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Kid-Approved Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Bake

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This Kid-Approved Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Bake is the kind of breakfast that makes mornings feel like a holiday, even on a random Wednesday. It’s comfort food that feels special but doesn’t require a culinary degree.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 16 ounces) day-old brioche or challah bread
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Maple syrup for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cube the bread: Cut your day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread them evenly in your 9×13 baking dish.
  2. Make the custard: In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the 6 eggs until well beaten and slightly frothy. Add the milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk until completely combined.
  3. Pour and press: Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press the bread down so every cube gets soaked. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then press again.
  4. Cover and refrigerate: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best (8-12 hours).
  5. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. In another small bowl, melt the butter. Set both aside.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit for 15 minutes. Remove plastic wrap. Brush or drizzle the melted butter over the top. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter. Add nuts if using.
  7. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown and slightly puffed. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly.
  8. Rest and serve: Let the French toast bake rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with maple syrup.

Notes

Don’t skip the overnight rest for best texture. Use day-old bread to avoid mushiness. Let the baked dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the custard to set.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin french toast bake, overnight french toast, pumpkin breakfast, kid-friendly breakfast, fall breakfast

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/kid-approved-overnight-pumpkin-french-toast-bake/