If you have ever dreamed of waking up to a breakfast that feels both indulgent and effortlessly prepared, this Overnight French Toast with Pecans Recipe is calling your name. Imagine thick slices of French bread soaking in a rich custard overnight, then baked to golden, fluffy perfection with toasty pecans adding a delightful crunch. This dish marries sweet, buttery flavors with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, delivering a breakfast experience so comforting and impressive, it will quickly become a staple in your morning routine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with six rows of evenly stacked, light brown bread slices. Each slice has a golden crust on top and a soft, textured interior. The bread layers cover the entire dish in neat rows, creating a uniform pattern. The surface underneath the dish is a white marbled texture. A small label in the top right corner reads

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to making this Overnight French Toast with Pecans Recipe so special. Each element plays its part, from the creamy custard that envelops every slice to the crunchy pecans that finish the dish with a nutty pop of flavor.

Butter: Used to grease the baking dish, butter ensures the toast won’t stick and adds a subtle richness to every bite.
French bread: Thick ½-inch slices soak up the custard perfectly, creating a base that’s both tender and satisfying.
2% milk: Room temperature milk blends smoothly with eggs, making the custard creamy without being too heavy.
Eggs: Also at room temperature, eggs give the custard structure and richness, helping the dish puff up beautifully when baked.
Dark brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness that complements the spices and pecans wonderfully.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a bright aroma that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Cinnamon: Sprinkled in for a cozy spice that pairs perfectly with the sweet custard and pecans.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
Chopped pecans: Roughly chopped for texture, pecans toast atop the French toast, providing a delightful crunch and buttery nuttiness.

How to Make Overnight French Toast with Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Bread

Start by greasing a 13×9 inch baking dish generously with butter. This prevents sticking and infuses a subtle buttery flavor. Next, layer your ½-inch sliced French bread in the dish, slightly overlapping the slices. This layering ensures every piece soaks up enough custard and bakes evenly into a cohesive, custardy delight.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk the room temperature milk with eggs, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until completely mixed. This custard is the magic behind the dish’s melt-in-your-mouth texture and complex, sweet-spiced flavor that your taste buds will adore.

Step 3: Soak the Bread Overnight

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread slices, pressing slightly to make sure every slice is coated and absorbing the liquid. Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into the fridge to chill overnight. This soaking time allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, creating that luscious custard center everyone loves.

Step 4: Bake with Pecans to Toast

The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the covered French toast for 40 minutes to gently set the custard and warm everything through. Then, remove the foil, scatter the chopped pecans on top, and bake for another 15-25 minutes. This final step crisps and toasts the pecans perfectly, while the bread puffs up and develops a golden-brown crust.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once your French toast is baked to perfection, serve it immediately while warm. Add a pat of butter and a generous drizzle of maple syrup for an irresistible finishing touch that highlights the sweet, nutty flavors of the dish.

How to Serve Overnight French Toast with Pecans Recipe

A white plate with a slice of baked bread pudding that has three main layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown mixture; the middle layer consists of thicker swirled bread slices in a golden brown color; and the top layer is sprinkled with chopped pecans which are darker brown and scattered unevenly. On top of the bread pudding slice, there is a small, melting pat of pale yellow butter. A woman's hand is pouring amber-colored syrup from a small glass pitcher, the syrup flowing over the butter and pooling slightly on the plate. A silver fork lies next to the bread pudding on the right side of the plate. In the background, a white baking dish filled with more of the bread pudding and pecans is partially visible, placed on a white marbled surface with a soft green cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Overnight French Toast with Pecans Recipe by topping it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries. These simple garnishes bring a lovely visual pop and add a touch of brightness and freshness that balance the richness of the custard.

Side Dishes

This French toast pairs beautifully with crisp bacon or breakfast sausage to add a savory contrast. For a lighter option, a side of fresh fruit or a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette complements the dish’s sweetness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring some extra charm by serving this French toast in individual ramekins or cutting it into smaller, bite-sized squares for a brunch buffet. Drizzle warm caramel or chocolate sauce over the top for a decadent twist that will wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The custard-soaked bread may soak up additional moisture, making it even softer the next day—a delightful treat if you prefer a softer texture.

Freezing

This Overnight French Toast with Pecans Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions securely in plastic wrap and foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. You can freeze for up to 2 months and enjoy a quick, homemade breakfast whenever you like.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the pecans regain some crunch. You can also microwave for a quick option, but the oven method preserves the texture best.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than French bread?

Yes, sturdier breads like brioche or challah can be delicious substitutes. Just make sure to slice about ½-inch thick so they absorb the custard well without falling apart.

Do I have to soak the bread overnight?

While you can soak it for a shorter time, soaking overnight gives the best texture and flavor. It allows the custard to fully penetrate the bread for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the 2% milk with almond, oat, or soy milk and use dairy-free butter. The recipe still turns out creamy and delicious with just a slight flavor variation.

Are the pecans necessary?

Pecans add wonderful texture and nuttiness, but you can substitute walnuts, almonds, or skip nuts entirely if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version.

How do I know when the French toast is done baking?

The dish should be puffed up and lightly golden around the edges, and the custard should be set, meaning it no longer jiggles in the center. The pecans should be toasted and fragrant for the perfect finish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about waking up to the warm, cinnamon-scented aroma of this Overnight French Toast with Pecans Recipe already ready to bake and enjoy. It’s comfort food elevated by a little prep the night before, making mornings stress-free and delicious. I hope you give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved part of your breakfast repertoire.

Overnight French Toast with Pecans Recipe