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Apple Butter, Pear and Pecan Challah French Toast Bake

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Apple Butter, Pear and Pecan Challah French Toast Bake is a cozy, make-ahead breakfast that layers soft challah bread with sweet apple butter, tender pears, and crunchy pecans. Soaked in a spiced custard and baked until golden, it’s the perfect fall-inspired dish for brunch or holidays.

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf challah bread, cubed (preferably day-old)
  • 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup apple butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • Butter, for greasing the baking dish
  • Optional: powdered sugar or maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
  2. Layer half of the challah cubes in the bottom of the dish.
  3. Spread half of the apple butter over the bread, then top with half the sliced pears and a sprinkle of pecans.
  4. Repeat with remaining challah, apple butter, pears, and pecans.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
  6. Pour the custard evenly over the bread layers, pressing down gently to help absorb.
  7. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 2 hours.
  8. In the morning, let the dish sit at room temperature for 20 minutes while preheating oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until golden and set in the center.
  10. Let cool slightly, then serve warm with powdered sugar or maple syrup.

Notes

  • Use brioche or French bread if challah isn’t available.
  • Swap pears for apples or use a mix of both for variety.
  • Add raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
  • For dairy-free, use almond milk and oil instead of butter.
  • Pumpkin butter works great as a seasonal substitute for apple butter.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/apple-butter-pear-and-pecan-challah-french-toast-bake/