Pecan French Toast Recipe

If you’re looking to elevate your morning routine or impress your next weekend brunch guests, Pecan French Toast is the answer. This dreamy creation marries the pillowy softness of brioche with a luscious, spiced custard, and the irresistible crunch of toasted pecans—all finished with a drizzle of warm maple syrup. Every bite is a cozy, nutty hug that makes even ordinary mornings feel extraordinary. Whether you’re new to making French toast or a seasoned pro, this recipe brings together everything delightful about classic breakfasts with just the right amount of indulgence.

Pecan French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each component in this Pecan French Toast recipe serves a deliciously strategic purpose, contributing to the overall texture, flavor, and richness. Don’t be intimidated by the list—they’re mostly pantry staples that truly shine when given the spotlight in this dish.

  • Brioche or Challah Bread: Thick slices give you that perfect custardy interior and lightly crispy crust—don’t substitute with thin bread!
  • Large Eggs: The backbone of your custard, providing the rich structure needed for French toast.
  • Whole Milk: Adds moisture and a bit of creaminess to the egg mixture without overpowering the bread.
  • Heavy Cream: For extra luxury—this adds unbeatable richness and an ultra-soft bite.
  • Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor deepen the taste of your custard.
  • Vanilla Extract: Infuses the dish with cozy, aromatic notes that scream brunch comfort food.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, spiced flavor that plays perfectly with pecans and syrup.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Just a hint transforms the custard with irresistible fragrance.
  • Pinch of Salt: Brightens and balances the sweetness; don’t skip this little detail!
  • Chopped Pecans: Provide that signature crunch and nutty depth—toast them for maximum flavor.
  • Unsalted Butter: Prevents sticking and adds rich, golden flavor to every slice as it cooks.
  • Maple Syrup: The ideal finishing touch; it soaks into the toast and brings all the flavors together.

How to Make Pecan French Toast

Step 1: Make the Custard Batter

Start by whisking together your eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix until everything is smooth and well-blended—this is the magic potion that turns plain bread into golden, custardy perfection. If you want to get ahead, you can make this custard base the night before and stash it in the fridge.

Step 2: Prep Your Cooking Surface

Set a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Let the butter melt completely and start to bubble gently, creating a rich, flavorful foundation for each slice. Don’t crank the heat up too high—you want perfectly golden, not burnt, Pecan French Toast.

Step 3: Dip the Bread

Generously dunk each slice of brioche or challah into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are fully coated. Let the excess drip off so that your French toast is just right—rich and tender, not soggy. Now you’re primed for beautifully saturated, melt-in-the-mouth bites.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Lay the soaked bread onto the hot skillet. Let each slice cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until both sides are a gorgeous golden brown and the custard is set in the middle. If you’re cooking in batches, keep finished slices warm in a low oven.

Step 5: Add the Pecans

As each slice nears the end of its cooking time, sprinkle a generous handful of chopped pecans onto the surface, gently pressing so they adhere. For the best flavor and crunch, consider toasting your pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes beforehand—it makes a big difference!

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer the finished slices to a plate, top with more pecans if you wish, and immediately serve warm with a generous pour of maple syrup. The syrup seeps into all those crispy-edged nooks and luxurious pecan pockets for ultimate breakfast satisfaction.

How to Serve Pecan French Toast

Pecan French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

The crowning glory of Pecan French Toast is in its toppings. Besides extra toasted pecans and warm maple syrup, consider dusting your toast with powdered sugar, adding a pat of butter, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries (think strawberries or blueberries) also add color and a delightful tang that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

Round out your brunch spread with sides that complement without overpowering. Crispy bacon or sausage offer a savory contrast, while a fresh fruit salad lightens things up. Don’t forget a mug of rich coffee or a tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice to sip alongside every delicious bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For something special, try turning Pecan French Toast into a decadent breakfast “sandwich” by layering slices with mascarpone or cream cheese and a drizzle of honey between them. Want to go family style? Arrange slices on a platter, sprinkle liberally with pecans, and let everyone help themselves! For a brunch buffet, cut slices into triangles or strips for easy dipping and sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Pecan French Toast, let slices cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts during the week.

Freezing

To freeze, lay individual slices of French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can just pop out the number you need. Properly stored, they’ll keep for up to two months.

Reheating

Reheat your Pecan French Toast by placing it on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisped up, or microwave individual slices for a faster, softer result. Avoid reheating in a toaster, as the pecans can burn easily.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast

Absolutely! While brioche or challah delivers the best custardy texture, you can use any thick-sliced bread you have on hand. Texas toast or French bread are great alternatives, though you may want to adjust soak time depending on their density.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milks (like almond or oat), and use coconut cream for richness. Swap in a vegan butter for the skillet. The Pecan French Toast will be just as delicious and indulgent!

Should I toast the pecans first?

Yes, toasting the pecans in a skillet for a few minutes before adding them brings out a wonderful depth of flavor and extra crunch. It’s a tiny extra step that makes a noticeable difference, especially if you love that toasty, nutty aroma.

Can I prepare Pecan French Toast in advance?

The custard mixture can absolutely be mixed up the night before and kept in the fridge. For the toast itself, you can cook and refrigerate slices, then reheat as needed so your mornings are extra easy!

Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?

Definitely! You can double or triple the recipe, and keep cooked slices warm in a low oven until you’re ready to serve. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for family gatherings, holidays, or brunch parties.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something a little bit special, Pecan French Toast promises to transform your breakfast into an occasion. Try it once and you’ll see why this brunch classic never goes out of style—invite some friends, gather your favorite toppings, and make a batch soon!

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Pecan French Toast Recipe

Pecan French Toast Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the rich and nutty flavors of Pecan French Toast with this easy-to-follow recipe. Thick-sliced brioche or challah bread is soaked in a luscious custard mixture before being cooked to golden perfection and topped with toasted pecans.


Ingredients

Scale

Brioche French Toast:

  • 1 loaf thick-sliced brioche or challah bread

Custard Mixture:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • pinch of salt

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • maple syrup for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
  2. Cook French Toast: Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Dip bread slices into the custard, cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Add pecans during the last minute of cooking.
  3. Serve: Top French toast with extra pecans and maple syrup before serving warm.

Notes

  • For added crunch, toast the pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the French toast.
  • You can prepare the custard mixture the night before for a quick breakfast in the morning.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 slices
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg

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