🍁 Nova Scotia Maple Pecan French Toast Bake

There’s something special about a slow morning during the holidays — when the light feels softer, the air carries a hint of cinnamon, and the house seems to hum with comfort. This Nova Scotia Maple Pecan French Toast Bake is the kind of breakfast that fills your kitchen with deliciousness. 

It’s simple, cozy, and can be prepared the night before, so you can wake up, pour a cup of coffee, light one of our Noel & Co candles, and let the scent of maple and pecans drift through your home.

Ingredients

For the bake:

1 loaf of thick-sliced brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes. You can also leave the bread as whole slices, your choice.

6 large eggs

2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)

½ cup pure Nova Scotia maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

Pinch of salt

¾ cup chopped pecans

For the topping:

¼ cup butter, melted

2 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp Nova Scotia maple syrup

Extra pecans for sprinkling

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Instructions

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and fill it with cubed bread.

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Nova Scotia maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour the mixture over the bread, pressing gently so every piece soaks up that custardy goodness. Sprinkle with pecans.

Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup, and drizzle over the top.

Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and crisp around the edges.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving — then drizzle with extra Nova Scotia maple syrup and scatter a few more pecans over the top.