Spiced Pecan and Orange Glazed King Cake French Toast Bake

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A celebratory French toast casserole infused with King Cake flavors, spiced pecans, and a bright orange glaze echoing Mardi Gras sweetness. This french-inspired mardi gras ready in about 65 minutes layers King Cake bread, large eggs, whole milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 French cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/3 cup brown sugar until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb King Cake bread cubes to the custard mixture, gently folding to coat all pieces evenly. Let soak for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Transfer soaked bread to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 3/4 cup roughly chopped pecans evenly over the top and drizzle with 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter.
  4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the custard is set and the top is golden.
  5. Step 5: While baking, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 3 tbsp fresh orange juice, and 1 tsp orange zest until smooth for the glaze.
  6. Step 6: Remove the French toast bake from the oven and drizzle the orange glaze over the top while still warm. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Pecan and Orange Glazed King Cake French Toast Bake take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Spiced Pecan and Orange Glazed King Cake French Toast Bake?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Pecan and Orange Glazed King Cake French Toast Bake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Pecan and Orange Glazed King Cake French Toast Bake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spiced Pecan and Orange Glazed King Cake French Toast Bake?

French mardi gras like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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