Orange Pecan French Toast is a delightful and flavorful twist on classic French toast. It incorporates the zesty brightness of oranges and the crunch of pecans for a delicious breakfast or brunch option. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
For the French Toast:
- 6 slices of thick bread (such as French or brioche)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 orange
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the pan
For the Orange Pecan Topping:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Additional maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Orange Pecan Topping:
- In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly toasted.
- Add Orange Zest and Juice:
- Add the zest and juice of 1 orange to the pecans in the saucepan. Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove it from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the French Toast Batter:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and the zest of 1 orange.
- Dip and Cook the Bread:
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat and grease it with butter or cooking spray. Dip each slice of bread into the orange and egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated, and place them on the hot griddle.
- Cook Until Golden Brown:
- Cook the French toast for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Serve with Orange Pecan Topping:
- Serve the Orange Pecan French Toast hot, drizzled with the prepared orange pecan topping. You can also dust them with powdered sugar and serve with additional maple syrup if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy your delicious Orange Pecan French Toast with a delightful combination of citrusy, nutty, and sweet flavors.
This breakfast dish is sure to impress your family and guests with its vibrant flavors and crunchy texture. It’s perfect for a special weekend breakfast or brunch.