Save to Pinterest If you are looking for a cozy autumn breakfast with a creamy surprise and all the flavors of pumpkin pie, this Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast Bake is about to become your new favorite. It is the kind of oven breakfast that makes the whole house smell like the holidays and feels extra special for a weekend brunch or a make-ahead treat.
The rich and tangy cream cheese ribbons instantly won me over the first time I made this and now it is a must when my family gathers for fall breakfasts
Ingredients
- Brioche or challah bread: thick cut to soak up the custard and stay fluffy
- Pumpkin puree: pure pumpkin adds earthy sweetness and color make sure to use 100 percent pumpkin not pie filling
- Cream cheese: softened for easy mixing and swirled in for creamy pockets buy a brick-style for best texture
- Eggs: large and fresh crucial for binding the casserole base
- Whole milk or half and half: for a rich custard and creamy finish
- Maple syrup: to sweeten and add depth a real maple syrup boosts autumn flavor
- Light brown sugar: for gentle sweetness and caramel tones
- Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice: bring warmth and seasonal aroma use fresh spices if possible
- Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor pick a pure vanilla for best results
- Butter: for greasing the pan and a bit on top for golden color use real butter for richness
- Salt: a small pinch balances the sweetness
Instructions
- Layer the Bread:
- Arrange thick cubes of brioche or challah in a generously buttered baking dish tuck them in snug but do not squish too tightly. This step keeps the texture soft inside and golden on top
- Prepare the Pumpkin Custard:
- In a large bowl whisk together eggs pumpkin puree whole milk maple syrup brown sugar cinnamon pumpkin pie spice vanilla and a pinch of salt until silky and smooth. Whisk slowly so everything is evenly dissolved and no streaks of egg remain
- Soak the Bread:
- Pour the pumpkin custard mix evenly over the bread cubes using a spoon or spatula to gently press down and make sure every piece is coated. It is best to let it sit for at least 20 minutes or cover and refrigerate overnight for full absorption and extra flavor
- Swirl in the Cream Cheese:
- In a separate bowl beat softened cream cheese with a splash of maple syrup until fluffy. Dollop spoonfuls across the surface of the soaked bread and use a butter knife to gently swirl it in so you get marbled ribbons of creaminess throughout
- Bake Until Golden:
- Dot the top with small bits of butter then bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes until the casserole is puffed up the edges are deeply golden and the cream cheese is set with a few caramelized spots
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the bake rest about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This makes it easier to cut and lets the flavors settle. Top with extra maple syrup a sprinkle of cinnamon or toasted pecans if desired
Save to Pinterest Layering the bread and custard the night before makes mornings simple The cream cheese gets almost cheesecake-like when baked in and that swirl was my daughter’s favorite part last Thanksgiving I always make a double batch because it never lasts long at our table
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days This bake can be reheated in the oven at a low temp to keep it from drying out A microwave works for quick servings but the oven maintains the texture best
Ingredient Substitutions
Sturdy supermarket white sandwich bread will work if you cannot find brioche or challah For dairy free switch to coconut or almond milk and plant based cream cheese If you prefer less sweetness swap brown sugar for coconut sugar or reduce the maple syrup
Serving Suggestions
This bake shines next to fresh fruit a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla Greek yogurt If you are hosting a brunch pair it with crispy bacon and hot coffee for a full autumn spread A sprinkle of toasted pecans adds crunch and extra festive flavor
Save to Pinterest Toast the spices briefly in a skillet before adding to the custard for an extra boost of fragrance. Serve warm and watch it disappear at your next family breakfast!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it the night before and bake in the morning for optimal convenience.
- → What type of bread works best?
Thick, sturdy bread such as challah or brioche is ideal to soak up the custard without getting soggy.
- → Is it possible to use canned pumpkin?
Absolutely, canned pumpkin puree blends smoothly and offers great flavor for this dish.
- → How can I add extra flavor?
Mix in spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice, and consider adding vanilla extract for depth.
- → What toppings pair well with this?
Try drizzling maple syrup, adding whipped cream, or sprinkling chopped pecans for extra texture.