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Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe with Best Maple Bourbon Pecan Syrup

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A comforting and easy overnight French toast casserole with a soft custardy center and crisp edges, served with a rich maple bourbon pecan syrup. Perfect for no-stress brunches and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf of brioche bread (about 12 oz / 340 g), cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old or slightly stale works best)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for greasing the baking dish)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for syrup)
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for syrup)
  • Pinch of salt (for syrup)

Instructions

  1. Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
  2. Cut brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes. If fresh, let cubes sit out for 30 minutes or toast lightly in oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
  4. Place bread cubes evenly in the greased baking dish. Pour custard mixture over bread, pressing lightly to soak all cubes.
  5. Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from fridge and let sit for 15 minutes.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until top is golden and custard is set (knife inserted comes out clean).
  8. While baking, toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
  9. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add toasted pecans, maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla, and salt. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
  10. Let casserole cool for 5 minutes after baking. Drizzle generously with warm maple bourbon pecan syrup before serving.

Notes

Use sturdy bread like brioche or challah to avoid sogginess. Room temperature eggs and milk blend better. Soaking overnight is key for creamy custard texture. Toast pecans fresh for best flavor. Tent casserole with foil if edges brown too fast. Syrup can be made without bourbon for non-alcoholic version. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days and reheat best in oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight French toast casserole, maple bourbon pecan syrup, easy breakfast casserole, brunch recipe, French toast bake

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/easy-overnight-french-toast-casserole-recipe-with-best-maple-bourbon-pecan-syrup/