Waking up to the smell of caramel in the air—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly morning. This easy overnight caramel baked French toast is my go-to for lazy weekends when I want to feel fancy without the fuss. Trust me, after a long week, there’s nothing more satisfying than this sweet, buttery delight bubbling away in the oven—it’s like the universe is winking at you.
Steps
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons light corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans over it. Arrange 6 slices of bread on top, sprinkle with remaining pecans, and layer with the other 6 slices of bread.
- In a blender, mix eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. Evenly pour this egg mixture over the bread layers, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Take the dish out of the fridge 30 minutes before baking and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the French toast for 40 to 45 minutes, or until it turns light brown.
- While the French toast bakes, make the caramel sauce by cooking the remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 tablespoon light corn syrup in a saucepan, stirring until it thickens.
- Drizzle the prepared caramel sauce over the French toast just before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of light corn syrup
- 1 cup of chopped pecans, divided
- 12 slices of French or Italian-style bread
- 6 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups of milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup
Nutritional Values
Calories: 4920 | Total Fat: 264g | Saturated Fat: 112g | Cholesterol: 1512mg | Sodium: 4216mg | Total Carbohydrate: 584g | Dietary Fiber: 24g | Total Sugars: 368g | Protein: 96g | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 1160mg | Iron: 24mg | Potassium: 2296mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare the French toast the night before?
- Yes, this dish is perfect for preparing in advance. Simply assemble the French toast and leave it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight before baking.
- How do I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?
- To avoid sogginess, ensure that you do not oversaturate the bread with the egg mixture. Also, bake it at the recommended temperature until it is lightly browned and set.
- Is there a substitute for light corn syrup?
- If you prefer not to use light corn syrup, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup in equal quantities, though this may slightly alter the flavor.
- Can I use a different type of bread?
- Yes, while the recipe suggests French or Italian-style bread, you can experiment with other types like brioche or challah for a different texture and taste.
- How do I store leftover French toast?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to maintain its delicious texture.
Tips
- To ensure the best texture, use slightly stale bread, which will soak up more of the egg mixture without becoming mushy.
- For a more pronounced nutty flavor, toast the pecans lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the caramel sauce and the baking dish.
- Prepare the French toast the night before to allow the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a richer flavor and convenient breakfast preparation.
- When making the caramel sauce, stir consistently and watch closely to avoid burning, as the sugar can quickly caramelize beyond the desired thickness.
Equipment
- Baked Caramel French Toast recipe that you might consider purchasing if not already available at home:
- Small saucepan
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Blender
