Let’s talk about a dish that screams cozy mornings and effortless hosting: Overnight French Toast with Cranberries and Pecans. Imagine layers of soft bread soaked in a custard-like mixture, topped with tangy cranberries and crunchy pecans. It’s all prepped the night before, so you can wake up to a stress-free, decadent breakfast that’s perfect for the holidays or any special occasion.
This recipe is a beautiful balance of textures and flavors: the tartness of cranberries, the nuttiness of pecans, and the sweetness of maple syrup come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting brunch, or treating yourself, this dish is sure to become a go-to recipe for warm, indulgent mornings.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
Why You’ll Love This Overnight French Toast
- Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for busy mornings or holiday gatherings.
- Flavorful Layers: Cranberries add zing, and pecans bring an irresistible crunch.
- Customizable: Adapt to your taste with different nuts, fruits, or spices.
Cuisine
American
Tips for Success
- Bread Choice: Day-old bread absorbs the custard better, creating a perfect texture.
- Nut Toasting: Lightly toast the pecans for extra flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar topping.
Substitutions and Variations
- Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
- Fruit: Use raisins, dried cherries, or even fresh apple slices instead of cranberries.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or oat milk and coconut cream in place of dairy.
Make It Healthier
- Use whole-grain bread for added fiber.
- Substitute coconut sugar or honey for granulated and brown sugar.
- Opt for low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.
Closing
And there you have it! This Overnight French Toast with Cranberries and Pecans is your ticket to a hassle-free, luxurious breakfast experience. Don’t forget to share your creations with us and explore our other breakfast recipes for more delicious ideas.
AQs
- Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to one month. Reheat in the oven or microwave. - Can I use fresh cranberries?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberries will add a slightly tangier flavor. - What’s the best bread for this recipe?
Brioche, challah, or French bread work beautifully. - Can I skip the overnight step?
You can bake it immediately after assembling, but the flavors develop better with an overnight soak.
Enjoy this crowd-pleasing breakfast treat—it’s a guaranteed hit! 🥖🍁✨
Print
Overnight French Toast with Cranberries and Pecans
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
Hello, breakfast lovers! Let’s talk about a dish that screams cozy mornings and effortless hosting: Overnight French Toast with Cranberries and Pecans. Imagine layers of soft bread soaked in a custard-like mixture, topped with tangy cranberries and crunchy pecans.
Ingredients
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Cooking spray
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¾ cup packed light brown sugar
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¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons (3 ounces) salted butter
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3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
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1 (16-ounce) challah bread loaf, cut into 1/2-inch slices
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8 large eggs
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2 ½ cups half-and-half
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1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon grated orange zest (from 1 orange)
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 cup fresh cranberries (about 3 1/2 ounces) or unthawed frozen cranberries (from 1 [5-ounce] package)
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½ cup chopped pecans
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Powdered sugar
Instructions
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Coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside. Bring brown sugar, butter, and maple syrup just to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high. Carefully pour mixture into prepared dish; arrange bread slices over mixture, overlapping slices. Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, bourbon (if using), vanilla, orange zest, and cinnamon in a large bowl until combined. Pour over and between bread slices; sprinkle cranberries evenly on top. Cover with aluminum foil, and chill for 12 hours.
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove foil from baking dish, and sprinkle evenly with pecans; cover with foil, and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.
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Remove baking dish from oven. Remove foil; return baking dish to oven, and bake at 375°F until golden brown and set, about 20 minutes. Sift powdered sugar over top, and serve.
- Prep Time: 15
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
