This Brown Sugar Pecan Overnight French Toast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast indulgence, combining rich, buttery flavors with a satisfying crunch. Imagine tender, custard-soaked bread layered with a caramelized brown sugar and pecan topping, baked to golden perfection. The best part? Prep takes just 15 minutes the night before, so you can wake up to a warm, comforting dish ready in under an hour.
Every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures—soft, pillowy bread meets a crisp, nutty crust. The warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar fills your kitchen, making it impossible to resist. Perfect for lazy weekends or holiday mornings, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Treat yourself to a breakfast that feels like a hug in every bite!
Ingredients for Brown Sugar Pecan Overnight French Toast Casserole
- 12 slices Texas Toast bread (or substitute with thick-cut brioche or French bread)
- 10 eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness, but 2% works too)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Brown Sugar Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons butter, softened
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ cup pecans, chopped (substitute with walnuts or omit for nut-free version)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Cut the Texas Toast into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a 9×13-inch baking pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon until fully combined.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the prepared pan. Press down lightly to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. Set aside.
- Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, salt, softened butter, and cinnamon. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the soaked bread. Top with the chopped pecans.
- Chill overnight: Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Bake: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly, then cut into squares. Serve warm with maple syrup for a delicious breakfast treat!
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
While this Brown Sugar Pecan Overnight French Toast Casserole is delicious on its own, you can elevate it with a few extra toppings. Drizzle warm maple syrup or caramel sauce over each serving for a sweet finish. For a fruity twist, add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries. If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle extra chopped pecans or a handful of granola on top.
Make-Ahead Magic: Storage and Reheating Tips
This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish! After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes. For longer storage, freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Customize It: Recipe Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer. For a richer flavor, use brioche or challah bread instead of Texas Toast. If you’re a fan of chocolate, sprinkle chocolate chips over the bread before adding the topping. For a seasonal twist, mix in pumpkin pie spice or add a layer of sliced apples between the bread cubes.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Mornings
To save time, prepare the casserole the night before and let it soak in the fridge overnight. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven! If you’re short on time, skip the overnight step and let the bread soak for at least 30 minutes before baking. You can also pre-measure the dry ingredients for the topping and store them in a small container, so all you need to do is mix in the butter when you’re ready.
Equipment You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish to hold the casserole. A pastry cutter or fork is handy for mixing the brown sugar topping, but your hands work just as well! Make sure to have a large mixing bowl for the egg mixture and a whisk to combine everything smoothly. Don’t forget a sharp knife for cutting the bread into cubes and chopping the pecans.
Brown Sugar Pecan Overnight French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 12 slices Texas Toast bread
- 10 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Brown Sugar Topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons butter, softened
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and place in a 9×13-inch baking pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, sugar and cinnamon.
- Pour over bread in prepared pan; set aside.
- In another bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, salt, butter and cinnamon using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbs begin to form.
- Sprinkle mixture on top of the bread then top with chopped pecans.
- Cover and store in fridge overnight.
- The next morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bake, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and bread is golden brown.
- Cut into pieces and serve with maple syrup.