Sticky Bun French Toast Casserole

Sticky Bun French Toast Casserole is a breakfast indulgence that’s exactly as amazing as it sounds! Soft, custardy cinnamon French toast is baked under a bubbling layer of buttery brown sugar caramel and toasted pecans, then finished with extra warm caramel sauce on top.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1

Chill Time 4

Total Time 5 20

Servings

Calories 646kcal

Author Nichole

Ingredients

2 Tbsp Butter softened, for greasing the baking dish
1 14-16oz Loaf Bakery French or Italian bread cut or torn into 1-inch pieces
8 Large eggs
2 Cups Whole milk
1 Cup Heavy cream
1/2 Cup Packed brown sugar
2 Tbsp Granulated sugar
1 tsp Ground cinnamon
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1/2 tsp Salt

For the sticky bun topping:

3/4 Cup Butter melted
1 1/2 Cups Packed brown sugar
1/2 Cup Whole milk
1/3 Cup Pure maple syrup
1/4 tsp Salt
2 Cups Pecan halves

Instructions

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with the softened butter and evenly spread the bread pieces into the dish.
Whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl until smooth.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, gently press the bread down so it absorbs the custard, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and let the casserole sit at room temperature while the oven heats.
Bake the casserole, covered with foil, for 30 minutes.
While the casserole bakes, add all the ingredients for the topping except the pecans to a small saucepan and stir until the sugar is dissolved. (Do not stir the caramel after this step, or the sugar will crystallize.)
Let it come to a low boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
Reserve about 1/3 of the caramel sauce in a separate small jar or bowl, then stir the pecans into the pan until evenly coated in the sauce.
Remove the foil from the casserole after 30 minutes, spoon the sticky bun topping evenly over the top, and gently spread it into an even layer.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for another 20-30 minutes, or until the custard is set in the center and the topping is bubbling and caramelized.
Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving with the reserved caramel sauce if desired.

Notes

Storing:
This sticky bun French toast casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.