Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf day-old bread (challah, brioche, or French bread), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
Directions:
1. Prepare the Bread:
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
2. Mix the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt until smooth.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes.
- Press down gently with a spatula to ensure the bread absorbs the custard.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) when ready to bake.
5. Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts if desired.
6. Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked bread.
7. Bake the Casserole:
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. If the top browns too quickly, cover with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes.
8. Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: Approx. 3 hours 15 minutes
Calories: Approx. 320 kcal per serving
Servings: 8-10 servings
Enjoy this rich and cozy pumpkin-flavored breakfast treat!