Imagine waking up to the most heavenly aroma of caramelized pecans and sweet maple, without the morning rush of complicated cooking! This Overnight Caramel Pecan French Toast is the breakfast miracle you've been dreaming of - a make-ahead marvel that transforms simple vegan ingredients into a luxurious morning feast. Perfect for lazy weekends, special occasions, or when you want to impress your brunch guests with minimal morning effort, this recipe promises to revolutionize your breakfast game!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of vegan bread
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather all the necessary items: 1 loaf of vegan bread, 1 cup of almond milk, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1/4 cup of chopped pecans, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Next, cut the vegan bread into thick slices, about 1-inch thick. This will help the bread soak up the custard mixture more effectively.
- Take the slices of bread and dip each piece into the almond milk mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. Allow the bread to soak for a few seconds on each side for maximum flavor absorption.
- Once the bread is soaked, place the slices in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. If you have any leftover almond milk mixture, pour it evenly over the top of the bread slices.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the bread, making sure they are evenly distributed. This will add a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the flavors and ensures a custardy texture when baked.
- The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while the oven heats up.
- Once the oven is preheated, uncover the baking dish and place it in the oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the Overnight Caramel Pecan French Toast warm, drizzled with extra maple syrup if desired, and enjoy!
Tips
- Bread Selection: Choose a sturdy vegan bread like day-old sourdough or challah. Slightly stale bread actually absorbs the custard mixture better.
- Soaking Technique: Don't rush the soaking process. Allow each bread slice to absorb the almond milk mixture thoroughly for maximum flavor and custardy texture.
- Pecan Perfection: For extra flavor, lightly toast the pecans before sprinkling them over the bread. This will enhance their nutty flavor and add more depth to the dish.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This recipe truly shines in its overnight preparation. Assemble the night before to let flavors meld and save precious morning time.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra indulgent touch, serve with additional maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a dollop of vegan whipped cream.
- Storage Tip: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
