This Maple-Bourbon Pecan French Toast Bundt is the perfect centerpiece for your brunch table, combining rich flavors and an impressive presentation. The sweet, nutty crunch of toasted pecans pairs beautifully with the aromatic notes of bourbon and pure maple syrup, creating an irresistible blend that elevates traditional French toast.
Made with soft brioche bread soaked in a decadent custard and baked in a bundt pan, this dish not only looks stunning but also offers a delightful texture that is both fluffy and slightly crispy. Serve it warm, drizzled with a luscious maple-bourbon glaze, and watch it become a favorite for any occasion!
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS
- 1 loaf brioche bread, cut into cubes
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Butter for greasing the bundt pan
FOR THE MAPLE-BOURBON GLAZE
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- 1-2 tablespoons milk to thin, if necessary
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan with butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Add the brioche cubes to the egg mixture, gently folding until all the bread is soaked.
- Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour the bread mixture evenly into the prepared bundt pan, pressing down lightly to pack it in.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bundt to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate.
- While the bundt cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, maple syrup, bourbon, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm bundt before serving, allowing it to soak into the warm bread.
Notes
Tip: For an extra touch, top with whipped cream or additional toasted pecans before serving.
To ensure that your French toast bundt is perfectly cooked, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the dish is ready. If you want to make it ahead of time, prepare the custard and soak the bread the night before, then bake it in the morning for a fresh, warm treat.
If you’re looking for variations, consider adding chopped apples or bananas for added flavor and texture, or swap the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty twist. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and are delicious reheated in the toaster or microwave.