French Toast With Maple-Pecan Butter
Indulge in this rich French toast infused with vanilla ice cream and brandy, topped with maple-pecan butter—perfect for brunch or a special breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Let bread rest overnight to get stale.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolks, melted vanilla ice cream, brandy, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
- Place the egg mixture in a flat pan and add the bread slices, letting them soak up the mixture, turning once.
- Heat a 10-inch saute pan over moderate heat and add clarified butter.
- Place 4 slices of bread, slightly overlapping, in the pan.
- Spread apple compote over the bread and add the remaining slices.
- Press down lightly and cook for one minute.
- Flip the slices and cook for another minute.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use slightly stale bread, as it absorbs the egg mixture more effectively. If you don't have clarified butter, regular butter works too, but clarify it first for a higher smoke point. You can substitute vanilla ice cream with a dairy-free alternative if desired. Consider adding a splash of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the French toast warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent breakfast. It pairs beautifully with Caramel Sweet Potatoes for a hearty brunch. Fresh fruit, like berries or banana slices, can also complement the dish nicely, adding freshness and balance.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally to avoid burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Toast With Maple-Pecan Butter contains roughly 932 calories, with 13g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (27% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2254mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the egg mixture the night before and soak the bread slices. Just cover the pan and refrigerate. In the morning, cook and bake as directed for a quick breakfast.
What can I use instead of brandy?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with apple juice or a splash of vanilla extract for flavor without the alcohol content.
Is it possible to use different types of bread?
Absolutely! While raisin bread adds a nice sweetness, you can use any bread you have on hand, such as challah, brioche, or even whole grain for a healthier option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).