Pear Cardamom French Toast Bake

Pear and cardamom French toast bake with maple syrup and pecans, soaked for a custardy center and baked until puffed and set in 40 minutes.

Prep: 20 min · Cook: 40 min · Yield: 8 · Method: Oven

Ingredients

• 8 cups bread cubes
• 3 pears
• 6 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 0.333 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 0.5 cup pecans
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter

Cooking instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. (about 5 min) — 375°F
2. Cut the pears into thin slices. (about 5 min)
3. Whisk the eggs, milk, maple syrup, cardamom, and salt until blended. (about 3 min)
4. Layer the bread cubes and pear slices in the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over them, then sprinkle with pecans. Press the bread down gently so it absorbs the custard, and let it soak for 15 minutes. (about 15 min)
5. Bake until puffed, the center is fully set, and an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F, 35 to 40 minutes. (about 40 min) — 375°F
6. Rest for 10 minutes before serving. (about 10 min)