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All the rich flavors of classic bread pudding meet French toast in this easy Pecan Praline French Toast Bake.
Fully loaded with pralines and spices, there is enough sugar to make it a treat, without sending my whole family into a sugar crash mid-morning.
My weakness for Pralines goes back to childhood and my annual visit to my grandparent’s house. My grandpa and I would visit Baskin Robbins where his favorite ice cream Pralines and Cream became my favorite ice cream.
Despite the fact I tend to make my own ice cream these days, I still can’t resist a scoop of Baskin Robbins Pralines and Cream when given that option.
Praline French Toast
When I had the idea for this recipe, I knew it wanted it to be super easy and I wanted the praline flavor to be strong.
I’m thrilled to tell you that this super easy recipe for Pecan Praline French Toast can be assembled in under 20 minutes and that includes the time needed to slice the bread cubes.
Then you just pop it in the oven until the brown sugar pecan topping has caramelized and each buttery sweet bite is warm and toasted.
Side note: While we adore the raisins in this recipe, they are completely optional and can be omitted without any problems.
My family loves a hot breakfast. We have a well-known love for Oatmeal Recipes, as well as over a dozen savory versions of Breakfast Hash.
When my sweet tooth wakes up craving something amazing, I have that covered with my grandmother’s German Pancakes with Orange Sauce. That breakfast is an indulgence that everyone who tries it agrees is worth it.
However, before you try anything else, you’re going to want to make this Praline French Toast. You might as well just trust me on that.
Looking for something a wee bit healthier? 2-Ingredient Cream Cheese Pancakes are a low-carb treat that can be made with sweet or savory fillings.
These Simple Strawberry Smoothies are just about the right amount of effort for a busy morning. With just three ingredients, I’m willing to bet you might have all three in the kitchen now.
Next up on my list are these Healthy Whole Wheat Blueberry Cupcakes and Banana Breakfast Cookies. I love having baked treats like these tucked into the freezer for busier mornings when we can just warm them and get out the door.
Praline French Toast Recipe
Kitchen Tip: I use this baking dish to make this recipe. (I love the lid for storing leftovers in the refrigerator too!)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside. Use a sharp knife to slice the bread into 1-inch thick pieces and then cut those pieces into 1-inch cubes. Place the bread in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, lightly whisk the eggs and add the milk, cream, vanilla, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk to combine and pour the liquids over the bread cubes.
- Use a large spoon to gently stir and coat all the bread cubes. Add the raisins and toss once more to evenly distribute. Transfer the bread mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- In a small glass bowl, melt the butter. Add the pecans and the brown sugar and stir to combine. Drizzle the sugared pecan mixture evenly over the bread in the baking dish. Cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes uncovered. The bread should be toasted golden brown and the pecan topping should be caramelized when it is done baking.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Speaking of having breakfast tucked away in the freezer, I’m thrilled to tell you that this Praline French Toast freezes beautifully. After it cools, I tuck half of it into an airtight container or a gallon size Ziploc.
After freezing, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in the microwave from frozen. I typically serve a small portion of this French toast along with scrambled eggs or sausage for added protein.
Praline French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread preferably 1-2 days old, cut into 1-inch cubes, about 8-9 cups worth
- 6 eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2/3 cup raisins
TOPPING INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 3/4 cup pecans chopped
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside. Use a sharp knife to slice the bread into 1-inch thick pieces and then cut those pieces into 1-inch cubes. Place the bread in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, lightly whisk the eggs and add the milk, cream, vanilla, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk to combine and pour the liquids over the bread cubes.
- Use a large spoon to gently stir and coat all the bread cubes. Add the raisins and toss once more to evenly distribute. Transfer the bread mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- In a small glass bowl, melt the butter. Add the pecans and the brown sugar and stir to combine. Drizzle the sugared pecan mixture evenly over the bread in the baking dish. Cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes uncovered. The bread should be toasted golden brown and the pecan topping should be caramelized when it is done baking.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{originally published 3/9/17 – recipe notes and photos updated 12/2/21}
Made this recipe this morning for a brunch I hosted…..it was delicious!!!
Made this for Easter breakfast. Delicious! Assembled it the night before and refrigerated it, so all I had to do in the morning was pop it in the oven.
When you say a loaf of French Bread, are you talking about a baguette?
I think it is also called “Italian bread” – you want the thicker bakery loaf of white bread, not the baguette.
This sounds delicious but I cannot have any nuts. Can you make it without them?
You bet. Just skip them, Carol.
Can you freeze it after putting it all together and cook it later?
I’ve never tried that, Susan. I have no idea how it might work.
I’d give you 10 stars for your “Praline French Toast”! I had bought a loaf of thick sliced brioche bread to make boring old French toast when I remembered bookmarking this recipe. I took the bread out of the wrapper and put the slices on a sheet pan in the oven the night before, hoping it would dry out a bit for the morning, then followed your instructions (minus the raisins).
OH EM GEE!! The most decadent French toast I’ve ever tasted!
Now I have to make two batches and invite the kids and grandkids to brunch 🥰
WOO HOO! I’m thrilled to hear that you love it so much. That’s exactly how I feel about it.