Baked Blueberry Pecan French Toast With Blueberry Syrup Recipe

Wow your guests with this stunning Baked Blueberry Pecan French Toast! This elegant recipe, inspired by the Junior League's "Celebrate the Rain" cookbook, is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for brunch, holidays, or any special occasion. More like a delightful bread pudding than traditional French toast, it's incredibly delicious and visually appealing. Prepare the components the day before—simply bake and reheat the next morning for effortless entertaining. Freshly ground nutmeg elevates the flavor, and you can use either fresh or frozen blueberries for ultimate convenience.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 90 mins
Calories 656.2 kcal
Protein 28g
Rating 5.0 (2 Reviews)
Baked Blueberry Pecan French Toast With Blueberry Syrup

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Baked Blueberry Pecan French Toast With Blueberry Syrup

  • Pecan Halves
  • Salt
  • Baguette
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (or 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg)
  • Unsalted Butter
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (for the syrup)
  • Pure Maple Syrup
  • Fresh Lemon Juice

How to Make Baked Blueberry Pecan French Toast With Blueberry Syrup

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg.
  3. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and add them to the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Let the bread soak for at least 15 minutes (longer is better, up to 30 minutes).
  4. Gently fold in the blueberries, pecans, and butter. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  5. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until golden brown and set. Let cool slightly before serving.
  6. Meanwhile, prepare the blueberry syrup (recipe below). Reheat gently before serving.
  7. To make the blueberry syrup: Combine blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries have softened and released their juices (about 10-15 minutes). Mash some of the berries to thicken the syrup. Strain the syrup if desired for a smoother consistency. Reheat before serving.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

22 g

Sugar

203g

Fat

45g

Carbs

30g