Experience the magic of fall with this exquisite overnight Pear Baked French Toast. Infused with the delicate flavors of sweet pears and rich vanilla, it’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast for holidays or when you have company.

Looking for more amazing make-ahead breakfast ideas? Don’t miss this Overnight French Toast Casserole or this decadent Creme Brûlée French Toast.

Irresistible Overnight Pear Baked French Toast Casserole: Your Perfect Fall & Holiday Breakfast

Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of baked pears and warm vanilla, knowing that a delightful breakfast casserole is just minutes away from being served. That’s the dream brought to life by this incredible Pear Baked French Toast. As a devoted enthusiast of overnight breakfast casseroles, I can confidently say this recipe is a game-changer for busy mornings and special occasions alike. The beauty lies in its make-ahead nature: do all the prep work the night before, and in the morning, simply slide it into the oven. It’s truly effortless entertaining at its finest.

This Pear Baked French Toast is particularly enchanting during the fall season. It combines the tender sweetness of baked pears with a rich, caramel-like syrup that naturally forms at the bottom of the dish during baking. The result is a breakfast experience so luxurious, it feels like you’re indulging in dessert. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of soft, custard-soaked bread, succulent pears, and a hint of warm vanilla. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, a sprinkle of powdered sugar is all you need to transform this into an absolutely irresistible dish. Whether it’s for a cozy fall morning, a festive holiday brunch, or welcoming cherished guests, this casserole promises a memorable and delicious start to any day.

Why You’ll Love This Overnight Pear French Toast Casserole

This particular French toast casserole stands out for several compelling reasons, making it a staple in my kitchen, especially during the colder months or when I’m hosting. Here’s why it’s bound to become a favorite in your home too:

• Effortless Entertaining: The “overnight” aspect is a true lifesaver. Preparing the casserole the night before means no frantic morning rush. You wake up, preheat the oven, and bake. This makes it perfect for stress-free holiday breakfasts like Thanksgiving or Christmas, or for leisurely weekend brunches with friends and family.
• Seasonal Delights: Pears are a star of autumn, and this recipe highlights their natural sweetness beautifully. Coupled with warming vanilla and brown sugar, it captures the essence of fall in every bite.
• Comfort Food at its Best: There’s something inherently comforting about warm, baked French toast. The gooey, custard-soaked bread, combined with the tender fruit and rich caramel sauce, creates a truly soul-satisfying dish that feels both indulgent and homey.
• Dessert for Breakfast: With its sweet, syrupy bottom layer and fruit topping, this casserole genuinely feels like a permissible dessert for breakfast. It’s a delightful treat that everyone will look forward to.
• Versatile Appeal: While perfect for holidays, this casserole is equally wonderful for any special occasion or simply to elevate a regular Sunday morning. It’s adaptable enough to suit any breakfast or brunch setting.

Key Ingredients for Success

The magic of this Pear Baked French Toast lies in a few simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is important:

• Butter: I typically reach for unsalted butter as it gives me more control over the overall seasoning, especially in the caramel layer. However, if you only have salted butter on hand, it will work just fine and might even add a subtle savory note that beautifully balances the sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar is my go-to for its delicate molasses flavor that perfectly caramelizes to form the luscious base of this casserole. If you happen to have dark brown sugar, feel free to use it; it will impart an even deeper, richer, and more intense caramel flavor to the syrup, adding another layer of complexity.
• Pears: For this recipe, firm pears like Bosc or Anjou are ideal as they hold their shape well during baking and offer a pleasant texture. I prefer to leave the peel on the pears because it adds a wonderful rustic texture and helps the pear slices maintain their integrity, preventing them from becoming too mushy. However, if you or your family prefer peeled pears, feel free to remove the skin before slicing.
• Bread: The foundation of any great French toast is the bread. A sturdy loaf of French bread is excellent for this casserole because it can absorb the custard without falling apart, resulting in a delightfully soft interior. For the best results, using day-old bread is highly recommended. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard more effectively, preventing a soggy texture and ensuring a beautiful, puffy outcome.
• Pecans: While entirely optional, chopped pecans are a fantastic addition to this casserole. They introduce a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the pears and caramel beautifully. If you’re not a fan of pecans, or have other nuts on hand, walnuts or even slivered almonds would also be delicious alternatives.
• Eggs: Large eggs are crucial for creating a rich, custardy base that coats the bread thoroughly. They act as the primary binder and give the French toast its classic, fluffy texture.
• Milk: I typically use 2% milk for a balanced richness, but you can adjust this to your preference. For an even more decadent and creamier casserole, consider using whole milk or half-and-half. The higher fat content will yield a richer, more luxurious custard.
• Vanilla Extract: High-quality vanilla extract is paramount here. It elevates the flavors, marrying beautifully with the pears and caramel. A good vanilla extract truly shines through, adding depth and warmth to the entire dish.

