Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe

Welcome to the ultimate fall breakfast dish – Pumpkin French Toast Casserole. This delightful recipe combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with the classic comfort of French toast. Perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a holiday breakfast, this casserole is easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is everything you love about traditional French toast but with a seasonal twist. The creamy pumpkin custard infuses every bite with autumnal goodness, while the crispy, caramelized topping adds a satisfying crunch. It’s easy to assemble, can be prepped ahead of time, and makes a wonderful centerpiece for your breakfast table.

Key Ingredients

Bread

• Bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread works best. Use a hearty bread like challah, brioche, or French bread for the best texture.

Pumpkin Puree

• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and a rich pumpkin flavor. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

Eggs

• Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and creating a rich, custardy base.

Milk and Cream

• Milk and Cream: A combination of milk and heavy cream provides a luxurious texture to the custard.

Spices

• Spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives the casserole its warm, seasonal flavor.

Sweeteners

• Sweeteners: Brown sugar and maple syrup add sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.

Essential Baking Tools

1. Large Mixing Bowl: For mixing the custard.
2. Whisk: For combining the ingredients.
3. Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish works well for this recipe.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
5. Spatula: For mixing and spreading.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Preparing the Bread

1. Cube the Bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is very fresh, leave it out for a few hours to dry out slightly.
2. Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Mixing the Pumpkin Custard

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 6 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, and 1 cup of heavy cream.
4. Add Sweeteners and Spices: Whisk in 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

Assembling the Casserole

5. Layer the Bread: Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish.
6. Pour the Custard: Pour the pumpkin custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread is soaked.
7. Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a more intense flavor.

Preparing the Topping

8. Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (optional).
9. Sprinkle the Topping: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole before baking.

Baking the Casserole

10. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
11. Bake: Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
12. Cool: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

• Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better, preventing a soggy casserole.
• Press Down the Bread: Ensure all bread cubes are submerged in the custard for even soaking.
• Don’t Overbake: Bake just until the custard is set and the top is golden brown to avoid drying out the casserole.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add-Ins: Mix in raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
• Nut-Free: Omit the pecans if you have a nut allergy.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of dairy milk and cream.

Serving Suggestions

• Toppings: Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
• Sides: Pair with fresh fruit, bacon, or sausage for a complete breakfast.

Storing and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (based on 12 servings) has approximately:

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 20g

Conclusion

This Pumpkin French Toast Casserole is a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch table. Its rich, custardy texture and warm, spiced flavor make it a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and perfect for fall. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors of pumpkin in every bite.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it in the morning for a fresh, warm breakfast.

2. Can I use a different type of bread? Absolutely! Any sturdy, slightly stale bread will work, such as sourdough or whole wheat.

3. How can I make this casserole healthier? You can reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute. Also, consider using whole wheat bread and low-fat milk.

4. What if I don’t have pumpkin puree? You can substitute sweet potato puree or even mashed bananas for a different flavor profile.

5. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze individual portions. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Source: justsotasty.com