Pecan Praline French Toast

I’m usually not a sweets-for-breakfast girl. But this French toast right here, I will always make an exception for! It’s all I can think about lately. I don’t think in my entire life, I’ve had something test my willpower the very way this does.

Finely ground pecans, intertwined with brown sugar, coat bread that has been lightly soaked in a luscious custard. As it cooks, (in butter, of course) the sugar caramelizes and the nuts toast, creating this golden, transcendent crust. All I can say is: Proceed With Caution. It’s highly addictive!

Here’s what you need:

Prepare the pecan crust.

In a food processor, finely mince together the raw pecans, brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of salt for about 30 seconds. Dump this mixture into a wide and shallow dish and set aside while you make the custard.

Whisk the eggs very well, then add the milk, cinnamon, orange zest, vanilla and remaining salt. Pour this mixture into another wide and shallow dish.

Getting the temperature right is essential.

Heat a skillet on medium-low for a few minutes before cooking. This nut crusted French toast requires a much lower heat than normal French toast. The nuts burn so easily if the temperature is set even a little too high. Don’t worry so at all about it cooking through because you are going to finish this off in the oven. All you are doing here is setting the crust.

When you add the butter to the skillet, it should melt easily and foam up, but if it quickly begins to brown or smoke, then you have it turned up too high.

Between each batch, use a kitchen towel to wipe out the browned butter and leftover nuts, then add more butter and proceed with the next batch.

Dunk the bread into the custard, then quickly flip and dunk the other side. Immediately place it into the nut mixture. Lightly dredge each side of the toast. Shake off any excess, then pop it into the skillet.

Brown each side for 4-6 minutes, but keep a steady eye on it. If the nuts are browning too quickly, you will be able to tell by smelling. Just keep on checking and flip them over early if needed.

Place the slices of French toast on a sheet pan until they are all browned. Pop them into a 350 degree preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then they are ready to dive into! These can be made a day in advance if needed and re-heated in a hot oven for a few minutes just before serving.

This French toast comes sweetened so you may find that maple syrup takes it way too far over the edge. My preferred way to eat this is with fresh fruit, lightly sweetened whipped cream and/or a fruit sauce like my Perfectly Peachy Peach Sauce, Perfect Simple Strawberry Sauce, or Easy Mixed Berry Compote!

Other recipes you may like:

• Banana Bread Baked Oats
• Honey Cinnamon Muffins
• Apple Pie Granola