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To make Maple Pecan Overnight French Toast, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, sliced - 4 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - Pinch of salt These ingredients create a delicious blend of flavors. The challah or brioche bread gives a soft texture and rich taste. Eggs and milk make the base creamy. Maple syrup adds natural sweetness, while vanilla and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add depth. The pecans offer a nice crunch. This mix results in a warm, comforting breakfast that feels special. Enjoy collecting these items before diving into the recipe! Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This step helps prevent the French toast from sticking. Use a generous amount to ensure easy serving later. Arrange the sliced challah or brioche bread in the dish. Overlap the slices slightly for even soaking. Make sure to cover the bottom of the dish completely. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture brings all the flavors together. Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down. Make sure every slice absorbs some liquid. This soaking step is key for a rich flavor. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top of the bread. The nuts add a nice crunch and flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your preference. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours. This allows the bread to soak up all the tasty flavors. The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake for 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden brown, puffy top. This means it's ready to serve! To make sure every slice of bread absorbs the egg mixture, follow these steps: - Use a spatula: After pouring the egg mixture, gently press down on the bread. This will help the slices soak up the liquid quickly. - Overlap slightly: When layering the bread, let the slices overlap a bit. This allows the mixture to flow between the layers. - Check after chilling: If you see some slices not soaked, press them down again before baking. Baking time can vary by oven. Here’s how to adjust: - Know your oven: Some ovens run hot or cold. If you know your oven cooks unevenly, check the French toast a few minutes early. - Use a toothpick: Insert it into the center. If it comes out clean and the top is golden, it’s done. - Consider altitude: At higher altitudes, you may need a longer bake time, so keep an eye on it. For a crispy, caramelized top, broil the French toast: - Broil at the end: After baking, set your oven to broil. - Watch closely: Keep the oven door slightly ajar. This helps you monitor closely to avoid burning. - Broil for just a few minutes: A quick 2-3 minutes is often enough to get that perfect crunch. {{image_2}} You can easily add fruit to your Maple Pecan Overnight French Toast. Berries are a great choice. Blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries add color and flavor. Slice bananas and mix them in for a sweet touch. Just sprinkle the fruit on top before you soak the bread. This adds freshness and makes your dish even more tasty. If you want to switch up the nuts, try walnuts or almonds. Walnuts give a rich taste that pairs well with maple. Almonds add a nice crunch and a different flavor. You can also use hazelnuts for a unique twist. Just chop them roughly, like you would with pecans, and sprinkle on top. You can customize the flavor of your dish too. Try adding a dash of ginger or cardamom for warmth. Almond extract can replace vanilla for a new taste. You can even add a bit of orange zest for a bright note. These changes allow you to make this recipe fit your mood or taste. After you enjoy your Maple Pecan Overnight French Toast, let it cool completely. Cut any leftovers into portions. Place them in an airtight container. Store the container in the fridge. This keeps the toast fresh for up to three days. When you want to reheat, simply microwave or bake it. If microwaving, cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. If baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. You can freeze Maple Pecan Overnight French Toast for later enjoyment. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use aluminum foil for extra protection. Place the wrapped dish in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to two months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. In the fridge, Maple Pecan Overnight French Toast lasts about three days. If you freeze it, the taste and texture stay good for up to two months. After that, it might lose flavor and quality. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. When stored properly, you can enjoy this tasty dish even after the first serving! Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free bread instead of challah or brioche. Make sure the bread is thick enough to hold the egg mixture well. Brands like Udi's and Canyon Bakehouse have good options. You can soak the mixture overnight. If you are short on time, a minimum of 4 hours works too. The longer it sits, the more flavor it gains. Just make sure to cover it tightly to keep it fresh. Yes, you can use different types of milk. Whole milk gives a rich taste, but you can try skim or low-fat milk for a lighter version. For non-dairy options, almond milk or oat milk work well. Each kind adds a unique flavor, so choose what you like best. You can serve this dish with many toppings. Drizzle more maple syrup on top for extra sweetness. Fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, add a nice touch. Whipped cream gives it a fun, indulgent feel. You might also enjoy serving it with yogurt for a creamy contrast. This blog post covered a tasty Maple Pecan Overnight French Toast recipe. We went over the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I shared variations to make it your own and storage tips for leftovers. Enjoy creating this dish as a special treat. It’s easy, fun, and opens up many flavor options. Dive in and enjoy a delicious breakfast that brings joy to your table!

Maple Pecan Overnight French Toast

Indulge in a delicious Maple Pecan Overnight French Toast that will elevate your breakfast game! This easy recipe combines rich challah or brioche bread with creamy eggs and sweet maple syrup, topped with crunchy pecans. Prepping the night before makes serving a breeze, perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. Click through to discover the full recipe and make your mornings extraordinary!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, sliced

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Begin by greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

    Layer the sliced challah or brioche bread evenly in the dish, slightly overlapping the slices.

      In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

        Pour the egg mixture over the slices of bread, ensuring all slices are soaked. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down to absorb the liquid.

          Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top.

            Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours) to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the mixture.

              Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) the next morning.

                Remove the cover from the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffy.

                  Optional: For extra crunch, you can broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end to caramelize the top (watch closely to avoid burning).

                    Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours (with overnight chilling) | Servings: 6-8

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve warm, drizzled with additional maple syrup and a sprinkle of extra pecans on top. Add fresh berries or whipped cream for an added touch. Enjoy!