key to that pecan pie flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use a sturdy gluten-free bread that holds up well to soaking, like a dense gluten-free brioche or challah alternative. Adjust soaking time accordingly to prevent it from becoming too mushy.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe has become one of my go-to brunch favorites because it feels like a treat but is totally manageable. The slow soak, luscious custard, and that pecan pie topping come together in a way that’s just hard to beat. Give it a try for your next weekend breakfast—you'll thank me, and so will everyone at your table.