Description
A cozy and indulgent Pumpkin French Toast Bake featuring a luscious cream cheese swirl, topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar crumble. Perfect for festive brunches or comforting breakfasts, this baked casserole combines rich pumpkin flavors with warm spices, creamy cheese, and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Cheese Filling
- 32 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Pecan Topping
- 6 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional twist)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (optional twist)
Pumpkin French Toast
- 8 large eggs
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp pumpkin spice
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups milk
- 2 (15 oz) cans pumpkin puree
- 2 (14 oz) cans sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 loaves Brioche or Challah bread, thick sliced
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional twist)
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup for drizzling
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish or two medium-sized dishes to prevent sticking.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside for layering later.
- Combine Pumpkin Mixture: In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, ground cinnamon, pumpkin spice, vanilla extract, milk, pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, and melted butter until fully combined and smooth.
- Layer Bread and Pumpkin Mixture: Arrange half of the thick bread slices evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the pumpkin mixture over the bread. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture across the surface, spreading lightly. If using, sprinkle white chocolate chips between layers for extra indulgence.
- Add Remaining Layers: Top with the remaining bread slices and pour over the rest of the pumpkin mixture evenly.
- Prepare Pecan Topping: In a small bowl, mix together chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, salt, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the casserole to form a crunchy, sweet crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set through the center. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Dust the baked French toast with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup as desired. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting pumpkin French toast bake.
Notes
- For extra flavor depth, incorporate cinnamon and maple syrup in the pecan topping as indicated.
- Optional white chocolate chips add a sweet surprise between the bread layers.
- This dish can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
- Use thick slices of brioche or challah bread for the best texture and richness.
- Let the bake rest after cooking to allow it to set properly for easier slicing.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently before serving.
