Indulge in the ultimate brunch decadence with this Praline French Toast recipe—a rich, custardy bake elevated by the irresistible crunch of a buttery pecan praline topping. Made with thick slices of challah bread soaked overnight in a heavenly mixture of eggs, whole milk, cream, and a touch of vanilla and cinnamon, this dish combines the best of sweet and savory. The crowning glory? A caramel-like topping of brown sugar, maple syrup, and toasted pecans that bakes to perfection, creating a golden, nutty crust. Perfect for holiday mornings or weekend gatherings, this make-ahead casserole saves you time and brings everyone to the table. Serve with a drizzle of warm maple syrup for a truly unforgettable breakfast experience!
Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Slice the challah bread into 1-inch thick slices and arrange them in the casserole dish, slightly overlapping.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring all the bread is soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
To make the praline topping, combine unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and maple syrup in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth and well blended. Add the pecans and mix to coat them evenly.
Spread the praline topping evenly over the soaked bread slices.
Bake the French toast uncovered for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.
Let the French toast cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Optionally, drizzle with additional maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Calories |
6180 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 337.2 g | 432% | |
| Saturated Fat | 139.2 g | 696% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 22.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 2285 mg | 762% | |
| Sodium | 3942 mg | 171% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 621.5 g | 226% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.0 g | 82% | |
| Total Sugars | 401.5 g | ||
| Protein | 127.3 g | 255% | |
| Vitamin D | 13.6 mcg | 68% | |
| Calcium | 1320 mg | 102% | |
| Iron | 28.3 mg | 157% | |
| Potassium | 2588 mg | 55% | |
*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.