Pear Brown Sugar French Toast Bake Recipe
As a millennial obsessed with brunch, I absolutely adore this Pear Brown Sugar French Toast Bake because it takes my breakfast game to the next level with its cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet pears; plus, it makes me look like a culinary genius whenever I host friends for brunch without requiring me to be glued to the kitchen. The best part is that it lets me indulge in that lazy weekend vibe since I can prepare everything the night before and just pop it in the oven while enjoying my morning coffee—talk about major win for my slow-paced, chill weekend goals!
I adore crafting recipes that take breakfast and elevate it to something truly extraordinary. My Pear Brown Sugar French Toast Bake isn’t just your ordinary French toast.
It combines the sumptuousness of fresh, ripe pears with the divine duo of cinnamon and nutmeg. I use day-old French bread to soak in a custardy mixture of eggs and milk, amping up the richness with a healthy splash of heavy cream.
For the pièce de résistance, I sprinkle the whole thing with brown sugar before putting it in the oven; it comes out gloriously caramelized on top—impressive enough to serve for company but also simple enough to make on a lazy weekend morning.
Ingredients
French Bread:
Delivers a solid foundation loaded with carbs and an almost chewy texture.
Pears:
The sweetness, natural fibers, and the juiciness of the fruit.
Eggs:
Combine the ingredients and add protein for richness.
Granulated Sugar:
Boosts sweetness, harmonizing the flavor components.
Brown Sugar:
Delivers a more profound molasses flavor and extra sweetness.
Vanilla Extract:
Bestows a warm, fragrant quality upon the dish.
Cinnamon:
Contributes a warm, spiced taste that pairs beautifully with the pears.
Nutmeg:
Yields a gentle, earthy warmth that accentuates flavors.
Butter:
Brings richness and assists in achieving a golden crust.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 loaf of day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
- Maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C). A baking dish that measures 9×13 inches should then be lightly greased.
2. Place the cubed French bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Spread the sliced pears evenly over the bread cubes.
4. In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients and whisk them together until they are well blended:
– 8 large eggs
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 teaspoon salt
5. Evenly distribute the egg mixture over the bread and pears, ensuring that each cube of bread is fully saturated.
6. Press down gently on the bread to make sure it takes in the custard mixture.
7. Melt the butter and drizzle it over the top of the casserole.
8. Let the dish sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, covered with aluminum foil, or longer if possible—instead of just after dinner, let it sit overnight—so that the bread can fully soak up the flavors.
9. Place the covered baking dish in an oven that has been preheated to 350°F. Bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the cover and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is browned nicely, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Pull from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve with pure maple syrup, if you like. Enjoy your Pear Brown Sugar French Toast Bake!
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. 9×13 inch baking dish
3. Pastry brush (for greasing)
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Whisk
6. Knife (for slicing pears)
7. Cutting board
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Aluminum foil
11. Refrigerator
12. Small saucepan (for melting butter)
13. Spoon or small spatula (for drizzling butter)
14. Cooling rack
15. Sifter or fine-mesh sieve (for dusting powdered sugar, optional)
FAQ
- Q: Can I prepare this recipe in advance?Yes, you can prepare the French toast bake the night before, wrap it well, and refrigerate it. Bake it the next morning, and you get a breakfast that tastes incredibly fresh and has the convenience factor of being a type of casserole.
- Q: Can I use a different type of bread?B: In this recipe, day-old brioche or challah would work perfectly as substitutes for French bread.
- Q: What can I use instead of pears?Alternatives that can be used are apples or peaches, adjusting the sweetness and bake time slightly as needed.
- Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?A: For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and heavy cream with almond milk or another non-dairy alternative.
- Q: How do I store leftovers?Keep any remaining food in a sealed container in the fridge for as long as 3 days. For optimal taste and texture, use the oven to rewarm what you didn’t eat the first time.
- Q: How can I make it nut-free?Make sure that none of the substitutes you use for ingredients contain any nuts. Additionally, do not add nuts as a topping.
Substitutions and Variations
For French bread: Use brioche or challah for a more decadent loaf.
For pears that are ripe: Replace with apples or peaches for a new flavor of fruit.
For heavy cream: Replace it with half-and-half if you’re looking for a lighter option.
To make a ground cinnamon substitution: Use pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
For granulated sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar or honey for a unique sweetness profile.
Pro Tips
1. Use Stale Bread for Optimal Texture: Day-old or slightly stale bread is crucial for absorbing the custard mixture without becoming too mushy. If your bread is fresh, try drying out the cubes by spreading them on a baking sheet and placing them in a low oven (around 200°F) for about 10-15 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.
2. Enhance Flavor with a Splash of Liqueur: Consider adding a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as Amaretto, Grand Marnier, or a pear-flavored brandy, to the custard mixture for added depth of flavor.
3. Upgrade with Spiced Nuts: For a touch of crunch and extra flavor, sprinkle a handful of chopped spiced nuts, like candied pecans or walnuts, over the top of the casserole before baking.
4. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: As sweetness preferences vary, feel free to adjust the amount of granulated and brown sugar to your taste. You can also consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in the custard for a different flavor profile.
5. Use a Water Bath for a Custardy Interior: To ensure a soft and custardy interior, bake the dish in a water bath. Place the baking dish in a larger pan and add hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the casserole dish. This technique helps evenly distribute heat and prevents the custard from curdling.
Pear Brown Sugar French Toast Bake Recipe
My favorite Pear Brown Sugar French Toast Bake Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. 9×13 inch baking dish
3. Pastry brush (for greasing)
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Whisk
6. Knife (for slicing pears)
7. Cutting board
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Aluminum foil
11. Refrigerator
12. Small saucepan (for melting butter)
13. Spoon or small spatula (for drizzling butter)
14. Cooling rack
15. Sifter or fine-mesh sieve (for dusting powdered sugar, optional)
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
- Maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C). A baking dish that measures 9×13 inches should then be lightly greased.
2. Place the cubed French bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Spread the sliced pears evenly over the bread cubes.
4. In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients and whisk them together until they are well blended:
– 8 large eggs
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 teaspoon salt
5. Evenly distribute the egg mixture over the bread and pears, ensuring that each cube of bread is fully saturated.
6. Press down gently on the bread to make sure it takes in the custard mixture.
7. Melt the butter and drizzle it over the top of the casserole.
8. Let the dish sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, covered with aluminum foil, or longer if possible—instead of just after dinner, let it sit overnight—so that the bread can fully soak up the flavors.
9. Place the covered baking dish in an oven that has been preheated to 350°F. Bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the cover and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is browned nicely, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Pull from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve with pure maple syrup, if you like. Enjoy your Pear Brown Sugar French Toast Bake!