Description
Transform your morning routine with this indulgent, crowd-pleasing pumpkin French toast bake. Featuring buttery brioche soaked in a rich, spice-infused pumpkin custard and finished with a crunchy pecan streusel topping, this breakfast delivers the cozy flavors of autumn. Perfect for busy families, this stress-free recipe can be prepped the night before to ensure a uniform, pudding-like center that makes every slice a gourmet experience.
Ingredients
12–14 oz Brioche or Challah bread, cubed into 1-inch pieces
1 cup pure pumpkin puree
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice
6 large eggs
2 1/3 cups whole milk
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
6 tbsp cold butter, cubed
3/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
Instructions
Slice the bread into uniform 1-inch cubes and air-dry for several hours or overnight.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Arrange the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish.
Pour the pumpkin custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down to ensure all bread is soaked.
Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
To make the topping, combine flour, cold butter, and pecans in a small bowl until the mixture resembles crumbs.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Sprinkle the crumb topping over the soaked bread.
Bake for 50 minutes until golden brown and set.
Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Air-drying the bread is crucial to prevent a soggy center. You can use light or dark brown sugar depending on your preference for molasses flavor. Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the custard. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 50
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 165mg