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- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cubed - 1 ½ cups milk (or plant-based milk) - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 4 large eggs - ½ cup brown sugar - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - Pinch of salt - ½ cup chopped pecans (optional) - Maple syrup for serving - Optional garnishes: whipped cream, powdered sugar Gathering the right ingredients is key to a delicious Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake. Start with a loaf of brioche or challah bread. This bread gives the bake its soft texture. You need to cut it into cubes, so it soaks up all the mixture well. Next is the star of the dish: canned pumpkin puree. This adds rich flavor and a lovely orange hue. Pair it with 1 ½ cups of milk. You can use any milk you like, even plant-based options like almond or oat milk. For the custard mixture, you’ll need 4 large eggs. They help bind everything together. Add ½ cup of brown sugar for sweetness. You can adjust this based on your taste. Next, add flavor with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice. These spices fill your kitchen with warmth. A dash of ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt complete the flavor. If you want a bit of crunch, toss in ½ cup of chopped pecans. When it’s time to serve, drizzle warm maple syrup on top. You can also add whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra flair. This will make your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake a cozy and comforting treat for everyone! 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for even baking. 2. Next, grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This makes serving easier later. 3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined. 1. Add the cubed brioche or challah bread to the pumpkin mixture. Gently fold the bread into the custard to coat each piece evenly. If you want a crunch, fold in the chopped pecans now. 2. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. This soaking time helps the bread absorb the custard. It makes the bake soft and tasty. 1. Pour the soaked bread mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly for uniform baking. Optionally, sprinkle a few extra pecans on top for added texture. 2. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the custard should be set. You can check this by gently shaking the dish; it should not jiggle too much. 3. Once baked, remove it from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup for a cozy treat. To make this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake great, focus on soaking the bread. I suggest letting the bread soak for at least 10 minutes. This time allows the bread to absorb flavors and moisture well. If you skip this step, your bake may turn out dry. When you whisk the mixture, it is important to do it well. Start with the milk and pumpkin puree. Add eggs and sugar next. Use a whisk to mix until smooth. This helps all the ingredients blend together nicely. You can play with the vanilla extract to add your own twist. Try using vanilla bean paste for a richer flavor. You can also swap in almond extract for a nutty touch. Adjusting the spices can change the taste, too. If you love a stronger spice flavor, add more pumpkin pie spice. A sprinkle of nutmeg can also kick it up a notch. For serving, get creative! Serve slices on bright plates for a fun look. A dollop of whipped cream on top adds sweetness. You can also dust with powdered sugar for a fancy touch. If you want crunch, sprinkle extra pecans on top. This not only adds taste but also makes it visually appealing. Enjoy your cozy treat! {{image_2}} You can switch the bread to change the taste. Whole grain bread gives a nice texture and flavor. Gluten-free bread works well too. It keeps the dish friendly for those with allergies. You can also try sourdough for a tangy twist. Each type of bread can give your bake a fresh vibe. Want to mix things up? Add chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries also work great. They add nice bursts of flavor. You can try different spices too. Nutmeg or allspice can give your dish a new kick. Don't be afraid to get creative! If you want a vegan version, swap eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds. Use plant-based milk and skip the dairy. For a low-sugar option, try using a sugar substitute. Applesauce can also sweeten it naturally. These changes keep the taste while making it healthier. To store leftover Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake, let it cool first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the moisture in and prevents drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Cut the bake into slices before freezing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. For the best taste, eat your Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake within three days if refrigerated. Look for signs of spoilage like a sour smell or mold. If you see any, do not eat it. Enjoy your bake while it's fresh for the best experience. What can I substitute for milk in this recipe? You can use any plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. These work well. They provide a similar texture and flavor. If you need a nut-free option, choose soy or oat milk. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish the night before. Just cover it and chill. Bake it in the morning for a warm, fresh breakfast. How many servings does this recipe yield? This recipe makes about 8 servings. Each slice is filling and delicious. It’s great for family gatherings or brunch with friends. Can I scale the recipe for larger gatherings? Absolutely! You can double the recipe. Use a larger baking dish to fit all the ingredients. Just keep the baking time similar. How can I adjust baking time for different ovens? Ovens can vary, so check the bake at 35 minutes. If it is not set, add a few more minutes. Look for a golden top and firm custard. Are there tips for making this gluten-free? Use gluten-free bread as the main swap. Ensure the bread is fresh and soft. This keeps the texture nice and fluffy. This pumpkin bread pudding recipe combines simple ingredients for a cozy dish. You start with brioche or challah, milk, and pumpkin puree. Then, whisk and soak before baking. Remember to follow the tips for the best results and try out variations to suit your taste. With thoughtful storage, you can enjoy this treat for days. This dessert offers warmth and joy, perfect for gatherings or quiet nights at home. Embrace your creativity in the kitchen, and make this recipe your own!

Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake

Get ready to enjoy a delicious twist on breakfast with this Pumpkin Spice French Toast Bake! This easy recipe combines brioche bread, creamy pumpkin puree, and warm spices to create a perfect fall treat. Whether it's for a cozy family brunch or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Click through for the full recipe and make mornings a little sweeter! #PumpkinSpice #FrenchToastBake #FallRecipes #BrunchIdeas
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cubed

1 ½ cups milk (or any plant-based milk)

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

4 large eggs

½ cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Maple syrup for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

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

      Add the cubed bread to the pumpkin mixture, gently folding to coat all pieces evenly. If using, fold in the chopped pecans for added crunch.

        Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, letting the bread soak in the custard.

          Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Optionally, sprinkle a few extra pecans on top for added texture.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.

              Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve slices on individual plates, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.