This pumpkin french toast bake came about as somewhat of diversion to household chores. Please tell me I’m not the only one who doesn’t like to unpack.
I don’t know if it’s the thought of the dirty clothes that will come piling out or what, I just don’t get excited about unpacking. As I went to unpack our suitcase from this weekend, my mind suddenly went to french toast bake.
Weird, I know. But then I thought about pumpkin french toast bake, and just like that the suitcase was forgotten (Don’t worry, the dirty clothes got washed!) and this french toast bake was in the oven!
A whole cup of pumpkin and some pumpkin spices combine to create a french toast bake bursting with fall flavor. The layer of cinnamon streusel gives it a sweet, crunchy top.
I strongly suggest that you make the streusel into large pieces so you can bite into the big, buttery chunks of streusel once baked!
Since you can make it the night before and bake it the next morning, this french toast bake allows you to enjoy what might usually be a weekend breakfast for a weekday breakfast.
Or at least that’s the way it is around here. We hardly ever have the time to prepare and bake something for breakfast during the week!
Eat it plain or serve it with your favorite syrup. This pumpkin french toast bake makes a great diversion to housework (if you need it!) or a hot, delicious breakfast.
Either way, your family will enjoy this fall twist to french toast bake!
- 6½ C day old French bread, cubed
- 5 eggs
- ¼ C maple syrup
- 1 C milk
- 1 C pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ginger
- ⅛ tsp cloves
- ¼ C butter, softened
- ¼ C brown sugar
- ¼ C all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp salt
- Preheat oven to 350. Lightly spray an 8x8 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place bread cubes in a large bowl.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, syrup, milk, pumpkin, and vanilla. Add in cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Whisk until combined.
- Pour over bread. Stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Pour bread mixture into prepared baking dish. Gently press with spatula. Sprinkle topping over the top.
- If baking the next day, cover and place in refrigerator. If baking immediately, bake for 40-50 minutes or until topping browns and center is puffed. (Center will deflate as it cools.)
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving with your favorite syrup.
- Store leftovers in the fridge.
Tonia says
That looks too amazing to be called breakfast!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
I love things like this you can prep the night before and then just pop in the oven! It looks SO GOOD!!!!
Taylor @ greens & chocolate says
I am the same way – I HATE unpacking! This french toast bake look like the perfect distraction 🙂
Christie - Food Done Light says
I can’t stand to trip over the suitcases, so I tend to unpack right away. I would definitely forget the unpacking and make this french toast instead.
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
I’d much rather bake than unpack, which is why my overnight bag is still full of crap. This breakfast bake looks amazing. Love pumpkin!
Tori@Gringalicious.com says
You totally read my mind! I was going to make a pumpkin french toast for breakfast the other day but I didn’t have time. I have never thought of adding a crumb topping, it’s brilliant. I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats says
Unpacking is the worst! My hubs is terrible at it. Just leaving it for the next time we leave then he’s ahead of the game or so he says 🙂 I would much rather get distracted by this terrific french toast recipe!
Jen @ Fresh from the... says
Oooh that looks yummy! Combines two of my favorite things – pumpkin and french toast!
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
I am all over this!!! Pumpkin all the things!
Beth @ The First Year says
Baking and blog stuff always overrides household chores for me! I wish I was having this for breakfast tomorrow!
Ashley says
I will take allll of that streusel topping! And some of the french toast too 🙂
And I totally hate unpacking – I dread coming home and doing all the laundry…
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
I am swooning over that streusel top! Big buttery chunks it is!
Kim of Mo'Betta says
I have been planning on making a pumpkin french toast casserole, and this streusel topping makes this one THE one! Definitely going on next week’s menu plan!
sarah k @ the pajama chef says
i always unpack right away…it’s our ritual. makes the next day easier. 🙂 this french toast sounds lovely!
Anna (Hidden Ponies) says
Baking is my number 1 procrastination technique 🙂 I hate unpacking…but it always feels SO good to have it done. This sounds wonderful – I’ve never made baked Frnech toast.
Joanne says
I still have a suitcase that I haven’t unpacked for A WEEK sitting on the floor. I’m the worst.
Maybe I can procrastinate one more day by making this french toast bake. Seems like a good life plan.
Manali @ CookWithManali says
That looks incredible! I wish to eat such kind of breakfast everyday 😉 Pinned!
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
Unpacking and putting away freshly washed clothes are always choirs I procrastinate 🙂 This fresh toast looks delicious!
Kloe's Kitchen says
On no! I shouldn’t have seen this! Now I will be wanting it all week until I have the chance to buy pumpkin! Haha! Thanks for sharing it looks like the perfect way to start a fall day!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
The perfect fall breakfast Jessica – pinned!
Caroline says
This sounds delicious! Perfect for any fall morning!
Amanda says
Love this. LOVE IT. Totally making!
Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files says
I hate unpacking!!! But I would love a big ol slice of this french toast!!