Praline French Toast Bake

Indulge in the decadent flavors of this Praline French Toast Bake, a luxurious make-ahead breakfast casserole perfect for special occasions or cozy weekend mornings. Featuring rich challah or brioche slices soaked in a creamy custard infused with cinnamon and vanilla, this dish is elevated with a buttery praline topping made from chopped pecans, brown sugar, and a hint of maple syrup. After baking to golden perfection, each bite strikes the perfect balance of soft, custard-like centers and a crunchy, caramelized crust. Prepare it the night before for an effortless morning treat that will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly. Ideal for brunch gatherings or holiday mornings, this indulgent recipe serves up comfort in every forkful.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 oz Challah bread or brioche
• 8 Eggs
• 2 cups Milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup Light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
• 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
• 1 cup Light brown sugar (for topping)
• 1 cup Pecans (chopped)
• 2 tbsp Maple syrup

Directions

Step 1

Slice the challah or brioche bread into 1-inch thick pieces and set aside.

Step 2

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 3

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Step 4

Layer the sliced bread in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping the pieces to fit them snugly.

Step 5

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 6

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Step 7

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the light brown sugar (for topping) and maple syrup. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.

Step 8

Spoon the praline mixture evenly over the top of the soaked bread.

Step 9

Bake the dish uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Step 10

Let the French toast bake cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally drizzled with additional maple syrup.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2184.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5723.2

Total Fat 281.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 107.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 2075.0mg	0%
Sodium 4010.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 697.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.1g	0%
Total Sugars 492.3g
Protein 125.0g	0%

Vitamin D 542.7IU	0%
Calcium 1340.6mg	0%
Iron 25.1mg	0%
Potassium 2539.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.5%

Protein: 8.6%

Carbs: 47.9%