Introduction
Imagine all the gooey, nutty goodness of pecan pie, but for breakfast, and in French toast form. Yes, you heard that right! This Pecan Pie French Toast takes a classic Southern dessert and gives it a breakfast twist. The combination of buttery, sweet pecans and warm, custardy bread is pure heaven. Whether you’re preparing something special for weekend brunch or just treating yourself on a cozy morning, this recipe will make your kitchen smell like pure comfort.
If you’re someone who loves a little sweetness in your breakfast, this one’s calling your name. It’s indulgent, but still simple to whip up—perfect for lazy weekends or a special holiday morning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadence without the fuss: You’re getting all the flavors of pecan pie in a fraction of the time!
- Perfect for gatherings: Make this for brunch, and watch everyone’s eyes light up. It’s a total crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable: You can make it as sweet or as nutty as you like, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
Brioche bread: Ideally day-old because it holds up better to the custard soak. You could also use challah or any soft, slightly sweet bread.
Eggs: These form the base of the custard. Fresh eggs make a richer, creamier dip for the bread.
Heavy cream: Makes your French toast extra luscious. You can sub in half-and-half for a lighter version.
Pecans: The star of the show! Toasting them lightly will bring out an even deeper flavor.
Maple syrup & brown sugar: We’re using these to create that caramelized, pecan pie-like topping. Yum!
Cinnamon & vanilla: Warm spices and vanilla give the French toast that cozy, inviting flavor we all love.
Pro Tips
- Need a substitute? If pecans aren’t your thing, walnuts work just as well and still offer that rich, nutty crunch.
- Can’t find brioche? Go for challah or even thick-cut sourdough. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to soak up all the eggy goodness.
- For extra flavor: Add a splash of bourbon to the custard to give your Pecan Pie French Toast an even deeper, richer taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Once it begins to bubble, fold in the pecans and continue stirring until coated and caramelized, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a tiny dash of salt. Make sure it’s well combined for an even custard.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, letting it soak for about 10-15 seconds per side so it’s nice and custardy but not falling apart. This is key for that thick, fluffy French toast texture.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Melt a little butter in the pan, and cook each slice of soaked bread until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. (Don’t rush it, you want them cooked through and caramelized on the outside!)
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Once your French toast is ready, drizzle or spoon the caramelized pecan mixture on top of each slice. Serve immediately, with extra maple syrup on the side if you want a little more sweetness!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Toasting pecans: Keep a close eye on the pecans as they cook in the sugar mixture. You want them toasted and caramelized, but not burnt! Stir them often and don’t walk away from the stove.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer your breakfast on the less sweet side, feel free to use less sugar in the pecan topping. It will still be delicious with just maple syrup as the sweetener.
- Ahead of time: You can make the pecan topping a day in advance. Just reheat slightly before drizzling it over your French toast to bring back the gooey consistency.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Make it dairy-free: Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and swap the butter in the pecan topping for a non-dairy alternative (like coconut oil).
- Want more crunch? Add a sprinkle of granola or crushed graham crackers on top for a little extra texture.
- Serving options: This French toast pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or even a mimosa if you’re doing brunch!
FAQs
Can I make the French toast ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the French toast slices and keep them warm in the oven (at 200°F) for about 30 minutes. Just drizzle the pecan topping right before serving.
Can I freeze the French toast?
Absolutely. Cook the French toast as directed and let them cool completely. Then, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or oven until warmed through.
Any substitutes for eggs?
If you need an egg-free option, try using a mixture of almond milk, cornstarch, and a bit of mashed banana as your custard base! It won’t be the same, but it’ll still give you that rich, breakfast-y vibe.
Recipe Card
Pecan Pie French Toast
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 4-6 slices of brioche, challah, or thick-cut bread
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Prepare topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar and maple syrup, then stir in pecans until coated and caramelized. Set aside.
- Make custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Soak bread: Dip bread slices in the egg mixture, ensuring each side is well coated. Let soak for 10-15 seconds per side.
- Cook: Heat a buttered skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each slice for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Serve: Drizzle the pecan topping over the French toast and serve with extra maple syrup if desired!
Conclusion with Call to Action
And there you have it—pecan pie for breakfast! It’s the kind of recipe that feels luxurious, but trust me, it’s so simple to make. If you give this a try, let me know how it turns out. Share your creations and tag me on Instagram @TheKitchensAid, or drop
