If you’re looking to turn a simple morning into a special occasion, The Best Instant Pot Breakfast Pecan French Toast is your golden ticket. Imagine thick cubes of bread soaking up a rich custard, studded with buttery pecans, and cooked to pillowy perfection in minutes right in your Instant Pot. The flavor and texture land somewhere between bread pudding and classic French toast, but with much less fuss. Whether you’re hosting brunch or craving something indulgent for a slow weekend, this recipe is practically foolproof and makes every bite feel like a celebration.

The Best Instant Pot Breakfast Pecan French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All it takes are a few pantry-friendly, fresh ingredients that work tasty magic together. Each one plays a starring role, from adding fluffy richness to spicing things just right, to ensuring that unmistakable French toast flavor and crunch.

Brioche or Challah Bread: Thick, sturdy slices soak up the custard while holding their shape, creating a soft yet structured base.

Pecans: Toasted, chopped pecans add incredible buttery crunch and earthy depth to every bite.
Eggs: The heart of your custard—eggs add protein and create that luscious, pudding-like texture.

Whole Milk: Gives your custard richness and moisture; half-and-half works, too, for extra creaminess.

Brown Sugar: Offers a caramel sweetness that marries perfectly with pecans and cinnamon.

Pure Vanilla Extract: Infuses warmth and classic dessert aroma that instantly says “French toast!”
Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and subtle spice, making the flavor impossible to resist.

Salt: Just a pinch makes all the flavors pop and balances the sweetness.

Butter: Dotting it on top adds richness and helps brown with the pecans.
Maple Syrup (plus more for serving): Natural maple syrup gives the toast its signature breakfast sweetness and shine.

How to Make The Best Instant Pot Breakfast Pecan French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Pecans

Start by cubing your brioche or challah bread into hearty bite-sized pieces. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a dry skillet or oven for a few minutes to bring out their nutty aroma, then roughly chop them. This prep step ensures the bread soaks up every bit of custard and the pecans retain their crunch after cooking.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until completely smooth. This custard mixture is the backbone of The Best Instant Pot Breakfast Pecan French Toast—it will soak every bread cube in comforting flavor and creaminess.

Step 3: Combine and Rest

Gently toss your bread cubes and half of the chopped pecans in the custard bowl, making sure every piece is drenched. Let this sit for about 10-15 minutes so the bread can absorb as much of the liquid as possible, a vital step for that soft, pudding-like texture.

Step 4: Layer in the Instant Pot

Grease a round baking dish or Instant Pot insert with butter, then pour in the bread and custard mixture. Sprinkle the remaining pecans and dot with a few small pieces of butter for incredible flavor and extra shine. Drizzle the maple syrup over the top to help everything caramelize during cooking.

Step 5: Cook Using the Pot-in-Pot Method

Add a cup of water to the bottom of your Instant Pot, then set the trivet inside. Place your filled baking dish on the trivet, cover with foil, and seal the lid. Cook on High Pressure for about 25 minutes, then let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before venting. This technique ensures gentle, steamy cooking and prevents soggy results.

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the dish carefully from the Instant Pot—it will be hot and fragrant! Let it cool for five minutes, then serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar. The Best Instant Pot Breakfast Pecan French Toast is best enjoyed fresh, showcasing its creamy-inside, toasty-outside perfection.

How to Serve The Best Instant Pot Breakfast Pecan French Toast

Garnishes

Elevate each serving with your favorite toppings. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a classic sweet touch, while a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt introduces creamy tang. For crunch and pop, sprinkle on more toasted pecans or fresh berries. And of course, you can never go wrong with a generous pour of maple syrup!

Side Dishes

Balance the richness of The Best Instant Pot Breakfast Pecan French Toast with something fresh and bright—think a side of sliced oranges or mixed fruit salad. For more savory contrast, crisp bacon or breakfast sausage on the side is always a crowd-pleaser, rounding out your brunch spread beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the French toast into wedges or cubes for a fun brunch buffet, or transform it into mini parfaits by layering with vanilla yogurt and berries in small glasses. For holidays or special mornings, sprinkle on seasonal spices like nutmeg or ginger, or add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover French toast can be a breakfast lifesaver! Simply let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate in an airtight container. Stored this way, The Best Instant Pot Breakfast Pecan French Toast stays soft and flavorful for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish for future cravings. Slice into individual servings, wrap tightly, and store in a freezer bag or container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave single servings on medium power in 30-second intervals until hot. For best texture, pop slices in a toaster oven or bake in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp on top.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! Any sturdy, slightly-stale bread works well—Texas toast, French bread, or even croissants add unique texture and flavor. Just avoid breads that are too soft or thin, so your French toast doesn’t get mushy.

Do I have to toast the pecans first?

Toasting isn’t strictly necessary, but it enhances their nutty flavor and ensures a pleasant crunch, which really complements the soft custard base. If you’re short on time, raw pecans still taste great!

What if I don’t have a round baking dish?

No problem! Whatever oven-safe dish fits inside your Instant Pot will work—just be sure to grease it well. You may need to adjust cook time slightly if the dish is deeper or more shallow.

Can I prep The Best Instant Pot Breakfast Pecan French Toast the night before?

Definitely! Combine the bread and custard, cover, and let it soak overnight in the fridge for even richer flavor. In the morning, just pop it in your Instant Pot and cook as directed.

How do I prevent it from getting soggy?

Letting the bread soak for the right amount of time (not too long, not too short), and using the pot-in-pot method is key. Also, be sure your baking dish fits snugly; too much extra space can lead to steam pooling underneath.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, there’s nothing quite like The Best Instant Pot Breakfast Pecan French Toast to make an ordinary morning feel extra special. It’s easy, reliable, and always brings a smile to the table. Whether you serve it for family, friends, or just yourself, I hope you love it as much as I do—give it a try, and happy brunching!

The Best Instant Pot Breakfast Pecan French Toast Recipe