Description
Indulge in this decadent Cinnamon Pecan French Toast recipe featuring thick brioche slices soaked in a rich custard infused with warm spices, then pan-fried to golden perfection and topped with toasted pecans for a delightful crunch and flavor contrast. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
Scale
French Toast Base
- 8 slices thick brioche bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Toppings & Cooking
- 1/2 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
Instructions
- Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined and slightly frothy, ensuring a smooth custard base.
- Soak the bread: Lay the brioche slices in a shallow dish and pour the prepared custard over them. Turn each slice to coat evenly, allowing the bread to soak for 3 to 5 minutes so it absorbs the flavorful custard.
- Toast the pecans: While the bread soaks, heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the roughly chopped pecans and toast them, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a plate to cool.
- Cook the French toast: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the soaked brioche slices in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, carefully flipping to achieve even cooking.
- Finish and serve: Arrange the cooked French toast slices on serving plates. Sprinkle each portion generously with the toasted pecans. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar for added sweetness before serving warm.
Notes
- For best results, use thick slices of brioche bread to ensure the custard soaks in well without falling apart.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute milk and cream with almond or oat milk, though the texture may vary slightly.
- Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and adds a delicious crunch to the French toast.
- Keep the skillet at medium-low heat to avoid burning the custard-coated bread while ensuring it cooks through.
- Leftover French toast can be refrigerated and reheated gently in a skillet or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cinnamon Pecan French Toast, French toast recipe, brioche French toast, breakfast, brunch, cinnamon, pecans, easy morning recipe
