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    Home » Breakfast

    Pumpkin French Toast Bake

    Published: Nov 1, 2021 · Modified: Dec 4, 2021 · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    This pumpkin French toast bake is made with crusty bread, pumpkin purée, warming spices, and bourbon, and can be prepared the night before for an easy overnight breakfast bake!

    pumpkin french toast bake in a casserole dish and on plates.

    In looking over some of my favorite French toast recipes, the thing that jumps out at me is how beautifully it adapts to any season of the year.

    Some recipes are ideal for year-round cooking, like this coconut French toast where you can add whatever fruit you like.

    But if you want to get more seasonal, there are lots of fun options!

    Want a bright, berry-laden breakfast for spring or summer? There’s strawberry stuffed French toast for that.

    Or maybe a sweet and spiced recipe for winter? An eggnog French toast bake should fit the bill.

    And for fall, there’s this apple French toast bake that smells of cinnamon and bourbon. It’s delightful.

    Now it’s time to add another recipe to the fall lineup: pumpkin French toast made with bread soaked in an easy pumpkin custard and then baked until golden.

    Like the other similar bakes, it can be prepared the night before and easily finished up in the morning.

    What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

    Either a French baguette or an Italian loaf will do the job for this bake.

    Different types of bread will result in a slightly different end result. The Italian bread will soak up quite a bit of the custard, whereas the baguette will leave some custard to pool along the bottom of the casserole dish.

    Both consistencies will be delicious!

    Keep in mind that stale bread works best for French toast, but if the bread is fresh you can toast it beforehand for a similar effect.

    Should I Use Store-Bought or Homemade Pumpkin Purée?

    Canned, store-bought pumpkin purée is often more convenient, but if you’d like to try making your own, go for it!

    Pumpkin purée is easy to make either in an Instant Pot or in the oven.

    Got extra pumpkin purée? Try making pumpkin tiramisu, a pumpkin spice latte, or pumpkin spice simple syrup.

    Why Bake French Toast?

    Are you more used to the idea of making French toast on the stovetop? You might be surprised at how easy it is to bake!

    It’s a great option if you prefer to prepare your French toast ahead of time. It cooks evenly and produces wonderful flavor and texture.

    If you’re looking for a stovetop option, try this pumpkin stuffed French toast!

    How to Make a Pumpkin French Toast Bake

    Start by slicing the bread into one-inch thick pieces.

    If the bread is fresh, lay the slices flat in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake for about 5 minutes. If the bread is stale, you can skip straight to the next step.

    Bread arranged on a baking sheet.
    Toast Bread in Oven

    Whisk together the pumpkin, milk, eggs, brown sugar, bourbon and spices in a large bowl.

    Use your favorite pumpkin pie spice blend, your favorite five-spice powder, or cinnamon.

    Dip each slice of bread into the pumpkin mixture, and then arrange the slices to overlap with each other in a casserole dish.

    Dip Bread in Custard + Arrange in Baking Dish.
    Dip Bread in Custard + Arrange in Baking Dish

    Once all the slices are placed in the baking dish, pour the remaining custard over the top.

    Let the bread soak in the refrigerator at least one hour, or overnight.

    Custard-Dipped Bread in Baking Dish.
    Pour Remaining Custard Over Bread

    When you’re ready to bake, dot the top of the bread with multiple little cubes of butter.

    Butter Cubes Scattered Over Bread Before Baking.
    Scatter Cubed Butter Over Bread Before Baking

    Cover the dish with foil, and bake for about 25 minutes. Then remove the foil, and bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes. The crusts should have taken on a nice golden color by the time it’s done.

    Serve warm, and have the maple syrup (or honey) ready!

    If you happen to have leftovers (no guarantees!), they will keep in the refrigerator for two or three days.

    A good breakfast needs a nice warm drink to go along with it! Try a French press cappuccino or a homemade ginger tea.

    pumpkin french toast bake in a casserole dish.
    Bake Until Golden
    pumpkin french toast bake in a casserole dish.
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    5 from 1 vote

    Pumpkin French Toast Bake

    This pumpkin French toast bake is made with crusty bread, pumpkin purée, warming spices, and bourbon, and can be prepared the night before for an easy overnight breakfast bake!
    Author: Sarah Trenalone
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time50 mins
    Soaking Time1 hr
    Total Time2 hrs
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Vegetarian
    Servings: 8 people
    Calories: 426kcal
    Freezer Friendly?

    No

    Will It Keep?

    2-3 Days (Fridge)

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    Ingredients

    French Toast:

    • 1 French or Italian loaf, cut into 1" thick slices Stale, dried-out bread works best
    • 1 cup pumpkin purée
    • 1 ½ cups milk
    • 4 eggs
    • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
    • 1 ounce bourbon Use 2-ounces for a boozier French toast
    • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice seasoning, cinnamon or Chinese 5-spice
    • 2 tablespoon butter, cubed
    • maple syrup or honey, optional

    Instructions

    Prepare the French Toast:

    • If bread is soft and fresh, place on a single layer on two baking sheets, and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes. If bread is stale, skip this step.
      Bread arranged on a baking sheet.
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, milk, eggs, brown sugar, bourbon, and spices.
      Dip each slice of bread in the custard, and then layer bread in a large casserole dish. (A 9"x13" dish or a 10"x10" dish work well.)
      Pour remaining custard over the bread and place the casserole dish in the refrigerator.
      Soak the bread at least one hour, or overnight.
      Dip Bread in Custard + Arrange in Baking Dish.

    Bake the French Toast:

    • Preheat oven to 350º F.
      Dot the French toast with cubed butter.
      Cover the French toast with aluminum foil, and bake covered for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, and bake an additional 20-25 minutes, until the bread is golden. (Total baking time 45-50 minutes.)
      Butter Cubes Scattered Over Bread Before Baking.
    • Serve warm. Top with maple syrup (or honey) if desired.
      Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days in the fridge.
      pumpkin french toast bake in a casserole dish.

    Notes

    Nutrition information does not include optional syrup.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 426kcal (21%) | Carbohydrates: 36g (12%) | Protein: 9g (18%) | Fat: 27g (42%) | Saturated Fat: 14g (88%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg (31%) | Sodium: 288mg (13%) | Potassium: 281mg (8%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 22g (24%) | Vitamin A: 5047IU (101%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Calcium: 76mg (8%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!
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    About Sarah Trenalone

    Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

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    Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm a traveler who loves to eat.   Follow along to join me on my next adventure-- in food or on the road.

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