Maple Bourbon French Toast Bake

This Maple Bourbon French Toast Bake will take your holiday mornings to the next level! It's easy to make, can be made ahead for the weekends, and is bursting with cozy flavors.

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What is the best bread to use for French Toast?

The best breads to use for French Toast are Brioche, Challah, and French Baguette. They are more on the sweet side of bread, fluffy, and absorb the liquid mixture best without making the bread soggy.

In this recipe, I decided to make two loaves of challah bread the day before. One I used for this recipe, and the other one I froze for more busier weeks when I just want to pull one out of the freezer!

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How to make Maple Bourbon French Toast Bake?

• STEP 1: Make the caramelized maple pecans.

Simply combine the roughly chopped pecans with equal parts salted butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar. You want the butter to melt before increasing the heat to medium high, stirring continuously for several minutes. The mixture should come to a light rolling boil for just a few minutes. Be careful not to burn it!

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• STEP 2: Remove half of the caramelized pecans to place in the baking dish. Or if using a oven-safe dish, remove half to set aside for later.

When adding them back on after baking, you may need to heat the caramelized pecan up a little bit.

• STEP 3: Whisk the eggs, milk, spices, and vanilla extract together until smooth.

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• STEP 4: Submerge the thickly sliced bread into the egg mixture.
• STEP 5: Place in the pan with the caramelized pecans mixture.
• STEP 6: Pour the remaining egg mixture over the bread.

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Can French Toast Bakes be made ahead of time?

Yes! This breakfast casserole is a wonderful make ahead recipe. You would work up to the baking point. So, before baking, cover the baking dish and let sit in the fridge 30 minutes to overnight before baking!

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• STEP 7: Bake until golden brown.

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If needed, you can cover it with aluminum foil if it starts to get too brown but you still want it to bake.

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How to make homemade Bourbon Maple Syrup?

I believe the first time I had Bourbon Maple Syrup was at a small restaurant in New York City. And ever since then, I always wondered how to make it but thought it was way more complicated than the reality.

All you do is combine 1 cup real maple syrup with 3 tbsp. bourbon and 1 tsp. vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium high heat, then let it simmer 5-10 minutes. The heating process cancels out the alcohol, so that it is family friendly!

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How to store leftover French Toast?

To store leftover french toast, let it cool to room temperature then wrap each individual slice in plastic wrap. Wrapping in individual slices prevents it from becoming soggy. Store the French toast up to 3 days in the fridge.

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How to reheat leftover French Toast?

There are two options: (1) Stovetop or (2) Oven.

For the Oven,

1. Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Place the French Toast in a single layer on the pan, leaving 1" space in between.
3. Bake for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed. Enjoy!

For the Stovetop,

1. In a large pan over medium high heat, add a little butter or olive oil. Let heat up for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
2. Add the French toast to cook 6-8 minutes, filliping halfway, until warmed and crispy on the edges. Enjoy!

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Now, it’s time to grab our aprons and begin baking deliciousness! ’till next time! xxL

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If you loved this delicious recipe I would truly appreciate it so much if you would give a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram@brightmomentco. It always makes my day seeing y’alls creations!

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“"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

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