Description
Cozy, creamy, and filled with the warm flavors of fall! This Pumpkin Pie French Toast brings all the pumpkin spice goodness you love into one irresistible breakfast bake. Perfect for chilly mornings, brunches, or holiday mornings with family.
Ingredients:
1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin purée
1 ½ cups whole milk or half-and-half
4 large eggs
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 loaf (16 oz) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Maple syrup and powdered sugar, for serving
Instructions:
Prepare the Dish (5 minutes)
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the brioche or challah slices in a single, slightly overlapping layer. This creates a rich, custardy base for your French toast!
Make the Pumpkin Custard (10 minutes)
In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, milk, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Pour the mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure each piece absorbs the custard. Press down gently with a spatula.
Chill and Soak (4 hours minimum or overnight)
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—or overnight for maximum flavor and perfect texture. The longer it soaks, the richer it gets!
Bake to Perfection (45 minutes)
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the plastic wrap and brush the tops with melted butter.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown and the custard is set. The center should no longer jiggle when lightly shaken.
Serve and Enjoy (5 minutes)
Let the French toast rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with warm maple syrup, and serve immediately for that cozy fall bliss!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Soaking Time: 4 hours (or overnight) | Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 8 | Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
Soft, spiced, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious — this Pumpkin Pie French Toast is the ultimate autumn comfort breakfast!
#PumpkinPieFrenchToast #FallBreakfast #CozyEats #PumpkinSpiceLove
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time. First, ensure your bread is slightly stale or day-old for optimal custard absorption without becoming mushy. When arranging slices in the greased dish, angle them slightly like fallen dominoes. For the custard, whisk the wet ingredients first before adding the sugar and spices to prevent clumping. Pour slowly, aiming for the gaps between slices so the custard pools at the bottom and soaks upward. During the chill phase, place a second baking sheet or lightweight plate on top of the plastic wrap to gently weigh down the bread, ensuring even saturation.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your French toast bake with creative toppings. For a textural contrast, sprinkle with toasted pecans or walnuts. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms it into a decadent dessert. For a tangy balance, serve with a side of sweetened cranberry compote or fresh apple slices sautéed with cinnamon. To make it a complete brunch, pair with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage.
How-to Summary
This make-ahead breakfast casserole involves five key stages: 1) Prep a baking dish with thick brioche slices. 2) Whisk a spiced pumpkin custard and pour it over the bread. 3) Refrigerate, covered, for 4+ hours for deep flavor infusion. 4) Bake at 375°F until golden and set. 5) Rest briefly, then serve with preferred toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?
Yes, but ensure it’s cooked, puréed, and drained of excess moisture. Canned purée offers consistent texture and flavor.
What’s the best bread substitute if I can’t find brioche?
Challah, French bread, or a sturdy artisan white loaf work well. Avoid pre-sliced sandwich bread as it may become too soft.
Can I prepare this entirely the night before?
Absolutely. Assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it directly from the fridge in the morning.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in a toaster oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes. After baking and cooling, wrap the entire dish or portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using fresh, soft bread which can turn soggy. Opt for slightly stale.
- Not allowing enough soak time, resulting in dry, eggy centers.
- Overbaking, which makes the toast dry. Remove when the center is just set.
- Skipping the rest time after baking, causing it to fall apart when sliced.
- Whisking the custard unevenly, leading to pockets of unmixed spice.
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Pie French Toast Bake is the quintessential fusion of holiday dessert and comforting breakfast. Its make-ahead nature eliminates morning stress, allowing you to enjoy a spectacular, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort. The rich pumpkin spice flavor and custardy-soft interior with crispy edges are guaranteed to become a cherished seasonal tradition. Serve it at your next gathering and watch it disappear, one delicious, cozy bite at a time.