Irresistible Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese Filling

As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin wafting through your home. The Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese Filling is the perfect dish for a cozy autumn morning or a festive holiday brunch. Imagine gathering around the table, laughter mingling with the scent of freshly baked goodness, as you share this delightful dish with family and friends.

This recipe takes inspiration from traditional French toast but adds a twist that celebrates the essence of fall. The creamy filling and spiced pumpkin custard create a warm embrace for your taste buds, making it a dish that feels both special and comforting. What makes this recipe truly unique is its simplicity and the ability to prepare it ahead of time – perfect for those busy mornings or holiday gatherings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The combination of creamy cheese and spiced pumpkin offers a flavor profile that’s both rich and delightful.
• It’s easy to prepare, making it a great choice for brunches or holiday gatherings.
• Perfectly suited for make-ahead meal prep, this dish saves you time and effort, allowing you to spend more moments with your loved ones.
• This bake is customizable: you can adjust the spices or add ingredients to make it your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread: This rich, buttery bread absorbs the custard perfectly, resulting in a soft, custardy texture.
• 1 cup pumpkin puree: This provides the quintessential fall flavor and natural sweetness, making the dish more festive.
• 6 large eggs: Eggs bind the mixture together, ensuring that every slice holds its shape while remaining moist.
• 2 cups milk: Milk hydrates the bread and helps create the luxurious custard base.
• ½ cup brown sugar: It adds depth and a hint of caramel sweetness that complements the pumpkin.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For a subtle sweetness, vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice: This delightful blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger captures the essence of fall.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and intensifies flavor.
• 8 oz cream cheese: The creamy filling adds richness, a contrast to the fluffy French toast.
• 1 teaspoon powdered sugar: For a hint of sweetness in the cream cheese filling.

Optional Additions

• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Add a nutty crunch for extra texture.
• Chocolate chips: For a sweet twist, mix in chocolate chips for gooey surprises.
• Maple syrup: Drizzle a little maple syrup on top before serving for an added layer of sweetness.

Special Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop on top adds a light, airy finish to each serving.
• Cinnamon sugar: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar gives a tasteful touch along with a hint of sweetness.
• Fresh pumpkin seeds (pepitas): For garnishing, they offer a visual pop and a little crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cut the brioche or challah bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in the greased baking dish.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until thoroughly combined.
4. Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pushing down gently with a spatula to ensure all pieces are coated.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
6. Take spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture and drop them over the bread mixture, trying to distribute it as evenly as possible.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

Baking

8. Once you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while the oven preheats.
9. Bake, covered with foil, for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
10. Once baked, let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
11. Top with your choice of garnish and enjoy warm!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

Serve the Pumpkin French Toast Bake warm, with optional garnishes like whipped cream, maple syrup, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any brunch table or family gathering!

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave for a quick warm-up or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Helpful Tips

• For a crunchier texture, you can toast the bread cubes in the oven for a few minutes before assembling the dish.
• Feel free to scale the recipe up or down based on your needs; simply adjust the size of your baking dish and ratios of all ingredients accordingly.
• Don’t skip the chilling time; allowing the bread to soak in the custard mixture ensures a creamy and cohesive bake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this Pumpkin French Toast Bake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil. This gives the bread ample time to soak up the custard mixture, enhancing the flavors.

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Brioche or challah bread is ideal due to their rich flavor and fluffy texture. However, you can also use any sturdy bread that can hold up to soaking, such as French bread or even bagels.

Can I substitute the pumpkin puree with something else?

While pumpkin puree is a star ingredient in this recipe, you could substitute it with sweet potato puree for a similar texture and flavor. Just be aware that it may change the overall taste slightly.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Certainly! Just swap the regular bread for a gluten-free alternative, and ensure that any other ingredients you use (such as spices or sugars) are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

The Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese Filling is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of the autumn season, bringing warmth and joy to your table. With its creamy filling and delightful flavors, this bake will surely impress your guests and become a cherished tradition for years to come. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experiences or adaptations in the comments below. Remember, cooking together creates lasting memories, and this dish is perfect for creating those unforgettable moments with your loved ones!

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