Caramel French Toast

Name: Caramel French Toast
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup pecans; 3 oz bacon ((4 strips), chopped); 5 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1 Tbsp water; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 loaf Italian Bread (Cut 3/4" thick (or 9-10 slices Texas Toast)); 1 cup whole milk; 3 large eggs; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 Tbsp granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1 pinch of salt; 1 Tbsp unsalted butter (or as needed to saute)