Pecan Pie French Toast + My Story!
I got up very early on one of the last days that we were in Michigan. I wanted to make some special breakfast treat.
Fall time, the air was cold, so when I found a recipe for pecan pie French toast, I knew it was meant to be.
I always end up eating copious amounts of pie for breakfast after the holidays. Who can resist it, just sitting there in the fridge, staring at you.
A decadent breakfast sandwich, with filling oozing out of all sides. Big chunks of pecans, gooey sticky pecan pie center, all wrapped around crispy baguette slices.
Probably the only time I will make French toast and maple syrup is not necessary. The resemblance to a pecan pie is spot on.
I have two whole weeks off from work and am already planning out everything I want to bake.
Cakes, tarts, pies, goat cheese, and so much more.
And hopefully, a trip up to Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes to get some great cheeses.
I spent two days repainting all my photo backgrounds, but it is so damp in the air that they are still not dry. Hopefully, by morning…
Enough story time. It’s time to make some pecan pie fresh toast!
How To Make Pecan Pie French Toast?
Here’s a basic recipe for making Pecan Pie French Toast. This recipe serves 4.
Ingredients:
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices of thick-cut bread (such as brioche or challah)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Pie Topping:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping:
In a saucepan, combine the light corn syrup, brown sugar, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2 minutes, continuing to stir.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Stir in the pecan halves until they are well coated in the syrup mixture. Set this aside.
2. Prepare the French Toast Batter:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Dip and Cook the French Toast:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a bit of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Take one slice of bread and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
Place the coated bread slice on the hot skillet or griddle and cook until it’s golden brown on both sides, usually about 2-3 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining slices.
4. Assemble and Serve:
Place a slice of the cooked French toast on a plate.
Spoon some of the prepared pecan pie topping over the French toast.
Optionally, drizzle with additional syrup or honey and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Serve the Pecan Pie French Toast while it’s still warm.
Enjoy your homemade Pecan Pie French Toast! You can customize it further by adding whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.
What’s So Great About Pecan Pie French Toast?
Pecan pie French toast is a delightful and indulgent breakfast or brunch dish that combines the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie with the comforting, custardy goodness of French toast.
There are several reasons why pecan pie French toast is considered great by many:
Flavor Fusion
Pecan pie is known for its sweet, caramelized, and nutty flavors, while French toast is a classic breakfast dish with a custard-like texture and a hint of cinnamon.
Combining these two flavors creates a harmonious blend of sweet and savory, making each bite a delicious contrast of tastes and textures.
Richness
Pecan pie French toast is typically made by soaking thick slices of bread in a mixture of eggs, milk or cream, sugar, and spices, similar to traditional French toast.
When cooked, the bread becomes incredibly rich and decadent, making it a satisfying breakfast option.
Crunchy Texture
The chopped pecans that are often added to pecan pie French toast provide a delightful crunch to the dish, contrasting with the soft, custardy interior of the bread slices. This textural contrast adds depth to each bite.
Warm and Comforting
Pecan pie French toast is often served warm and can be drizzled with syrup, caramel sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
The warmth and sweetness of the toppings make it a comforting and comforting breakfast option.
Versatility
You can customize pecan pie French toast to suit your preferences. You can use different types of bread, adjust the sweetness, and vary the spices to create a unique flavor profile.
Impressive Presentation
Pecan pie French toast can be a visually appealing dish, especially when garnished with additional pecans, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
It can be a great choice for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests.
Seasonal Appeal
Pecan pie French toast is often associated with fall and holiday seasons when pecan pies are commonly enjoyed. It’s a festive breakfast option that can evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Summary
In summary, pecan pie French toast offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a decadent breakfast treat.
It’s a perfect indulgence for special occasions or when you want to savor the flavors of pecan pie in a different form.
