There’s something magical about waking up to the sweet aroma of a Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake wafting through your home. Imagine, if you will, the crispy pecans mingling with maple syrup, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. This dish is not just food; it’s a morning hug that makes even the grumpiest of risers smile.
Now, let me share a little secret: this breakfast bake is perfect for those lazy Sunday mornings when you want to impress your family but also cherish a few extra minutes in bed. As the bake rises in the oven, you can indulge in sipping your coffee while dreaming about how you’ll conquer the day—after all, you’ve already got this deliciousness waiting for you.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake is incredibly easy to whip up and full of delightful flavors
- Its golden-brown topping and luscious filling make it visually stunning for any brunch spread
- The versatility allows for seasonal fruits or nuts to be swapped in, keeping breakfasts exciting year-round
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself on a cozy morning!
I remember one particularly chilly morning when I decided to surprise my kids with this breakfast bake. Their eyes lit up as they walked into the kitchen, and they devoured every last crumb!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Stale Bread: Day-old bread works best; it soaks up all that maple goodness without becoming mushy.
Milk: Use whole milk for richness, but feel free to substitute with almond or oat milk if preferred.
Maple Syrup: Go for pure maple syrup; it adds authentic sweetness and flavor that pancake syrup just can’t match.
Pecans: Toasted pecans add crunch; buying them pre-toasted saves time and enhances flavor.
Cinnamon: A sprinkle adds warmth and depth; adjust according to your personal preference.
Eggs: Large eggs are key for binding everything together and adding fluffiness.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the overall flavor profile, making each bite heavenly.
Salt: A pinch balances sweetness and enhances other flavors in the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake
Prep Your Bread Base: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cube your stale bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Create the Egg Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well blended. The mixture should look creamy and inviting.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the egg mixture over the cubed bread. Gently fold everything together until all pieces are coated in that glorious liquid gold—think of it as giving your bread a nice swim!
Add Pecans and Bake: Toss in those toasted pecans right before transferring everything into a greased baking dish. Spread evenly to ensure even cooking. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 35-40 minutes until it’s golden brown on top.
Let It Cool & Serve Up!: Once baked, allow your breakfast bake to cool slightly before slicing into squares. Serve warm with an extra drizzle of maple syrup if you’re feeling indulgent!
This Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake brings warmth and joy to any table. With its delightful flavors and comforting textures, it’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your household! Enjoy each bite with family or friends—after all, food tastes better when shared!
This amazing Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake is a delightful way to kickstart your mornings. With its sweet, nutty flavor and comforting texture, this dish will have you dreaming of cozy breakfast tables and lazy Sunday mornings.
You Must Know
- This recipe combines the richness of maple syrup with crunchy pecans and fluffy bread
- The aroma fills your kitchen like a warm hug, making it irresistible
- Perfect for brunch gatherings or a special family breakfast, it’s sure to impress everyone around the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by toasting the pecans for extra crunch, then layer bread cubes with a rich custard mixture. Allow everything to soak before baking for a perfect texture that’s both soft and slightly crispy.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts or add dried cranberries for a pop of tartness. A sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the flavors, adding warmth and spice to each bite.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop them back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use day-old bread to achieve the best texture; it absorbs custard without becoming soggy
- Always toast your nuts; it enhances their flavor dramatically
- Don’t rush soaking; let it sit for at least 30 minutes to soak up all that delicious goodness
This breakfast bake was born out of necessity one Sunday morning when I had too much bread and not enough time. Friends raved about it, asking for seconds (and thirds). It became my go-to recipe for brunch!
FAQ
What type of bread works best for Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake?
A sturdy bread like challah or brioche yields the best results due to its texture.
Can I prepare this bake the night before?
Absolutely! Just assemble everything and refrigerate overnight before baking in the morning.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes! Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for regular milk in the custard mixture.
Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake
Maple Pecan Breakfast Bake is the ultimate morning indulgence, combining the rich flavors of maple syrup and crunchy pecans with soft, custardy bread. Perfect for lazy weekends or impressing guests, this dish fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma. Easy to prepare and versatile, it allows for seasonal variations and is sure to leave everyone at the table smiling. Whip up this delightful breakfast bake for a comforting start to your day!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup toasted pecans
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cubed stale bread.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and gently mix until fully coated.
- Fold in toasted pecans and transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For added flavor, substitute pecans with walnuts or mix in dried cranberries. Let the bread soak in the custard mixture for at least 30 minutes for optimal texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
