RecipeCastle

Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole

Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole

Ingredients

  • 10 ozFrench baguette: The base of the casserole (providing structure and a chewy texture that absorbs the egg mixture beautifully.)
  • 6large eggs: Essential for the custardy mixture (the eggs lend richness and help bind the casserole together.)
  • 1/2 cupmilk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture and hydrates the bread (ensuring a delightful texture.)
  • 3 Tbspbrown sugar: Sweetens the egg mixture and helps create a caramelized layer on top during baking.
  • 1/2 tspcinnamon: This warm spice enhances the overall flavor (giving the dish a cozy, aromatic touch.)
  • 1/2 cupbutter: Provides richness and helps create a luscious topping that melds the ingredients together.
  • 1 cupbrown sugar: Sweetens the topping (allowing it to caramelize and create a delightful crust.)
  • 1/2 cupcorn syrup: Adds sweetness and moisture (mimicking the syrupy texture of traditional pecan pie.)
  • 1 tspcinnamon: Enhances the topping with warmth and depth of flavor.
  • 2 cupspecan halves: The star ingredient in the topping (pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor essential to the pecan pie profile.)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

  2. 2

    Prepare the bread: Slice the French baguette into 1-inch thick pieces and layer them evenly in the prepared baking dish, filling the base and ensuring there are no large gaps.

  3. 3

    Make the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 3 Tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon until fully combined and frothy.

  4. 4

    Pour over bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread, ensuring each piece is soaked nicely. Press down gently if necessary to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture.

  5. 5

    Create the topping: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup butter. Once melted, mix in 1 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup corn syrup. Stir until fully combined and smooth, then add 1 tsp cinnamon and 2 cups pecan halves, stirring to coat the pecans well.

  6. 6

    Assemble the casserole: Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the soaked bread in the baking dish, spreading the pecans as necessary to cover all the bread.

  7. 7

    Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-43 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

  8. 8

    Serve warm: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole warm, perhaps with a drizzle of maple syrup if desired!