Buttery Pecan Toast

BreakfastBrunchBudget FriendlyTesting Mid-Century Recipes

Oct 2

Give Your Morning a Retro Glow with Buttery Pecan Toast

Three slices of golden brown buttery pecan toast topped with caramelized brown sugar and chopped pecans, arranged on a white plate with a retro yellow geometric background

Start your day the vintage way with this golden, buttery breakfast idea that feels straight out of a mid-century kitchen.

Inspired by the charming Toast Talk booklets of the 1950s, this updated version adds a generous sprinkle of toasted pecans and brown sugar for cozy sweetness in every bite.

This toast feels a little fancy and is perfect for serving when you’ve got company in the morning.

Perfect for Christmas brunch or holiday hosting sweet, nostalgic, and ready in minutes! Original recipe listed below.

✨ Jump to the Retro Recipe ✨

Blog Index

1.🍴 A Retro Bite of History

2. Step by step instructions

3. FAQ

4. Fun vintage serving tips

5. Retro shopping

6. Closing words

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🍴 A Retro Bite of History

Two slices of golden brown buttery pecan toast topped with caramelized brown sugar and chopped pecans, served on a white plate with a retro yellow patterned background

The inspiration for this recipe comes from a charming mid-century favorite found in Sunbeam’s Toast Talk booklet a 1950s pamphlet filled with creative ways to dress up everyday slices of bread.

The original Butterscotch Pecan Toast combined brown sugar, butter, and nuts for a sweet, broiled treat .

My updated version keeps that golden, caramelized spirit alive but adds a richer layer of toasted pecans and a buttery finish that feels a little fancier perfect for modern mornings or when you’re serving guests.

Golden brown buttery pecan toast slices topped with caramelized brown sugar and finely chopped pecans, arranged on a white plate

step by step Instructions

Kitchen note: If your broiler only has a high setting, toast for just 1–2 minutes and watch closely to prevent over-browning.

    Buttery Pecan Toast
  

      Era: 1950s-Inspired • Cuisine: American 

      Prep Time: 5 min • Cook Time: 5 min • Total: 10 min 

      Makes 1 serving – 2 slices toast per serving
    
✨ Ingredients
2 tablespoons soft butter or margarine
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
2 slices lightly toasted bread
🥣 Instructions
Combine butter and brown sugar.
Spread each slice of toast with 1 tablespoon of the sugar mixture.
Sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon chopped pecans.
Place toast, spread side up, on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Toast under low broiler heat for 5 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Serve immediately and enjoy warm with coffee or tea.

🧡 Buttery Pecan Toast FAQ

What kind of bread works best?
Classic enriched white sandwich bread (like Sunbeam) gives that true mid-century flavor and toasts beautifully. You can also use brioche or Texas toast if you’d like thicker, bakery-style slices.

Can I use granulated sugar, maple syrup, or honey instead of brown sugar?
Brown sugar is what gives this recipe its signature butterscotch flavor. If needed, you can use a mix of white sugar and a touch of maple syrup, but stick with brown sugar if you want that classic caramelized top.

Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Either works! If you use unsalted, add a tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Fun Retro Serving Suggestions

The Diner Breakfast Plate
Serve your toast alongside crispy bacon or sausage links, a sunny-side-up egg, and a small glass of orange juice just like a classic mid-century breakfast special. Add a paper napkin folded into a triangle for that old-school diner touch!

Brunch Party Throwback
Cut the toast into triangles and arrange them on a tiered tray with other sweet nibbles like mini fruit cups, deviled eggs, and gelatin parfaits. Pop on a pastel tablecloth and you’ve got yourself a retro brunch spread straight from a ladies’ magazine!

Dessert-Style Treat
Turn it into a quick dessert! Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry on top it’s like a cross between French toast and pecan pie.