Pecan pie screams, “Look at me, y’all, I’m southern!” So I can’t think of any better way to make the ultimate southern brunch complete. This is a baked French toast, which is the best kind in my opinion. It is baked on top of brown sugar, vegan butter and pecans, creating a caramel and pecan crust that is beyond amazing.
Serves: 6 to 8
2 cups (480 ml) nondairy milk
2 tbsp (14 g) flax meal
2 tbsp (16 g) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp (15 ml) pure vanilla extract
4 tbsp (60 ml) pure maple syrup, divided, plus more for serving (optional)
Pinch of salt
¼ cup (60 g) vegan butter, melted
½ cup (72 g) vegan brown sugar
1 cup (120 g) finely chopped roasted and salted pecans
6–8 (½-inch [13-mm]-thick) slices crusty bread (such as sourdough)
Coconut Whipped Cream or store-bought vegan whipped cream (optional), for serving
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, flax meal, flour, vanilla, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the maple syrup and salt. Set the mixture aside.
Pour the butter into the bottom of a 13 x 9–inch (33 x 23–cm) baking dish, spreading the butter around so that it evenly coats the bottom of the baking dish.
Sprinkle the brown sugar over the butter. Make sure the brown sugar covers the entire bottom of the baking dish.
Sprinkle the pecans over the brown sugar. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of maple syrup over the pecans.
Figure out how many slices of bread will fit in a single layer in the baking dish. (Generally, 6 to 8 slices will fit nicely.)
Put the slices of bread into the milk mixture. Let them soak for 2 to 3 minutes so they can absorb the liquid.
Place the bread in a single layer on top of the pecans in the baking dish.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the bread is baked through and the pecan topping is brown and bubbly.
Let the French toast cool for 5 to 7 minutes so the pecan topping can harden.
To serve, use a spatula to scoop a slice of toast out of the baking dish and flip it over so the pecans face upward. Top the French toast with additional maple syrup (if using) and Coconut Whipped Cream (if using).