Decadent & Easy: Overnight Whole-Wheat French Toast with Praline Topping

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

• Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for busy mornings, holidays, or when hosting guests.
• Family Favorite: A sweet and satisfying dish that appeals to all ages.
• Deliciously Simple: While it tastes gourmet, the steps are straightforward.
• Whole-Wheat Goodness: Uses whole-wheat French bread for a slightly heartier base.
• Irresistible Topping: The buttery, pecan-studded praline topping adds incredible texture and flavor.

Yields: 6-8 servings Active Prep Time: Approximately 25 minutes Passive Prep Time (Bread Drying & Soaking): 25 minutes drying + 8 hours (or overnight) soaking Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Ingredients:

For the French Toast:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 loaf (1 pound) whole-wheat French bread, sliced into 1-inch pieces (about 10-12 slices total)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cans (12 fluid ounces each) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Lowfat 2% Milk
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Praline Topping:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For Serving (Optional):

• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup

Equipment:

• Large baking sheet
• 3-quart or 13x9-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

Day Before - Prepare the French Toast Base:

1. Dry the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Arrange the whole-wheat French bread slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are dry to the touch and just lightly golden. Turn off the oven. This step is crucial to prevent soggy French toast.
2. Layer in Dish: Once the bread is dried, cut each slice in half. Spray your 3-quart or 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Layer the halved bread slices into the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly if needed.
3. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs. Gradually whisk in the NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Lowfat 2% Milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
4. Soak Overnight: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula or your hands to ensure all pieces are submerged in the custard. If needed, spoon some of the mixture between the slices. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight.

Day Of - Bake and Serve:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Remove the French toast casserole from the refrigerator while the oven heats.
2. Make Praline Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the room temperature butter, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir with a fork or spatula until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans until they are evenly coated.
3. Add Topping: Uncover the French toast casserole. Sprinkle the pecan praline topping evenly over the soaked bread.
4. Bake: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed, golden brown, and the center is set (a knife inserted near the center should come out clean or with moist crumbs, not wet batter).
5. Serve Warm: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. If desired, dust generously with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup on the side. Enjoy immediately!

Tips for Success:

• Don't Skip Drying the Bread: This step ensures your French toast casserole will have a pleasant texture, not overly soggy.
• Full Submersion: Make sure all bread pieces are well-soaked in the custard mixture for even flavor and cooking.
• Nut Variations: While pecans are classic for praline, you could substitute walnuts or even sliced almonds if preferred.
• Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness around the 40-minute mark. The casserole should be beautifully golden and no longer jiggly in the center.

This Overnight Whole-Wheat French Toast with Praline Topping is a showstopper breakfast or brunch dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. The make-ahead convenience means less stress in the morning, allowing you to relax and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal with your loved ones. The combination of tender, custard-soaked bread and a sweet, crunchy pecan topping is sure to make this a new family favorite!