Crafting Your Overnight Pear Baked French Toast: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this stunning Pear Baked French Toast is simpler than you might think, especially with the convenience of overnight preparation. Follow these steps for a perfect make-ahead breakfast:

STEP 1: Prepare the Caramel Syrup. Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is bubbly and fragrant. This step creates a rich, sweet caramel base that infuses the entire casserole with incredible flavor. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully stir in the water to create a pourable syrup.

STEP 2: Create the Caramel Base. Pour the warm caramel syrup into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan. To ensure every piece of French toast gets coated in this delightful sauce, gently tilt the pan from side to side until the entire bottom surface is covered with an even layer of syrup.

STEP 3: Layer the Pears. Arrange your sliced fresh pears evenly over the caramel syrup. You don’t need to be overly artistic, but try to distribute them as uniformly as possible. This ensures that each serving will have a lovely balance of tender pear. If your pears are very thin, you can overlap them slightly.

STEP 4: Add Bread and Pecans. Carefully place the bread cubes over the layer of pears. Don’t worry if the pan looks quite full; the bread will settle and shrink slightly once the custard is added. Finally, sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the bread cubes. The pecans add a fantastic textural contrast and nutty flavor.

STEP 5: Pour the Custard and Chill. In a separate bowl (a large liquid measuring cup works great for easy pouring), whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread and pecans, ensuring all the bread is well saturated. Gently press the bread down with your hands if needed to help it absorb the liquid. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and transfer it to the refrigerator to rest overnight. This crucial step allows the bread to fully soak up the custard and the flavors to meld beautifully.

STEP 6: Bake to Perfection. The next morning, remove the casserole from the refrigerator while your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). Baking it uncovered will allow the top to become wonderfully golden brown and slightly crisp. Bake until the casserole is puffy, golden, and cooked through in the middle, typically around 1 hour. A good indicator that it’s ready is when the center is set and no liquid jiggles when the pan is gently shaken.

To Serve: Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Cut the casserole into individual portions and carefully lift them onto plates. Don’t forget the best part – spoon some of that incredible caramel syrup from the bottom of the pan over each piece. It’s a naturally formed sauce that takes this dish to another level!

Expert Tips for the Best Pear Baked French Toast

Achieving French toast casserole perfection is easy with a few simple tricks. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your Pear Baked French Toast is consistently delicious and a crowd-pleaser:

• Ensure Full Saturation: After pouring the custard over the bread, gently press down on the bread cubes with your hands or a spatula. This ensures that every single piece of bread is thoroughly soaked in the custardy mixture, leading to a uniformly soft and flavorful French toast.
• The Overnight Advantage: While it’s technically possible to bake this casserole immediately after assembly, I highly recommend letting it rest in the refrigerator overnight (for at least 8 hours). This extended soak allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, preventing a dry interior and creating a more cohesive, flavorful, and custardy texture. It also gives the pear and vanilla flavors more time to meld and deepen.
• Prevent Oven Messes: French toast casseroles can sometimes puff up and bubble over slightly during baking, especially with a sweet, syrupy base. To save yourself from scrubbing burnt sugar off your oven floor, always place the baking dish on a larger baking sheet before putting it in the oven. This simple step will catch any potential drips and keep your oven clean.
• Topping Options: This French toast is perfectly delicious on its own, especially with the built-in caramel syrup from the bottom of the pan. However, for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving is always a welcome addition. You could also offer a side of warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for those who enjoy a richer treat.
• Choose Ripe but Firm Pears: Select pears that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape during baking. Overripe pears can become mushy, while underripe ones might be too hard and lack sweetness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: While the bread will shrink, ensure there’s enough space for the custard to circulate and the casserole to bake evenly.
• Serving Temperature: For the best experience, serve this casserole warm, allowing the sweet caramel syrup to flow freely and the pears to be tender.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Have leftovers? No problem! This Pear Baked French Toast reheats beautifully, making it perfect for enjoying a delicious breakfast throughout the week.

