Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole: A Sweet & Easy Breakfast Treat

Pecan pie french toast casserole is the ultimate mash-up of cozy comfort foods. Creamy, custardy French toast meets the crunchy, caramelized topping of pecan pie in this easy baked breakfast dish. Perfect for holiday mornings or lazy weekends, it’s indulgent, crowd-pleasing, and surprisingly simple to throw together.

I first made this sweet breakfast casserole last Thanksgiving when I needed something I could prep the night before. With my slow cooker turkey bubbling away, baking this casserole in the oven was a stress-free way to feed my whole family. The best part? Your house will smell like heaven while it bakes! Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, so you can enjoy more time with your guests (or your coffee).

How to Make Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole

If you’ve never baked a sweet breakfast casserole before, don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds! Here’s how to turn simple ingredients like bread, eggs, and pecans into a decadent masterpiece.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this breakfast favorite. Double-check you’ve got these pantry staples and grab an 18-inch loaf of French bread for the foundation.

• Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing the dish)
• 1 loaf French bread (about 18 inches long, sliced into 1-inch-thick pieces)
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecans (roughly chopped, with some left whole)
• 1 stick salted butter (1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/3 cup maple syrup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break this down into easy steps for a foolproof start-to-finish guide. You’ll love how this recipe comes together effortlessly!

1. Preheat and prep: Set your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to keep your casserole from sticking.
2. Slice and soak the bread: Cut your French bread into 16 slices, each about 1 inch thick. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Soak four slices of bread in the egg mixture at a time, letting them rest for 1 minute per side (2 minutes total). Arrange the soaked slices in the baking dish, slightly overlapping them. Pour any leftover egg mixture over the bread and let sit while you make the topping.
3. Make the pecan topping: Roughly chop the pecans, leaving some whole for texture. In a medium saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and maple syrup, stirring frequently, until the sugar is fully dissolved (about 5–8 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
4. Assemble and bake: Spoon the pecan topping evenly over the prepared bread slices. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover the casserole and bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the custard is fully set and the pecan topping is golden brown.
5. Cool and serve: Allow your casserole to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with a drizzle of the syrupy goodness left at the bottom of the pan and enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole

Want even more tips to nail this recipe? Here are my go-to hacks:

• Make it ahead: Prep everything through step 3 (soaking the bread), then cover the dish and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning while you sip coffee and relax.
• Switch up the bread: French bread works great, but brioche or challah will take this dish to the next level. Their softer texture soaks up the custard beautifully.
• Add extra flavor: A pinch of nutmeg or a splash of bourbon in the custard adds a festive twist. Try it for the holidays!
• Clean-up hack: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and less scrubbing afterward.

Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole FAQs

Got questions? Let me help you out with these common queries:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything through step 3, then refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge (you may need to add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time).

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and bake in the oven until warmed through.

Can I use different nuts?

Sure! Walnuts or chopped almonds make excellent substitutes if you don’t have pecans on hand. Just be sure to toast them lightly for extra crunch and flavor.

What syrups work best for this recipe?

You can use traditional light corn syrup alongside real maple syrup for the best caramelized flavor. For a richer topping, use dark corn syrup or a little molasses.

Can this be frozen?

Yes! After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then slice and wrap individual portions in foil. Freeze them for up to 2 months, and reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This sweet and indulgent pecan pie french toast casserole is the perfect treat for cozy weekends, holiday mornings, or brunch gatherings. With its creamy custard, crisp pecan topping, and make-ahead convenience, it’s a win-win for any busy home cook.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop your questions or feedback in the comments, tag me @KitchenShortcuts on social media, or share it with fellow brunch lovers. And while you’re here, check out my easy recipes for other sweet breakfast bakes or cozy slow cooker meals. Happy cooking!