As the crisp autumn air settles in, I find myself reaching for cozy, comforting recipes that wrap me in warmth. This Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Bake is my go-to for those leisurely Sunday mornings when I want something special without all the fuss. Infused with rich pumpkin puree and topped with a spiced pecan streusel, this make-ahead breakfast not only fills the home with delightful aromas but also offers an easy, crowd-pleasing solution for feeding family or friends. Plus, it’s vegetarian and perfect for gatherings or a festive holiday brunch. Curious how a simple night in the fridge transforms ordinary bread into a luscious, custardy delight? Let’s dive into this heartwarming recipe together! Why is This Bake So Irresistible? Comforting Warmth: This Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Bake is the ultimate hug in food form, featuring a velvety custard that will warm your soul on chilly mornings. Effortless Preparation: Simply mix, chill, and bake—no fuss here! Ideal for busy mornings or special occasions, you can prep it the night before. Crowd-Pleasing Taste: The magical blend of pumpkin, spices, and crunchy pecan streusel creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will love, making it perfect for gatherings. Versatile Ingredients: Swap pumpkin puree for sweet potato or mix different breads for exciting textures. Tailor it to your taste! Mouthwatering Aroma: As it bakes, the delightful scent of spiced goodness fills your home, instantly beckoning everyone to the table. Perfect Pairing: Serve it warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dash of powdered sugar, complementing a side of fresh fruit or yogurt. You’ll also want to check out my recipes for French Toast Sausage and Loaded Baked Potato Salad for more delicious, hearty meals to enjoy! Pumpkin French Toast Bake Ingredients For the Bake • Brioche or Challah Bread – Soft offers a sweet foundation; croissants can add a buttery twist. • Whole Milk – Essential for achieving a creamy custard texture. • Heavy Cream – Enhances the richness, taking this bake to the next level of decadence. • Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the custard for delightful flavor. • Brown Sugar – Adds complex, deeper notes with its rich molasses flavor. • Large Eggs – Provides structure and contributes to that fluffy, custardy texture. • Pumpkin Puree – Creates moisture and a lovely pumpkin flavor; I recommend homemade for freshness! • Vanilla Extract – Brings aromatic sweetness that rounds out flavors beautifully. • Pumpkin Pie Spice – Elevates the pumpkin essence with warm spices; a must for this pumpkin French toast bake! • Ground Cinnamon – Infuses warmth and harmonizes the flavors throughout. • Kosher Sea Salt – Enhances sweetness and intensifies all the flavors. For the Streusel • Brown Sugar (for Streusel) – Adds sweetness with delightful caramel undertones. • All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure for a crumbly, delicious topping. • Unsalted Butter – Must be cold and diced to get that perfect crumbly texture. • Chopped Pecans – Adds crunchy, nutty goodness; feel free to swap with almonds or walnuts if preferred. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin French Toast Bake Step 1: Prep the Dish Begin by buttering or spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Cut your brioche or challah bread into 1-inch cubes, then place the cubes evenly in the prepared dish. This will provide a sturdy base for your Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Bake, allowing the custard to soak in beautifully later on. Set the dish aside as you prepare the custard mixture. Step 2: Whisk the Custard In a medium bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, large eggs, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and kosher sea salt. Whisk until smooth and combined, ensuring no lumps remain from the pumpkin or eggs. This custard mixture is key to achieving the rich, creamy texture of your Pumpkin French Toast Bake. Step 3: Soak the Bread Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread in the baking dish. Gently press the bread down if necessary, allowing it to soak in the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting period lets the bread absorb all that wonderful pumpkin flavor and custardy goodness. Step 4: Preheat the Oven When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperate ensures the custard cooks evenly while creating a beautiful golden top. Set your oven rack to the center position, allowing the Pumpkin French Toast Bake to bake perfectly without burning. Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold, diced unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add in the chopped pecans, stirring them gently to combine for that delightful crunch topping over the bake. Step 6: Assemble and Bake Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread mixture in the baking dish. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If the streusel is browning too quickly, tent the dish with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent burning. Step 7: Cool Before Serving Remove the Pumpkin French Toast Bake from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps set the custard and makes it easier to slice. Optionally, dust the top with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup for that extra delightful touch before serving warm to family and friends. What to Serve with Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Bake Warm up your breakfast table with a spread that perfectly complements the rich, cozy flavors of this delightful bake. Creamy Yogurt: Adds a refreshing tang that balances the sweet spice of pumpkin, while its creamy texture enhances every bite. Fresh Fruit Medley: A colorful assortment of berries or sliced apples brightens the plate and brings a hint of freshness to the dish. Nothing beats that juicy burst alongside the warm custard! Maple Syrup: A classic pairing, its rich sweetness enhances the pumpkin flavor and is simply delightful when drizzled over each slice. Crispy Bacon Strips: The salty crunch of bacon contrasts beautifully with the sweet, soft bake, creating an irresistible flavor combination that leaves you wanting more. Nutty Granola: Sprinkling some crunchy granola on top elevates the texture and adds a delightful nutty flavor, making each bite a satisfying experience. Spiced Chai Latte: Sip on a warm, spiced chai latte as you enjoy your breakfast. Its comforting aromas and flavors align wonderfully with the cozy essence of the bake. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the pumpkin vibes with a cup of this seasonal favorite—its creamy sweetness is a luscious match for your French toast bake. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Indulge your sweet tooth with this decadent treat, offering a fun and irresistible contrast to the baked goodness. Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds an airy sweetness and a touch of elegance, perfect for special occasions! Expert Tips for Pumpkin French Toast Bake Choose Day-Old Bread: Opt for day-old brioche or challah; it soaks up the custard better, giving you that perfect texture without becoming mushy. Avoid Soggy Bottoms: Pour the custard evenly, but avoid oversaturation. Press gently to coat, ensuring each piece gets some love without drowning. Make Ahead: Prepare the night before for convenience. Just mix, soak, and tuck it in the fridge—wake up to delightful aromas and an effortless breakfast! Streusel Perfection: Use cold butter for your streusel to achieve that ideal crumbly topping. It’s all about the texture; never sacrifice that crunch! Baking Tips: Keep an eye on your bake as it cooks. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil for the last few minutes to maintain balance. Pumpkin French Toast Bake Customization Feel free to put your own spin on this cozy dish by exploring these exciting variations! Sweet Potato Swap: Replace pumpkin puree with sweet potato puree for a different yet equally delicious flavor. The natural sweetness adds an inviting twist! Nut-Free Delight: Omit pecans and try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead for a nut-free option that still offers delightful crunch. Bread Blend: Experiment with a mix of breads, such as croissants and brioche, to create an exciting medley of textures and flavors in your bake. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or nutmeg to the custard for a bit of warmth that elevates your Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Bake to new heights. Dairy-Free Option: Opt for almond milk and coconut cream to create a dairy-free version that retains the dish’s signature creaminess and flavor. Less Sugar: For a healthier choice, reduce the sugars by half and rely on the natural sweetness of pumpkin and vanilla for flavor. Fruity Addition: Incorporate fresh cranberries or sliced apples in between the bread for a burst of flavor that brings a lovely tartness to the sweet bake. Decadent Chocolate: Fold in mini chocolate chips for an indulgent twist that will leave everyone craving more. Just imagine the melty goodness! While you’re here, you might want to check out my recipe for No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Pops as a sweet treat for your brunch spread! How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin French Toast Bake Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will maintain the custard’s moisture while preventing any unwanted odors. Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or tightly wrap in plastic wrap for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating: For best results, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. Alternatively, use the microwave in 30-second intervals to warm each piece gently without drying it out. Serving Tip: Consider drizzling with maple syrup or dusting with powdered sugar right before serving to revive its delightful flavors! Make Ahead Options These Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Bakes are a lifesaver for busy mornings! You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the bread up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight in the refrigerator. Simply mix the ingredients, pour them over the cubed bread, cover, and let chill. To keep the quality intact, ensure the bread is not overly saturated to avoid a soggy texture. On baking day, just sprinkle on the spiced pecan streusel and pop it in the oven—no last-minute prep required! In just about an hour, you’ll have a scrumptious breakfast ready to delight your family or guests with incredible flavors. Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Bake Recipe FAQs What kind of bread is best for this Pumpkin French Toast Bake? Absolutely! Day-old brioche or challah bread is ideal for this recipe. The slight staleness allows it to soak up the custard mixture beautifully without becoming mushy. Croissants can also be used for an extra buttery flavor, but make sure they’re not too fresh as they might not hold up well. How should I store leftovers of the bake? You’ll want to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the custard moist and prevents it from absorbing any unwanted odors. Just reheat individual slices in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy! Can I freeze Pumpkin French Toast Bake? Very! To freeze, wrap the cooled bake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through. What if my French toast bake turns out soggy? If you find yourself with a soggy bake, it could be due to using overly fresh bread or not letting it rest long enough in the refrigerator. To prevent this, ensure the bread is stale but not dry, and give it ample time to soak up the custard—ideally, overnight is best! Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies? Absolutely! You can simply omit the pecans from the streusel topping or substitute them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Just make sure to double-check any other ingredients for potential cross-contamination. How long can I keep the pumpkin puree I use for this recipe? Homemade pumpkin puree can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers beyond that, I recommend freezing it in portions for future baking! Simply scoop it into freezer-safe bags, flatten them, and store up to 6 months in the freezer. Cozy Pumpkin French Toast Bake for a Festive Morning Treat This Pumpkin French Toast Bake is a comforting, make-ahead breakfast perfect for festive gatherings, infused with rich flavors and topped with spiced pecan streusel. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrResting Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 5 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Bake1 loaf Brioche or Challah Bread cut into 1-inch cubes2 cups Whole Milk1 cup Heavy Cream1/2 cup Granulated Sugar1/4 cup Brown Sugar4 large Large Eggs1 cup Pumpkin Puree preferably homemade1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract1 tablespoon Pumpkin Pie Spice1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon1/2 teaspoon Kosher Sea SaltFor the Streusel1/2 cup Brown Sugar (for Streusel)1 cup All-Purpose Flour1/2 cup Unsalted Butter cold and diced1/2 cup Chopped Pecans or substitute with almonds or walnuts Equipment 9x13-inch baking dishMedium bowlWhiskpastry cutter Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPrep the Dish: Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and place evenly in the dish.Whisk the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together all custard ingredients until smooth.Soak the Bread: Pour custard over bread cubes and press gently. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Make the Streusel Topping: Combine all streusel ingredients and cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans.Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle streusel over bread mixture and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until golden brown and custard is set.Cool Before Serving: Let cool for 5 minutes, optionally dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, use day-old bread and avoid soggy bottoms by not oversaturating the bread with custard. Can be prepared the night before for easy serving in the morning. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
