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

Imagine waking up to the warm, nutty aroma of sweet pecans mingled with cinnamon and maple syrup wafting through your kitchen. This Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe is exactly that kind of morning magic—rich, satisfying, and a little indulgent, but totally worth it.

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 is one of those dishes that turns an ordinary morning into a special occasion. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to for brunch or a cozy weekend treat.

Hands-off soaking: The bread soaks overnight, which means you get deep, flavorful custard without standing over the stove all morning.
Perfect balance of textures: Crunchy pecans and syrupy base meet soft, custardy challah bread for an irresistible bite every time.
Flavor complexity: Between the brown sugar, maple, corn syrup, and cinnamon, each bite is a symphony of sweet and warm flavors.
Great for feeding a crowd: This recipe shines whether you’re cooking for four or six, making it perfect for family breakfasts or holiday brunches.

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

Each ingredient in this Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe has a special role, blending to create its signature taste and texture. Using challah bread is a game changer — its rich, slightly sweet crumb soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.

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: Adds richness and creaminess, giving the custard depth beyond just milk.
Whole milk: Lightens the custard slightly while maintaining smooth texture.
Eggs: The binding agent that thickens the custard and helps it hold together when baked.
Vanilla: A warm flavor enhancer that elevates the custard’s sweetness.
Challah bread: Its sturdy yet tender crumb holds up well for soaking, making it the perfect canvas.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create the luscious pecan pie sauce base.
Brown sugar: Provides a deep molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with the pecans.
Corn syrup: Adds sticky sweetness and that classic pecan pie texture.
Maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
Pecan pieces: For crunch and that unmistakable nutty flavor.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice notes that balance the sweetness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through any cloying sweetness.

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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 Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe as is, but I’ve also played around with a few tweaks that make it just as delicious while accommodating different preferences or occasions.

Variation: I sometimes swap challah for brioche when I want a slightly lighter texture without losing that rich custard soak. It works beautifully and is worth trying.
Diet-friendly tweak: Use maple syrup alone in place of corn syrup for a more natural sweetener; just be sure to monitor sweetness to your taste.
Nut swap: If pecans aren’t your favorite, toasted walnuts or even almonds give a different but equally tasty crunch.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with cinnamon adds extra warmth for the holidays.

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

Step 1: Soak the Bread Overnight

In a large, flat-bottomed casserole dish, whisk together heavy cream, milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Layer in your challah slices, flipping them gently so both sides get fully coated. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This soaking step makes all the difference—it allows the custard to fully penetrate the bread, creating that melt-in-your-mouth softness.

Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Pie Sauce

While the bread soaks (or right before baking), melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Keep stirring gently for about a minute until it’s all blended and bubbling slightly, then remove from heat. Finally, fold in the pecan pieces so they get cozy in that sticky, sweet sauce.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the pecan pie sauce evenly into the bottom of the dish, spreading out those nuts and syrup. Now, carefully arrange the soaked challah slices on top in a single layer. Pop it all into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You're looking for golden brown edges and a set but tender custard inside — a toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean with just a bit of custardy moisture.

Top Tip

Through my many attempts at this Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that make sure it turns out amazing every time—no soggy spots, perfect balance, and that irresistible crunch.

Overnight soak is key: Don’t skip it! The custard needs time to soak in, or else your bread won’t get that luscious texture.
Use day-old challah: Fresher bread may be too soft and could fall apart during soaking; slightly stale challah holds up better.
Watch the baking time: 30-35 minutes works best; overbaking dries it out, underbaking leaves custardy pockets too loose.
Grease the pan well: The pecan pie sauce is sticky, and butter in the pan helps you serve without a mess and protects those gorgeous pecans from sticking.

How to Serve Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe

Pecan Pie French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and gorgeous: a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, and a few extra toasted pecans on top. Sometimes a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream (for an indulgent brunch!) takes it over the top.

Side Dishes

Fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples balances the richness nicely. Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage add savory contrast, and a side of creamy yogurt or cottage cheese rounds out the plate perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I serve this in individual ramekins layered with extra pecans and a cinnamon stick garnish. It’s a beautiful way to wow guests and make brunch feel festive without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and keep refrigerated. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, which is perfect if you want to enjoy this treat again without making a new batch.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic and foil. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. It’s a handy option for planning ahead or making ahead for a big brunch.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Microwave works in a pinch but the oven keeps that crispy pecan topping nice and crunchy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bread other than challah for this recipe?

Absolutely! While challah is ideal because it holds up well and adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor, brioche or Texas toast are great alternatives. Avoid breads that are too delicate or very fluffy, as they might become mushy after soaking.

Do I have to soak the bread overnight?

You don’t have to soak overnight, but a 4-hour soak minimum is recommended to let the custard fully penetrate the bread for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you’re short on time, make sure to flip the bread a couple of times to coat it evenly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe gluten-free, substitute the challah bread with a sturdy gluten-free bread like a gluten-free brioche or multigrain bread that can soak custard without falling apart. Keep in mind texture may vary slightly.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

The best way to reheat leftovers is in the oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes. Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent drying, and the pecan topping will stay crisp and delicious. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Pecan Pie French Toast Recipe is like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for those slow weekend mornings or celebrations where you want breakfast to feel extra special. I promise, once you try it, you'll find yourself looking forward to weekends just to make it again. Give it a go and enjoy that comforting, crunchy-sweet, custardy goodness with people you love.