Easy Pumpkin French Toast Bake Recipe: Fall Breakfast Magic

Fall mornings sparkle with warmth when you savor this delightful pumpkin French toast bake that transforms ordinary breakfast into a cozy celebration.

Layers of soft bread mingle with rich, spiced pumpkin custard, creating a decadent morning treat.

Cinnamon and nutmeg dance through each tender bite, promising comfort in every forkful.

Weekend brunch reaches new heights with this make-ahead marvel that feeds a hungry crowd effortlessly.

The aroma of baked spices will draw sleepy family members to the kitchen, eager to dive into this autumn-inspired delight.

Prepare to experience breakfast bliss that feels like a warm hug on a crisp morning.

Why Pumpkin French Toast Bake Works for Brunch

• Simplify Breakfast Prep: Effortlessly assemble this make-ahead French toast casserole with minimal morning effort, perfect for busy households and weekend gatherings.
• Embrace Cozy Seasonal Flavors: Packed with pumpkin and warm spices, this dish delivers a comforting autumn-inspired breakfast that transforms ordinary mornings into delightful culinary experiences.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for various occasions from family brunches to holiday breakfasts, this recipe accommodates different dietary preferences and serves a large group with ease.
• Stress-Free Entertaining: Prepare the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing you to enjoy stress-free morning cooking and more quality time with guests.

What You Need for Pumpkin French Toast Bake

• Bread: A soft, fluffy base for soaking up delicious flavors.
• Eggs: Creamy binders that add richness to the dish.
• Milk: Smooth liquid that helps create a custardy texture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Smooth and creamy autumn staple with a rich orange color.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice, Vanilla Extract: Warm, cozy spices that bring out the fall flavor.
• Sugar (White and Brown): Sweet ingredients that caramelize and add depth.

• Flour, Pecans: Crunchy components that create a delightful topping.
• Melted Butter: Rich ingredient that helps bind the streusel together.

How to Make a Cozy Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch glass baking pan to create a non-stick surface for your delicious breakfast creation.

Step 2: Bread Preparation

Tear or cut the bread into bite-sized cubes, spreading them evenly across the prepared baking pan.

Use your hands to create rustic, irregular pieces that will soak up all the delicious flavors.

Step 3: Create Pumpkin Mixture

• Milk
• Pumpkin puree
• Eggs
• Sugar
• Pumpkin spice
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Coat the Bread

Pour the pumpkin mixture over the bread cubes, gently stirring to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the luscious pumpkin blend.

Step 5: Prepare Streusel Topping

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Chopped pecans

Step 6: Finish Streusel

Stir in melted butter until the streusel forms a crumbly, delectable topping.

Step 7: Immediate Baking Option

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the pumpkin-soaked bread.

Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 8: Overnight Preparation Option

Cover the pan with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.

Store the streusel topping in a separate covered bowl in the refrigerator.

When ready to bake, remove from the fridge, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C), sprinkle the streusel, and follow the baking instructions from Step 7.

Tips for a Custardy French Toast Bake

• Choose a sturdy, day-old bread like brioche or challah for better absorption of the pumpkin mixture and a richer texture.
• Gently fold the bread into the pumpkin mixture to ensure even coating without breaking down the bread's structure.
• Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crispiness to the topping.
• Prepare the entire casserole the night before for a stress-free breakfast that allows flavors to meld and develop overnight.
• Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, and use gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for different dietary needs.

Store and Reheat Pumpkin French Toast

• Store leftover French toast bake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Wrap portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. For a crispier texture, use the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture and restore the original texture.

Foods to Pair with Pumpkin French Toast Bake

• Pair Creamy Maple Latte: Blend rich espresso with warm maple syrup, creating a complementary sweet flavor that mirrors the pumpkin French toast's cozy autumn notes.
• Enhance Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Top the dish with homemade cinnamon-infused whipped cream, adding extra spice and luxurious texture that perfectly matches the streusel's warmth.
• Serve Caramel Pecan Sauce: Drizzle a homemade caramel sauce loaded with toasted pecans over the French toast, intensifying the nutty undertones from the streusel and creating a decadent breakfast experience.
• Complement Spiced Apple Cider: Serve a warm, mulled apple cider with cinnamon sticks and star anise, which echoes the pumpkin spice flavors and provides a comforting, seasonal beverage.

Creative Pumpkin French Toast Twists

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread cubes and use gluten-free flour for the streusel topping to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap cow's milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter or coconut oil in the streusel to create a lactose-free version of the dish.
• Vegan Transformation: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with coconut oil to craft a completely plant-based pumpkin French toast bake.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and incorporate chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture and natural sweetness.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use challah, brioche, or Texas toast. Avoid very thin or crusty breads that won’t absorb the pumpkin mixture well.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the regular flour and bread with gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free bread and gluten-free all-purpose flour for the streusel topping.

• Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar by half or use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. Adjust to your taste preferences.

• Can I freeze this pumpkin French toast bake?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Pumpkin French Toast Bake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comforting pumpkin French toast bake brings autumn’s warmth to breakfast tables with rich spices and creamy textures. Layers of bread, pumpkin custard, and cinnamon create a delightful morning indulgence you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 15-18 ounces (425–510 grams) loaf of stale white bread, such as challah, French bread, or brioche
• 5 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling

Sweet and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) white sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, or make your own see recipe notes
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious 9×13 inch glass baking dish by applying a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Deconstruct the bread loaf into rustic, bite-sized cubes or tear into irregular pieces using hands, then distribute evenly across the greased pan.
3. Create a luxurious pumpkin custard by vigorously whisking milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, pumpkin spice, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Gently cascade the vibrant pumpkin mixture over the bread pieces, carefully ensuring each morsel becomes thoroughly saturated and coated.
5. Craft the streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, white sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and chopped pecans in a separate bowl, creating a textural blend of sweet and nutty elements.
6. Introduce melted butter to the streusel mixture, stirring until the ingredients form a crumbly, cohesive topping.
7. Heat the oven to 350F (180C), positioning the rack in the center for even cooking.
8. Generously sprinkle the prepared streusel across the pumpkin-soaked bread, creating an enticing crumbly layer.
9. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to develop.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and ensuring the center is completely set.
11. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick, which should emerge clean and free from raw custard.
12. Allow the dish to rest and cool slightly before serving, permitting the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up.

Notes

• Swap regular bread with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Choose whole wheat or sourdough bread for added nutritional value and deeper flavor profile.
• Enhance moisture by allowing bread to sit in pumpkin mixture for 15-30 minutes before baking, helping cubes absorb more liquid.
• Customize streusel with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for varied texture and taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg