Slice to Meet You: Pear-Cardamom French Toast Bake

Grab this

• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• 5 tablespoons warm water
• 1 tablespoon vegan butter or neutral oil, for the baking dish
• 400 g sturdy whole-grain bread, cut into 2.5 cm cubes
• 1 large ripe-but-firm pear (about 220 g), cored and diced
• 500 ml unsweetened soy milk
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 45 g pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Do this

1. Heat the oven to 190°C. Stir the ground flaxseed and warm water together in a small bowl and let stand for 5 minutes until lightly thickened.
2. Grease a 23 cm square baking dish with the vegan butter or oil. Add the bread cubes and diced pear, then toss gently so the fruit is evenly distributed.
3. Whisk the soy milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, salt and thickened flax mixture in a large measuring jug until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture slowly over the bread. Press the bread down gently with a spatula so the top pieces are moistened, then let the dish stand for 10 minutes while the oven finishes heating.
5. Mix the pecans and brown sugar, then sprinkle them evenly over the top.
6. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the centre is set and the raised bread edges are deep golden. Rest for 5 minutes before cutting into six portions and serving warm.