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Cozy Peach French Toast Bake Recipe with Brown Sugar Pecan Crunch

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A comforting make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring custardy bread soaked with peach sweetness and topped with a buttery, caramelized brown sugar pecan crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf sturdy bread (brioche or challah), cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old or slightly stale)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (475 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 freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3–4 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 2 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 cup (100 g) chopped pecans, toasted lightly
  • 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Toss sliced peaches with lemon juice and brown sugar in a bowl; set aside for 10 minutes to macerate.
  2. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes; use day-old or slightly stale bread.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or half-and-half, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
  4. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
  5. Layer the macerated peaches over the bread, then top with remaining bread cubes.
  6. Slowly pour custard mixture over the bread and peaches, pressing gently to help bread absorb liquid. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  8. Mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until crumbly but moist.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap from baking dish and sprinkle pecan topping evenly over the surface.
  10. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until top is golden brown and custard is bubbling; a toothpick inserted in center should come out clean.
  11. Let bake rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best custard absorption. Toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet or oven for enhanced flavor. Soak overnight for tender, custardy texture. If topping browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Let bake rest before slicing for easier serving. Frozen peaches can be used if thawed and drained. Variations include berry substitution, gluten-free bread, dairy-free milk and butter alternatives, and adding spices like cardamom or ginger.

Nutrition

Keywords: peach french toast bake, breakfast casserole, brown sugar pecan crunch, make-ahead breakfast, easy brunch recipe, custardy French toast, peach breakfast bake

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/cozy-peach-french-toast-bake-recipe-with-brown-sugar-pecan-crunch-easy-make-ahead-breakfast/