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To make this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients: - 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 4 large eggs - 1 cup milk (whole or your preferred type) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional for extra texture) - Maple syrup for serving Measuring ingredients correctly is key for a great bake. Use dry measuring cups for solids like brown sugar. For liquids, use a liquid measuring cup for milk. Eggs should be large for the best results. - When measuring pumpkin puree, use a standard cup to ensure the right amount. - Spices should be leveled off with a knife for accuracy. If you want to customize your bake, consider these fun add-ins: - Chopped apples: Add diced apples for a fruity twist. - Chocolate chips: Mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. - Dried fruits: Raisins or cranberries can add a chewy texture. - Extra nuts: Walnuts or almonds can enhance the crunch. These options can make your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake even more special! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step sets the stage for perfect baking. Next, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish. Grease it well. This helps prevent sticking. You want every delicious bite to come out smoothly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, eggs, and milk. Add one teaspoon of vanilla extract for a nice touch. Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Finally, mix in half a cup of brown sugar. Use a whisk to blend until smooth. This pumpkin base is the heart of your bake, so make it nice and creamy. Now, gently add the cubed bread to your pumpkin mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the bread in. You want every piece to be coated well. If you like, fold in half a cup of chopped pecans for crunch. This adds a nice texture and flavor. Pour your bread and pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. This keeps moisture in while baking. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil. Continue to bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the center should not jiggle. Once baked, take the dish out of the oven. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. This helps it firm up. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup. You can add extra pecans or a dollop of whipped cream on top for a lovely finish. Enjoy this tasty treat! When picking bread for your bake, use challah or brioche. These breads are soft and sweet. They soak up the pumpkin mixture well. You want bread that holds its shape but still gets soft. Avoid using dry or crusty bread. If you can, buy fresh bread the day you plan to bake. This keeps the texture perfect. Do you like strong flavors? You can add more spice! Increase the cinnamon or nutmeg for a bolder taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, cut back a bit. You can also try adding a pinch of cloves or allspice. This gives the dish a unique twist. Always taste the mixture before baking. That way, you can adjust it to suit your palate. Serve your French toast bake warm for the best taste. It’s delicious right out of the oven! To make it even better, drizzle maple syrup on top. You can also add whipped cream for a creamy touch. Chopped pecans add texture and crunch. Fresh fruit like berries or banana slices can brighten the dish. Feel free to mix and match your toppings! Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better, resulting in a creamier texture. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. A pinch of cloves or allspice can add depth. Make Ahead: Prepare the dish the night before, cover it, and let it sit in the fridge. Bake it in the morning for a quick breakfast. Presentation Matters: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful touch, and pair with fresh fruit for added color. {{image_4}} You can make this dish dairy-free with some simple swaps. Use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk instead of regular milk. These options will keep the creamy texture. For the eggs, try using a mix of flaxseed meal and water. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water for each egg. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. This mix works well in baked goods and keeps your bake moist. If you need a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free bread. Look for brands that use a mix of flours, like almond or rice flour. Make sure the bread is fresh for better texture. You can also make your own gluten-free bread at home if you prefer. Just replace the regular bread in the recipe with your gluten-free option, and you’re good to go. Want to jazz it up? Add chocolate chips or chunks to the mix. They melt and create sweet pockets in each bite. Use dark chocolate for a deeper taste, or try white chocolate for a sweeter twist. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can also add a nice chewiness. Toss in about half a cup of your choice to the pumpkin mixture for an extra flavor boost. To store leftovers, let the Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake cool completely. Cut it into squares and place them in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps it fresh and tasty. When you want to enjoy it again, take a square out of the fridge. Place it on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave it for about 30 seconds, or until warm. You can also reheat it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the square in a baking dish, and heat for about 10 minutes. If you want to store it longer, freezing works well. Cut the bake into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces into a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. This method keeps the flavor and texture intact. Yes, you can prepare this bake ahead of time. Mix the pumpkin base and bread together. Pour it into your baking dish, cover it, and place it in the fridge. This makes it easy for a busy morning. Bake it the next day. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if it is cold from the fridge. If you don’t have pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds. Both add a nice crunch. You can also skip nuts altogether if you want. The bake will still taste great without them. Try adding some chocolate chips or raisins for a sweet twist! You will know the bake is done when the top is golden brown. Gently shake the dish; the center should not jiggle. It may take 40 to 45 minutes of total baking time. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set nicely for cutting. This blog post covered the key steps to make a tasty Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake. We reviewed ingredients, cooking methods, and helpful tips. You learned about add-ins and variations, plus how to store leftovers. In closing, this dish offers warm, rich flavors perfect for any time of year. Don’t be afraid to personalize it to your taste! Enjoy your baking journey and surprise your friends with this delicious meal.

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake

A delicious and comforting baked French toast dish infused with pumpkin spice flavors, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk (whole or your preferred type)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup pecans, chopped (optional for extra texture)
  • to taste Maple syrup for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth and well-incorporated.
  • Gently add the cubed bread to the pumpkin mixture. Fold until every piece is well-coated. If using pecans, fold them in as well.
  • Pour the bread and pumpkin mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
  • Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
  • Serve warm, drizzling maple syrup over the top and garnishing with additional pecans or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

For added texture, consider including chopped pecans.
Keyword bake, breakfast, brunch, French toast, pumpkin