This Overnight Pecan Praline Baked French Toast is a decadent breakfast dream come true. Imagine golden, custardy bread soaked in a rich, sweet mixture, topped with a crunchy pecan praline crust that caramelizes to perfection. With just 10 minutes of prep, you can assemble it the night before, making mornings effortless and indulgent.
Every bite is a symphony of textures—soft, pillowy bread meets a buttery, nutty crunch, all drizzled with warm maple syrup. The flavors are a cozy blend of vanilla, cinnamon, and toasted pecans, creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under 50 minutes.
Ingredients for Overnight Pecan Praline Baked French Toast
- 16 ounces French Bread (1 loaf, sliced into 20 pieces, 1 inch thick)
- 8 large eggs (6-8 eggs work, depending on size)
- 2 cups half-and-half (or substitute with equal parts milk and heavy cream)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Dash of salt
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Praline Topping
- ½ pound butter (2 sticks, melted)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Slice the French bread into 20 pieces, each about 1 inch thick. Arrange the slices in a generously buttered 9×13-inch baking dish, overlapping them in 2 rows.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk or beat with a rotary beater until well blended but not too bubbly.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring all pieces are coated. Spoon some of the mixture between the slices to ensure even soaking. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat the oven: The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the praline topping: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, chopped pecans, corn syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well until fully blended.
- Add the topping: Spread the praline topping evenly over the soaked bread slices.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with maple syrup on the side.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Overnight Pecan Praline Baked French Toast is a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your breakfast or brunch. Serve it with a drizzle of warm maple syrup for classic sweetness, or add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries add a refreshing contrast to the rich, caramelized flavors. For a savory balance, consider crispy bacon or sausage links on the side.
Make-Ahead Magic: Storage and Reheating Tips
This recipe is perfect for prepping ahead! After assembling, cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. The praline topping will stay delightfully gooey!
Customize It: Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds in the praline topping for a different nutty twist. If you prefer a lighter version, use whole milk instead of half-and-half. For a fun seasonal twist, add a handful of dried cranberries or chopped apples between the bread slices before pouring the egg mixture. You can also experiment with different breads like brioche or challah for a richer texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Mornings
To save time, prep the praline topping the night before and store it in a separate container in the fridge. In the morning, simply spread it over the bread and bake. If you’re short on time, you can skip the overnight soak and let the bread sit in the egg mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking—though the overnight method yields the best results. Pre-slicing the bread and measuring ingredients ahead of time can also streamline your prep.
Essential Equipment Guidance
For this recipe, a 9×13-inch baking dish is a must to fit all 20 slices of bread comfortably. A rotary beater or whisk will help blend the egg mixture smoothly, and a medium bowl is perfect for mixing the praline topping. If you don’t have foil, a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap will work for covering the dish overnight. A sharp serrated knife makes slicing the French bread a breeze!
Overnight Pecan Praline Baked French Toast Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces French Bread, 1 loaf
- 8 large eggs, 6-8 large eggs will work
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 cup milk
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- dash of salt
- maple syrup
Praline Topping
- 1/2 pound butter, 2 sticks, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1 inch each. (use any extra bread for garlic toast or bread crumbs). Arrange slices in a generously buttered 9 by 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices.
- In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt and beat with a rotary beater or whisk until blended but not too bubbly.
- Pour mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly with the milk-egg mixture. spoon some of the mixture in between the slices in the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spread praline topping evenly over the bread and bake for 40 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup.
- Praline topping instructions: Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and blend well. Makes enough for baked French toast.