Fall is the perfect time to indulge in cozy, comforting breakfasts, and this Pumpkin French Toast Bake is a seasonal delight that brings warmth and flavor to your table. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a lazy weekend brunch, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress!

Related Recipe: Homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Simple Prep: This dish comes together quickly, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones.
• Perfect for Sharing: It’s a crowd-pleaser that can feed a group, making it ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or brunch parties.
• Deliciously Seasonal: With the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, this bake captures the essence of fall.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it the night before, making breakfast stress-free!

Can I use a different type of bread? Absolutely! While Texas toast works great for its thickness, you can substitute with challah, brioche, or even regular white bread.

How can I make this gluten-free? Use a gluten-free bread and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I prepare this the night before? Yes! You can assemble it the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Can I freeze this bake? Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you're ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
• Spice It Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pumpkin mixture.
• Fruit Add-Ins: Toss in some fresh or frozen blueberries or cranberries for a fruity touch.

Ingredients

• 8 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1 loaf of Texas toast (thick-sliced), cut into 1-inch cubes
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and granulated sugar. Once combined, stir in the pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

Arrange the bread cubes in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour the pumpkin egg mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Gently toss the bread cubes to evenly distribute the mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, all-purpose flour, and softened butter. Use a fork to mix until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the bread mixture.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Serving Suggestions

Let the Pumpkin French Toast Bake cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special touch. Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy breakfast experience!

Enjoy this delicious Pumpkin French Toast Bake as a festive breakfast or brunch treat, and savor the flavors of fall with every bite!