Start your day with a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite! This Cinnamon-Swirled Pumpkin French Toast Bake is a showstopper that will impress your family and guests alike. Combining the warm spices of cinnamon and pumpkin, this dish is not only delicious but also perfect for autumn brunches.
With layers of fluffy bread soaked in a creamy pumpkin-egg mixture and a sweet cinnamon swirl, every bite is a heavenly combination of flavors. Serve it warm, topped with maple syrup or whipped cream, for an unforgettable treat that embodies the essence of fall.
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS
- 8 slices of brioche or challah bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon swirl)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for cinnamon swirl)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Cut the brioche or challah into cubes and place them into the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the pumpkin custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all pieces are soaked.
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the swirl. Sprinkle it evenly over the top of the bread mixture.
- Use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture into the bread and custard for a marbled effect.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm, topped with maple syrup or whipped cream.
Notes
Tip: Using stale bread will yield a better texture, as it absorbs the custard without becoming overly soggy.
For best results, use day-old bread to allow the custard to soak in without becoming too mushy. Brioche or challah works exceptionally well for added richness. If you’re short on time, feel free to prepare it the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight; just bake it in the morning!
Leftover bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor!