Description
This Pumpkin French Toast Bake is a cozy, delicious breakfast casserole featuring cubed challah or brioche bread soaked in a rich mixture of pumpkin puree, spices, and eggs. Baked to golden perfection and topped with optional pecans, it’s an ideal dish for fall mornings or holiday brunches, offering warm flavors of pumpkin pie spice layered in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the French Toast Bake
- 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, preferably a day old, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
For Serving
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the bread. Place the cubed challah or brioche bread evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading out the cubes for uniform soaking.
- Mix the custard. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak the bread. Pour the pumpkin custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down, ensuring all pieces absorb the liquid mixture.
- Add pecans. If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top of the soaked bread for an added crunchy texture.
- Let it rest. Cover the baking dish with foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld deeply into the bread.
- Bake the casserole. Remove the foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is fully set, indicating it’s cooked through.
- Cool slightly. Take the dish out of the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes, which helps it firm up for easier serving.
- Serve and garnish. Serve the French toast bake warm, drizzled with maple syrup and dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Using day-old challah or brioche helps the bread absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- You can prepare this dish the night before and refrigerate it overnight for enhanced flavor and convenience.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before sprinkling them on top.
- Whole milk or 2% milk both work well; using whole milk creates a richer custard.
- Adjust the amount of sugar or maple syrup based on your sweetness preference.
