Maple Pecan Crunch French Toast (Stale Sourdough Redemption)

Some mornings call for something soft, warm, and comforting… and some mornings call for a French toast that tastes like a warm maple hug.

Today’s flavor in the Wasting Sourdough Is a Sin series is Maple Pecan Crunch French Toast — a buttery, golden, maple-kissed breakfast with caramelized pecans, crisp edges, and soft custardy centers.

This one feels like a cozy cabin morning.
The aroma alone makes the entire kitchen smell like maple syrup, toasted nuts, and pure comfort.

We take thick slices of day-old Diablo Dough sourdough, dip them in a maple-vanilla custard, and cook them until golden and crisp. Then comes the best part: a warm, sticky maple pecan topping that tastes like the crunchy edge of a cinnamon roll.

It’s nostalgic, comforting, and unbelievably simple — the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for slow weekends, holiday mornings, or anytime you want something sweet and cozy.

Full recipe below! 🍁✨

MAPLE PECAN CRUNCH FRENCH TOAST

Warm, buttery, maple-sweet, and irresistibly crunchy.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the custard:

• 2 large eggs

• 1/3 cup milk

• 2 tbsp heavy cream

• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

For the maple pecan topping:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• ⅓–½ cup chopped pecans

• Pinch of cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

(If you want EVEN more crunch, add 1–2 tbsp crushed granola at the end!)

For the bread:

3–4 thick slices of day-old Diablo Dough sourdough

For cooking:

Butter or a butter/oil mix

Extra toppings:

• Powdered sugar

• Extra maple syrup

• A few whole pecans for garnish

Instructions

1. Make the custard.

Whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.

2. Make the maple pecan topping.

In a small pan, melt butter.
Add brown sugar, maple syrup, pecans, cinnamon, and salt.
Simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy and caramelized.
Turn off heat and set aside.

3. Dip the sourdough.

Soak each slice in the custard for 10–15 seconds per side.

4. Cook the French toast.

Heat butter over medium.
Cook each slice 2–3 minutes per side until golden with crisp edges.

5. Assemble.

Place French toast on a plate.
Spoon warm pecan topping over each piece.
Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with extra maple syrup.

Serve immediately for max crunch! 🍁

Why This Recipe Works

This flavor hits every comfort note:

✔ Maple brings warm sweetness + caramel depth
✔ Pecans add crunch, nuttiness, and buttery richness
✔ Sourdough gives structure + tangy balance
✔ Custard creates a soft, creamy interior
✔ Brown sugar topping forms a sticky, crunchy finish

It’s nostalgic like a cinnamon roll…
Elegant like a brunch pastry…
And SO easy.

Variations

Maple Walnut Crunch

Swap pecans for chopped walnuts.

Brown Butter Maple French Toast

Use brown butter in the topping → insane.

Salted Maple Crunch

Add a pinch of flaky salt after plating.

Cinnamon Roll Maple Toast

Add a thin drizzle of icing for bakery vibes.

Storage & Reheating

The pecan topping reheats best in a microwave or warm skillet.
French toast can be frozen and reheated in a skillet or air fryer.