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Pumpkin French Toast (Make Ahead)

Pumpkin French Toast (Make Ahead)
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This Pumpkin French Toast (Make Ahead) recipe is a cozy and flavorful breakfast casserole blending rich pumpkin puree, warm autumn spices, and a custardy texture. Prepared the night before, it offers convenience for busy mornings, using simple pantry staples and sturdy bread to soak up the luscious custard. Perfect for a family-friendly, make-ahead fall-inspired breakfast that can be customized with various toppings or dietary swaps.

Ingredients

Scale

Custard Mixture

  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk or cream (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade, 100% pumpkin)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice blend)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Bread

  • 6–8 thick slices sturdy bread (brioche, challah, or thick-cut sourdough; gluten-free bread optional)

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • Caramel sauce for drizzling layered in casserole

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or cream, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined to form the custard base.
  2. Assemble the Bread in Your Baking Dish: Butter or spray a baking dish and arrange the thick bread slices in a single layer, overlapping slightly if needed but keeping them mostly flat for even soaking and baking.
  3. Pour Custard Over the Bread: Slowly pour the pumpkin custard evenly over the bread slices, gently pressing each slice so it absorbs the custard thoroughly. Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
  4. Bake in the Morning: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the soaked casserole in the oven until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set, approximately 45-55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a knife into the center, which should come out clean.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the baked French toast casserole and serve warm. Add your favorite toppings such as powdered sugar, cinnamon, whipped cream, toasted nuts, maple syrup, or fresh fruit.

Notes

  • Choose sturdy bread like brioche or challah to avoid soggy texture.
  • Use fresh pumpkin pie spice for the best flavor.
  • Chilling the custard-soaked bread overnight improves texture and richness.
  • For a layered casserole, repeat bread and custard layers 2-3 times.
  • Leftover casserole can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed and slightly crispy, or microwave for convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin, french toast, make ahead, breakfast casserole, pumpkin spice, easy breakfast, fall recipe, overnight French toast

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/pumpkin-french-toast-make-ahead/