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 deeply comforting about a breakfast that tastes indulgent yet feels like a cozy hug. This Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe combines the rich nuttiness of pecans with the luscious sweetness of pecan pie, all layered over custardy challah bread. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become your new favorite weekend brunch treat.

The image shows a close-up of several thick, golden-brown slices of bread soaked in a shiny, syrupy glaze, all topped with a generous layer of whole and broken pecan nuts. The bread slices are arranged tightly together, each covered with rich, caramel-colored syrup that pools slightly around the edges. The texture of the bread looks soft and soaked, while the pecans provide a firm, crunchy contrast with their deep brown, glossy finish. The background is a white marbled texture. 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

This Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe hits all the right notes – it’s decadently sweet without being overpowering, perfectly textured with crunchy pecans, and incredibly easy to prepare ahead for a stress-free morning. I get why it’s such a crowd-pleaser!

Effortless Luxury: You get the taste of pecan pie in french toast form with minimal hands-on time.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Soaking the bread overnight lets you prep in advance for easy mornings.
Perfect Balance: It’s sweet and nutty, rich yet light, thanks to the custardy base.
Impress Without Stress: This recipe looks and tastes fancy but comes together quickly in the oven.

A white square dish holds a rich dessert with three layers: the top layer is a shiny, sticky caramel covered with whole pecans, dark brown and glossy in texture, the middle layer is a golden-brown soft filling that looks moist and smooth, and the bottom layer is a light, dense base that supports the sweet filling. A spoon lifts a portion of the dessert, showing the thick caramel and pecans firmly covering the soft middle layer, with more pieces visible in the dish below. The scene is set against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this recipe is in its simple, quality ingredients – each one plays a key role to give you that classic pecan pie flavor in an irresistibly soft and caramelized french toast bake.

Flat lay of rich pecan pieces, glossy brown sugar crystals, golden maple syrup in a small pool, smooth heavy cream in a clear jar, whole brown eggs with a warm hue, thick slices of golden challah bread, a pat of creamy butter, and a sprinkling of warm cinnamon powder beautifully arranged and balanced on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Heavy cream: Gives the custard richness and a silky mouthfeel.
Whole milk: Lightens the cream a bit without losing creaminess.
Eggs: The foundation for the custard, binding everything together.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing all the flavors.
Challah bread: Slightly sweet and sturdy, it soaks up custard beautifully without falling apart.
Butter: Used in the pecan topping, it lends lusciousness to the syrup.
Brown sugar: Brings caramel notes and pairs perfectly with pecans.
Corn syrup: Helps create a sticky, glossy glaze typical of pecan pie.
Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of woodsy flavor.
Pecan pieces: The star nut that adds crunch and classic flavor.
Cinnamon: Warms things up with just a touch of spice.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the pecans.

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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

While I love the classic version, I encourage you to tweak the recipe to match your taste or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment – that’s how you make a recipe truly your own.

Nut-Free Variation: Swap pecans for toasted coconut flakes or sunflower seeds if you’re allergic or want to mix it up. I tried this once and still loved the texture contrast.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a sturdy gluten-free bread like a gluten-free challah or brioche to keep the custardy soak, delicious as ever.
Swap the Syrups: Sometimes I replace corn syrup with more maple syrup, but the corn syrup gives a better sticky glaze. Play around to find your favorite balance.

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

Step 1: Soak the Bread Overnight for Ultimate Custardiness

In a large casserole or flat-bottom pan, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Lay your sliced challah bread in the mixture, flipping them so both sides are well coated. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This slow soak lets the bread fully absorb the custard and makes for a luxuriously soft interior once baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Pie Syrup Sauce

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Continue cooking and stirring for about a minute until everything melts together and bubbles gently. Remove from heat and stir in the pecan pieces, coating them in that luscious syrup sauce – this is what gives the baked french toast its classic pecan pie twist.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

Pour the pecan syrup mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then place your soaked bread slices on top in a single layer, soaking up any extra syrup droplets. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the bread is puffed and turning golden brown at the edges. You’ll notice the sweet, nutty aroma filling your kitchen – such a good sign!

Top Tip

Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks that turn this Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe from great to unforgettable — and I want you to have those same wins in your kitchen.

Use Challah or Brioche: These breads are sturdy yet absorb custard like a dream, so your french toast isn’t soggy or dry.
Chill Overnight: The longer soaking time is key for custardy, flavorful slices—it really makes a difference.
Don’t Skimp on the Syrup: The combo of brown sugar, corn syrup, and maple syrup creates the best sticky glaze and authentic pecan pie vibe.
Watch Your Bake Time: Start checking around 30 minutes to avoid overcooking; you want a golden crust but tender inside.

How to Serve Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe

Pecan Pie French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of pure maple syrup to add that classic breakfast sweetness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it extra special when you're serving guests or a weekend brunch. Fresh berries bring a bright contrast to all the rich flavors and look beautiful on the plate.

Side Dishes

For a balanced meal, I like pairing this baked pecan pie french toast with crispy bacon or sausage—salty and savory sides complement the sweet richness perfectly. A fresh fruit salad or lightly dressed greens add a refreshing touch and keep things from feeling too heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

On holidays or special brunches, I’ve arranged the slices in a pretty circle on a large platter, topping the center with pecan halves and maple drizzle. You can even sprinkle edible gold dust or chopped candied pecans for a festive flair that’s sure to impress. Little ramekins of extra sauce on the side are a nice touch too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days. Just keep the syrupy bottom layer from getting too soggy by placing bread slices slightly elevated if you can. I often separate layers with parchment paper too.

Freezing

This baked pecan pie french toast freezes surprisingly well. I slice and freeze individual servings wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer-safe bag. When I want a quick breakfast, I just thaw in the fridge overnight or pop them straight into the oven at low heat.

Reheating

I find reheating in a toaster oven or a standard oven at about 325°F for 10-15 minutes keeps the outside crisp while warming the inside. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain that delightful texture — microwaves tend to make it soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of bread for this Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe?

You can, but challah or brioche is ideal because they are sturdy and slightly sweet, allowing them to soak up the custard without turning mushy. If you use a denser bread, the texture may be drier and less custardy.

How far in advance can I prepare the soaked bread?

It’s best to soak the bread for at least 4 hours, but you can soak it overnight in the fridge. Soaking longer allows the custard to fully penetrate, resulting in a creamier french toast bake.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap the heavy cream and whole milk for dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or oat milk. Use vegan butter and maple syrup only to keep the topping vegan-friendly. The texture and flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it’s still delicious!

How do I know when the baked pecan pie french toast is done?

It’s ready when the top is golden brown and puffed slightly. The edges will crisp up, and it should feel set when gently pressed. If it’s too jiggly in the center, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe is one of those dishes that makes mornings feel special, whether it’s a lazy weekend or a holiday brunch. I’ve shared it with friends and family who all fall in love with the sweet, nutty flavor and custardy texture—plus how simple it is to make in advance. Give it a try, and you might just find it becoming a beloved tradition in your kitchen too.