Hey y'all! If you're searching for the ultimate cozy breakfast or brunch dish, look no further than this Brioche or Challah Maple Pecan Bake. It's irresistibly soft, sweet, and nutty—perfect for sharing on lazy weekends, festive holidays, or even a make-ahead treat for busy mornings. Ready to fill your kitchen with the aroma of maple and toasted pecans? Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Brioche or Challah Maple Pecan Bake

Buttery soft bread soaks up a rich, maple-infused custard for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Packed with flavors of toasted pecans and a caramel-like maple syrup.
Perfect for prepping the night before—just bake it in the morning.
Easy to scale for crowds and ideal as a holiday or weekend breakfast centerpiece.
Deliciously versatile—enjoy with whipped cream, fruit, or your favorite toppings.

Ingredients for Brioche or Challah Maple Pecan Bake

1 (14-16 oz) loaf brioche or challah bread, slightly stale and cubed (about 8 cups)
1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
⅔ cup pure maple syrup, plus extra for serving
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for drizzling)

How to Make Brioche or Challah Maple Pecan Bake

Prep the Bread and Nuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
Spread the cubed brioche or challah bread and pecans out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden and aromatic. Transfer both to your prepared baking dish.

Mix the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.

Assemble and Soak

Pour the custard evenly over the bread and pecans in the baking dish, pressing gently to help the bread absorb the mixture.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor and texture. (If short on time, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.)

Bake and Serve

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, until puffed, golden, and the center is set but still slightly soft.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Top with a drizzle of warm maple syrup and extra toasted pecans if desired!

Notes for the Perfect Brioche or Challah Maple Pecan Bake

For best results, use day-old bread so it absorbs the custard without getting soggy.
Make sure to press the bread gently into the liquid to ensure every piece is soaked.
Let the bake cool slightly before serving—it will cut cleaner and taste even better.

Variations: Making Your Brioche or Challah Maple Pecan Bake Unique

Berry Bliss: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries before baking.
Chocolate Lover's: Sprinkle ½ cup chocolate chips between layers of bread and nuts.
Apple Cinnamon: Toss in 1 cup of diced, peeled apples and an extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon.

Required Equipment for Brioche or Challah Maple Pecan Bake

9x13-inch baking dish
Baking sheet
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Plastic wrap or foil

Storage Instructions & Shelf Life

Store leftover Brioche or Challah Maple Pecan Bake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and warm the whole dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through.
This bake can be frozen (once baked and cooled) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Brioche or Challah Maple Pecan Bake

Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt.
Pair with fresh berries or caramelized bananas for extra fruitiness.
Enjoy alongside a mug of hot coffee, spiced chai, or fresh orange juice.

Pro Tips for Brioche or Challah Maple Pecan Bake Success

Let your bread dry out overnight if it's very fresh—this helps achieve the perfect texture.
Rotate the baking dish halfway through baking to ensure even coloring and prevent hot spots.
For an extra-crispy top, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of turbinado sugar on before baking.

FAQ: Brioche or Challah Maple Pecan Bake

Can I make this maple pecan bake dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute any non-dairy milk and cream, and use vegan butter for a delicious dairy-free version.
Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely—walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts all work wonderfully in place of pecans.
What if my bread is too fresh?
Cube it and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to dry it out before assembling your bake.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rest/Soak Time: 1 hour or overnight
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including soak)