Grease a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 cm) casserole dish with butter.
Add the bread, apples and raisins to the dish and mix well so the raisins and apples are evenly distributed.
In a bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, 3/4 cup orange juice, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon. Pour the egg mix evenly over the bread so every piece gets moistened. Leave at room temperature for 20 minutes, or cover and refrigerate if making ahead. Take out the fridge 20 minutes before baking to allow to come to room temperature.
Preheat oven to 350°F/176°C.
Mix the melted butter, maple syrup and 2 tablespoon orange juice in a bowl. Drizzle half over the bread (the rest is for serving).
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for 40 more minutes until golden brown and remove from the oven.
Top with the chopped pecans and allow to cool slightly for 10 minutes. Serve warm with rest of the butter, maple syrup, orange juice mix.