This Pear and Brown Sugar French Toast Casserole is a warm, sweet treat perfect for breakfast or brunch. Soft bread soaked in a lovely mixture of eggs, milk, and ripe pears is truly comforting.
Plus, the brown sugar gives it that extra sweet touch, making it hard to resist. Seriously, I could eat this every morning and still want more! Just pop it in the oven and enjoy the delicious fragrance filling your kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Using French bread or challah adds a lovely texture. If you can’t find those, brioche or even whole grain bread can work. Just ensure it’s slightly stale for better soaking.
Pears: Fresh ripe pears are key for sweetness. You can substitute with apples or even peaches, depending on the season and your preference.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, or substitute with more milk if desired. Just keep in mind the texture may be less rich.
Brown Sugar: While light brown sugar is great, dark brown sugar gives a deeper flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier touch, try maple sugar or coconut sugar.
Eggs: If you’re vegan or need an egg substitute, try using a mixture of flaxseed (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) or a store-bought egg replacer.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Custardy but Not Soggy?
Getting the right balance in texture is key. Here are some tips to make your casserole perfectly custardy:
- Start with bread that’s a day or two old to help absorb the custard without getting mushy.
- Let it soak in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the pressing down step—it helps the bread soak up the liquid evenly.
- Keep it covered with foil for part of baking, then uncover it to get a crispy top.
Pear and Brown Sugar French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf (about 12 ounces) French bread or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing the pan
For Serving:
- Maple syrup or additional brown sugar syrup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 20 minutes to prepare and requires 40-55 minutes of baking time. Make sure to refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to let the bread soak up the flavorful custard. So, start your morning off right with minimal effort and maximum taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Dish:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it well with some unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Bread and Pears:
Evenly spread your bread cubes in the greased baking dish. After that, scatter the sliced pears over the top of the bread. This will create a lovely fruity layer when baked!
3. Mix the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and melted butter. Make sure everything is well combined and creamy—it’s the magic that coats the bread.
4. Combine Layers:
Pour this delicious custard evenly over the bread and pears. Gently press down the bread with a spatula or your fingers to help it soak up the custard mixture.
5. Soak the Casserole:
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the refrigerator. Allow the casserole to soak for at least 2 hours, but letting it sit overnight will give you the best results!
6. Bake the Casserole:
When you’re ready to bake, take the casserole out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Bake it covered with foil for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle some maple syrup or brown sugar syrup over each piece for extra sweetness. Enjoy your warm, comforting slice of pear-infused goodness!
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Can I Use Different Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pears are delicious, you can substitute them with apples, peaches, or even berries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness based on the fruit’s natural sugar content!
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes, preparing it the night before is actually recommended! Just assemble the casserole up to the soaking step, cover it, and refrigerate. You can bake it directly from the fridge the next morning—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s really cold.
What Can I Do If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or substitute it with additional milk for a lighter version. For richness, blend in a tablespoon of butter with the milk to mimic the creaminess.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or place it in the oven until heated through. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating can help restore the moisture!