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Cozy Vanilla Bean French Toast Bake with Maple Pecans

vanilla bean french toast bake - featured image
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A warm and comforting French toast bake infused with real vanilla bean and topped with crunchy maple pecans, perfect for lazy weekend mornings or holiday brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf sturdy bread like brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old bread works best)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped OR 2 teaspoons high-quality vanilla bean paste
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the dish)
  • Maple Pecans:
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt
  • Optional toppings: powdered sugar, fresh berries, extra maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Cut brioche or challah loaf into 1-inch cubes. If fresh, toast cubes at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to dry slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or half-and-half, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and vanilla bean seeds or paste until smooth and fragrant.
  3. Gently fold bread cubes into custard mixture, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.
  4. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add pecan halves and toast for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
  5. Add maple syrup and flaky sea salt to pecans, stir to coat evenly, and cook for another 2 minutes. Transfer pecans to parchment paper to cool.
  6. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. Pour custard-soaked bread mixture evenly into the dish. Dot top with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until top is golden and custard is set (knife inserted should come out clean). Tent with foil if browning too fast.
  8. Remove from oven and sprinkle cooled maple pecans over the top.
  9. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle extra maple syrup, or add fresh berries if desired.

Notes

Use day-old bread or lightly toast fresh bread cubes to prevent sogginess. Soaking overnight enhances custard texture. Butter the baking dish well for easy release and a rich crust. Toast pecans last to keep them crunchy. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Vanilla bean paste or real vanilla bean seeds provide best flavor and appearance.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast bake, vanilla bean, maple pecans, brunch recipe, cozy breakfast, easy French toast casserole

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/cozy-vanilla-bean-french-toast-bake-with-maple-pecans-recipe/