• Storage: Once cooled completely, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating in the Oven: For best results, reheat individual slices or the entire casserole in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes for slices, or 25-30 minutes for a larger portion. This method helps maintain a slightly crisp exterior.
• Reheating in the Microwave: While quicker, the microwave can sometimes make French toast a little softer. Reheat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.
• Freezing: This casserole is also freezer-friendly! Once completely cooled, cut into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, or place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other types of fruit in this casserole?

Absolutely! While pears are fantastic, you can certainly substitute them with other fruits. Sliced apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), berries (blueberries, raspberries), or even peaches would be delicious alternatives, adjusting the sweetness as needed.

What if I don’t have day-old French bread?

Day-old or slightly stale bread is best because it absorbs the custard without becoming soggy. If you only have fresh bread, you can lightly toast the cubes in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes to dry them out a bit before assembling the casserole.

Can I add spices to the custard?

Yes, you can! To enhance the fall flavors, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the egg and milk mixture. This will add an extra layer of warmth and aroma.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply substitute the French bread with your favorite gluten-free bread. Ensure it’s a sturdy loaf that can hold up to soaking.

More French Toast Recipes to Explore

If you’re a fan of French toast, you’ll love these other variations:

• Ice Cream Soaked French Toast
• Blueberry Banana French Toast Bake
• French Toast Sticks
• Classic French Toast
• Stuffed French Toast

LOOKING FOR MORE FREE RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more family-friendly inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.

Pear Baked French Toast

5 stars from 1 vote

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
1 hour

Refrigeration Time:
8 hours

Total Time:
9 hours 15 minutes

Servings:
12 servings

Course:
Breakfast

Cuisine:
American

Pear and vanilla flavors are infused into this delicious overnight Pear Baked French Toast. This is the perfect breakfast for holidays or for company.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 3 fresh pears sliced
• 1 pound French bread cut into 1-inch squares
• 1/2 cup pecans chopped
• 9 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, and cook until bubbly. Remove from the heat and stir in the water.
2. Pour the brown sugar mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Tilt the pan to make sure the syrup is spread in an even layer.
3. Layer the pears over the syrup. Then place the bread over the pears. Sprinkle the pecans evenly over the bread.
4. In another bowl (a large liquid measuring cup works well), whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the bread. If desired, use your hands to gently press the bread down into the custard, making sure the bread is saturated.
5. Cover the pan and refrigerate overnight.
6. The next morning, remove the casserole from the refrigerator to take the chill off as the oven is preheating.
7. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175°C). Place the casserole dish on a larger baking sheet to catch any drips.
8. Bake the casserole, uncovered, until it becomes puffy and the center is cooked through, about 1 hour.
9. To serve, cut the casserole into squares, then spoon some of the syrup from the bottom of the pan over each piece.

Recipe Notes:

Adapted from The Reluctant Entertainer

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 327 kcal (16%), Carbohydrates: 39g (13%), Protein: 8g (16%), Fat: 15g (23%), Saturated Fat: 7g (44%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 162mg (54%), Sodium: 166mg (7%), Potassium: 252mg (7%), Fiber: 2g (8%), Sugar: 24g (27%)

Keywords:
baked french toast, baked french toast casserole, overnight french toast, pear breakfast, holiday breakfast