When it comes to making breakfast for a large group you can’t beat a French toast casserole. Prepare everything the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning and you’ve got the makings of a fantastic brunch. Scented with citrus this French toast casserole also just happens to have it’s own luscious caramel sauce studded with buttery pecans. Equally elevated and cozy this Orange Pecan French Toast Casserole is a great start to any morning.
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This orange pecan French toast is a treasured favorite in my family. I’ve served it every Christmas morning for over a decade and it’s frequently requested at Sunday brunch get togethers throughout the year. With a decadent pecan caramel sauce and brightness from orange juice in the custard it’s no surprise that this French toast is loved by toddlers, grandparents and everyone in between.
Ingredients for Orange Pecan French Toast
- Butter
- Brown Sugar
- Pecans
- Challah or Brioche Bread
- Milk
- Orange Juice
- Eggs
- Cinnamon
- Almond Extract
How to Make Orange Pecan French Toast Casserole
This French toast starts with an easy caramel sauce. Combine melted butter and brown sugar, pour into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish ( I love this baking dish). Sprinkle pecans over the brown sugar mixture. Layer the sliced bread over the brown sugar and pecans.
In a large mixing bowl whisk together the milk, orange juice, eggs, cinnamon and almond extract. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the bread. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
When you’re ready to bake the French toast preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove the French toast from the refrigerator and allow to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Bake for 35 minutes or until the top of the French toast has turned golden. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
If you like this Orange Pecan French Toast Casserole be sure to try some of my other recipes!
Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole
Raspberry Sweet Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze
Easy Instant Pot Steel Cut Oatmeal
If you make these Orange Pecan French Toast Casserole please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Orange Pecan French Toast Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13 baking dish
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup pecans
- 1 16 oz loaf of challah bread sliced
- ¾ cup milk
- ¾ cup orange juice
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp almond extract or vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine melted butter and brown sugar, pour into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle pecans over the brown sugar mixture. Layer the sliced bread over the brown sugar and pecans.
- In a large mixing bowl whisk together the milk, orange juice, eggs, cinnamon and almond extract. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the bread. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove the French toast from the refrigerator and allow to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Bake for 35 minutes or until the top of the French toast has turned golden. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
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Marcellina says
This is my kind of breakfast!! I love that I can make this in advance and pop it in the oven in the morning for a no fuss, special breakfast!
Allyssa says
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing orange pecan french toast casserole recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
Kayla DiMaggio says
Loving this orange pecan french toast casserole! It is the perfect easy breakfast to feed the whole family! I will be making this again for Christmas morning!
nancy says
Now i know what to make for Christmas Day!
Audrey says
This is the perfect breakfast casserole for Christmas or other holidays!
Liz says
I agree, a French toast casserole is one of the easiest to make for a large crowd! So easy, and everyone loves it! This casserole sounds delicious! Very festive too!
Miranda G says
Delicious and easy! Adding to my rotation! I would recommend adding orange zest to give it a stronger orange flavor though, as I felt it was too light.
Brianna Simmons says
This french toast is a favorite with my family, always a crowd pleaser!