Name: Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup whole milk; 7 eggs; 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla; 1 loaf challah bread, sliced; ½ cup butter; 1 cup brown sugar; ¼ cup corn syrup; ⅓ cup maple syrup; 1 ⅓ cup pecan pieces; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt

There’s something magical about waking up to the warm, nutty aroma of my Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe filling the kitchen. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate—rich, sweet, and perfectly satisfying with that wonderful pecan crunch that sets it apart from your usual French toast.

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

I first made this Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe on a chilly weekend morning when I wanted something that felt indulgent but was easy to prep ahead. It quickly became a family favorite, especially because it combines the gooey sweetness of pecan pie with that classic French toast custard soak.

Hands-off Prep: This recipe lets you soak the bread overnight, making morning cooking stress-free and relaxing.
Perfect Texture: The baked layer of pecan pie sauce beneath soft, custardy bread creates a delightful contrast in every bite.
Decadently Nutty Flavor: Toasted pecans mixed with maple and brown sugar syrup make this French toast irresistibly rich.
Feeds a Crowd: It’s generous enough to serve 4-6 hungry people, great for brunch gatherings or holiday mornings.

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

Every ingredient in this Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the rich custard soak to the buttery-sweet pecan topping, understanding why each one matters helps you nail the recipe every time.

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 luscious creaminess to the egg custard, making the soak rich but still silky.
Whole Milk: Lightens the custard slightly so it’s not overly dense.
Eggs: The binding agent that sets the custard and gives structure.
Vanilla Extract: Brings out a warm, fragrant note in the custard.
Challah Bread: Its slightly sweet, airy texture soaks up the custard beautifully without becoming mushy.
Butter: Creates the slick base for the pecan pie syrup and adds rich flavor.
Brown Sugar: Provides deep molasses notes that balance the sweet syrup.
Corn Syrup: Helps keep the pecan pie sauce glossy and perfectly sticky.
Maple Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness and complexity.
Pecan Pieces: The star crunch that adds texture and buttery nuttiness.
Cinnamon: Gives a subtle warmth that complements the pecans and syrup.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and provides balance.

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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 getting creative with this Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe depending on the occasion. You can easily switch up the nuts, sweeteners, or even the bread to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Nut Swap: I once tried walnuts instead of pecans for a different crunch profile; it was delicious and gave a slight earthiness.
Vegan Adaptation: Try coconut milk instead of cream and milk, and use a flax egg in place of real eggs for a plant-based twist.
Spice It Up: A pinch of cardamom or nutmeg added to the custard can add a festive aroma, especially around the holidays.
Bread Choice: Brioche or a sturdy sourdough make great alternatives to challah, just be sure to slice thickly for soaking.

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

Step 1: Soak the Bread Like a Pro

First, whisk together your heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla in a large casserole dish—this is your custard magic. Then, dip each slice of challah, flipping to coat both sides thoroughly. I like to lay the slices flat so they soak up just enough without falling apart. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in your fridge for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This slow soak means the bread absorbs flavor fully and bakes up custardy but not soggy.

Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Pie Sauce

While your oven preheats to 350°F, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Keep stirring for about a minute until everything is combined and glossy—this syrupy base is what gives the pie layer that finger-licking goodness. Then fold in the chopped pecans. The key here is to not overcook the syrup; keeping it just shy of bubbling ensures it sets nicely under the bread without becoming hard.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the pecan pie sauce into the bottom of your greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Then layer the soaked bread slices on top in a single layer—don’t crowd them, so heat circulates evenly. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the bread turns a beautiful golden-brown. Keep an eye on it the last few minutes; it should be set in the middle but still soft and gooey.

Top Tip

I’ve learned that timing and soaking are everything with this Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe. Here’s what helped me get it consistently right:

Overnight Soak is Key: I used to rush the soaking step and ended up with dry edges—so don’t skip the fridge time!
Sauce Temperature: Remove your pecan pie syrup right before it bubbles to keep that perfect sticky texture.
Use Thick Bread Slices: Thicker slices hold up better and soak in more flavor without turning to mush.
Bake in the Center Rack: This helps the bread brown evenly while the pecan pie layer below cooks through.

How to Serve Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe

Pecan Pie French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of extra maple syrup for shine and sweetness. Fresh whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top takes it into absolute comfort-food territory. To brighten it up a bit, sometimes I sprinkle chopped fresh berries—strawberries or raspberries are my go-to.

Side Dishes

This recipe is quite rich, so I usually keep sides light and fresh. Crisp bacon or sausage links add a savory contrast that balances the sweetness perfectly. For something lighter, a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette or fresh fruit salad works wonderfully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake this in mini ramekins instead of one big dish—perfect for individual portions and a fancy presentation. Another fun idea is to layer small pecan pie French toast stacks with dollops of cream and berries between layers, making a stunning brunch centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When we have leftovers (which rarely lasts more than a day!), I store them covered tightly in the fridge. This way they keep moist and prevent the pecan layer from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen individual portions wrapped in foil and placed in freezer bags. It freezes well and keeps its flavor, though the texture softens slightly once thawed, so I recommend reheating crisply to bring it back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven at 325°F wrapped loosely with foil for about 15 minutes to warm evenly without drying out. Quick zap in the microwave works too but can make it a little soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bread other than challah for this recipe?

Absolutely! Brioche works great because of its rich, tender crumb. If using denser breads like sourdough, slice thickly to ensure a good custard soak without getting too soggy.

How far ahead can I prepare the soaked bread?

You can soak the bread in the custard overnight or up to 24 hours ahead; just make sure it stays tightly covered in the refrigerator to prevent drying out.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free bread that has a sturdy texture. Be aware that gluten-free bread sometimes soaks differently, so keep an eye on firmness during baking.

What’s the best way to get a crispy pecan topping?

For a crispier topping, try broiling the baked French toast for the last 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn! This caramelizes the pecans nicely.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe, it reminds me why comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It fills the room with warmth and gives you that perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and it brings a little extra joy to your mornings, whether for family, friends, or just yourself. You’re going to love the way it turns your breakfast into a special occasion!