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- 1 large loaf of brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 4 large eggs - 2 cups milk (whole or almond) - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - Pinch of salt - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts - Maple syrup for serving To make a great Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake, gather these simple ingredients. The base starts with a large loaf of brioche or challah. These breads have a soft texture, perfect for soaking. Next, you'll need canned pumpkin puree. This adds that rich pumpkin flavor and a lovely color. Crack in four large eggs to bind everything together. Then, pour in two cups of milk. You can use whole milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option. Add half a cup of brown sugar for sweetness and a teaspoon of vanilla extract for depth of flavor. Now let’s spice things up! Use one teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a quarter teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Don’t forget a pinch of salt. This will bring out all the sweet and warm flavors. For a little crunch, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top. They add texture and nutty flavor. Finally, maple syrup is a must for serving. It brings everything together with its sweetness. These ingredients make a simple and tasty dish that is sure to impress. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. - In a large bowl, whisk together: - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 4 large eggs - 2 cups milk (you can use whole or almond) - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - Pinch of salt Mix until smooth and creamy. This custard gives the dish its rich flavor. - Take your cubed brioche or challah and place it in the greased baking dish. - Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. - Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard. Ensure each piece gets coated well. This step is key to a delicious bake. The bread should soak up all that lovely custard. For the full recipe, check out the next section! Soaking bread overnight is key for a great bake. This lets the bread soak up the custard fully. When you soak the bread, it becomes soft and rich in flavor. I recommend using brioche or challah. Their texture holds up well and absorbs the custard nicely. If you are short on time, a 30-minute soak will work. However, overnight is best for taste. To check for doneness, insert a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, the bake is ready. If not, give it a few more minutes. For an even bake, spread the bread cubes out well. Make sure the custard covers every piece. This helps create a uniform texture throughout. For a lovely presentation, cut into squares and place on plates. Drizzle warm maple syrup over each piece. You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar for flair. A dollop of whipped cream makes it extra special. For sides, consider fresh fruit or crispy bacon. These pair well and enhance the meal. {{image_2}} You can easily modify ingredients in this recipe. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk. It works well and keeps the taste rich. If you prefer gluten-free, choose gluten-free bread for the base. This keeps the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. You can also switch out sweeteners. Instead of brown sugar, use coconut sugar or maple syrup. This change can enhance the flavor and offer a different sweetness. You might find these alternatives to your liking. Feel free to get creative with flavors. Adding chocolate chips gives a sweet twist. You can also mix in fruits like apples or bananas for extra freshness. These additions make each bite exciting. For seasonal fun, try adding cranberries for winter or fresh peaches in summer. These fruit options make the dish versatile for any holiday. Each season brings a chance to try new flavors! Think about how you want to present this dish. It can shine as a breakfast or as a dessert. For breakfast, serve it warm with maple syrup and fresh fruit. It feels cozy and sweet. If you want to serve it as a dessert, add whipped cream or ice cream on top. This makes it even more special. You can also cut it into smaller portions for sharing at gatherings. This way, everyone can enjoy a taste! To store leftover pumpkin spice French toast bake, let it cool first. Place the bake in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to reheat, slice it into squares. Microwave each slice for about 30 seconds. You can also warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. To freeze pumpkin spice French toast bake, cut it into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy it later. When you want to eat it, take a square out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until hot. In the fridge, the pumpkin spice French toast bake lasts about three days. If you freeze it, it can stay good for up to three months. Always check for any signs of freezer burn or spoilage before eating. What can I use instead of brioche or challah? You can use any soft bread. Try white bread, French bread, or even bagels. These options can soak up the custard well, giving you a tasty bake. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare this dish the night before. Just cover it and put it in the fridge. Let it soak overnight for the best flavor. How do I know when the French toast bake is ready? Check for a golden brown top. Insert a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done. If not, bake it a bit longer. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians? Yes, this recipe is vegetarian. It contains no meat or fish, making it perfect for vegetarian diets. Can this be made gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread for this recipe. It will still taste great and be safe for those avoiding gluten. How can I modify the sweetness level? You can add more or less brown sugar. Try using honey or maple syrup for a different taste. Adjust it to your liking. What are some toppings that pair well with this dish? Great toppings include maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. You could also sprinkle powdered sugar or add nuts for crunch. For the full recipe, check out the details above. This blog post covers how to make a delicious pumpkin spice French toast bake. We explored the main ingredients like brioche, pumpkin puree, and spices to create the custard mix. I shared tips on soaking the bread and baking it to perfection. You can even customize this dish with variations and toppings. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe. It's perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert. Enjoy the flavors of fall anytime!

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake

Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake! Made with rich brioche or challah and a creamy pumpkin custard, this dish is perfect for cozy mornings or holiday brunches. With easy steps and a mouthwatering flavor, your family will be begging for seconds. Ready to impress with this delicious recipe? Click to explore the full instructions and bring warmth to your breakfast table today!
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Ingredients
  

1 large loaf of brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

4 large eggs

2 cups milk (whole or almond for a dairy-free option)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)

Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

    Mix the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined.

      Combine Bread and Custard: Place the cubed brioche or challah in the prepared baking dish and pour the pumpkin custard mixture evenly over the bread. Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard to ensure they're well coated.

        Add Nuts: If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for added crunch.

          Soak: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results, to allow the bread to soak up the custard.

            Bake: Remove the dish from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

              Cool & Serve: Allow the French toast bake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

                - Presentation Tips: Cut into squares and serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup on top. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar for an elegant touch and add a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

                  Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8