Baked Pumpkin Maple French Toast

Baked Pumpkin Maple French Toast is a fall breakfast everyone will drool over! Sweetened with maple syrup and topped with pecans, this french toast casserole bakes in the oven until puffed and golden and tastes like pumpkin pie. 

Today I'm honored to be joining the Tastes of the Season blogger group in sharing our favorite fall breakfast recipes! This group is made up of some of the most talented ladies and gentlemen from the blogging world and I was beyond excited to be asked to contribute.

You might have guessed that I am contributing Pumpkin Maple French Toast to the breakfast mix, and if you scroll to the end of the post I'm linking to the other five breakfast recipes! I know you will love every single one of them.

Baked Pumpkin Maple French Toast

I love the simplicity and convenience of baked french toast! No standing over a pan, flipping individual servings here and if you are serving a whole family, baked French Toast is the way to go. I make an Eggnog French Toast during the holidays (which is to die for) and a version with Raspberry Butter in the spring. This is the most versatile recipe to customize!

Ingredients in Pumpkin French Toast

• Bread - I use a loaf of French Bread from the grocery store bakery but you can also use challah bread or brioche.
• Eggs - you'll need 8 eggs for this custard!
• Milk- I find that a combination of heavy cream and whole milk works best for the creamiest custard.
• Maple Syrup - for this recipe I skip the sugar and sweeten with just maple syrup.
• Pumpkin - canned pumpkin puree, not the pie filling sweetened stuff.
• Vanilla - pure vanilla extract!
• Spices - you can use a premixed pumpkin pie spice for this but I combine my own blend of clove, cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Salt - to bring out the sweet.
• Butter - to grease the pan and make everything more delicious.

The Best Breads For French Toast

When it comes to french toast the bread you choose makes all the difference! From cinnamon raisin bread to sourdough, I've tried lots of different loaves for french toast. Here are a few of my favorites:

• French Bread - for this particular recipe, I really like the simplicity of day old French Bread. I buy the large loaf that comes freshly baked from the grocery store. You know, the one in the paper bag. Just make sure you leave it out for a day or so before using! 
• Challah - this is a delicious option for french toast with a rich eggy flavor.
• Brioche - this is a super buttery and rich bread with a lovely fluffy texture which makes a great French Toast.
• Croissants - if you really want a treat, try using day old croissants! I use them for my Blueberry Croissant Bread Pudding.
• Cinnamon Raisin Bread - if you haven't tried the thick cut cinnamon raisin bread from Trader Joe's, go run and get it! That would be a delicious way to put a spin on this recipe.

How to Make Pumpkin French Toast

1. Bread - start by cubing your bread and placing it in a buttered baking dish. I used an oval dish but any 9x13 dish will work.
2. Nuts - top the cubed bread with pecans.
3. Custard - make the custard by combining eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, pumpkin, maple syrup, salt and spices. Whisk the mixture together and pour all of that goodness over the top of the bread and pecans. 
4. Chill - some recipes call for chilling french toast overnight but I honestly don't think it's necessary. I recommend covering with plastic wrap and chilling for one hour to give the bread time to fully absorb the custard. After that it's time to bake.
5. Bake - uncover and bake in a 350 degree oven for 40 minutes until the french toast is puffed and golden and set in the middle.
6. Serve - serve with more maple syrup drizzled over the top!

Tips & Substitutions for Baked Pumpkin Maple French Toast

• Not a pumpkin fan? You can absolutely leave out the pumpkin puree. This will change the flavor to a Maple Spice French Toast. 
• Gluten Free? You can definitely try this recipe with your favorite gluten free bread. Just make sure it's thick cut and day old. 
• Spices. You can substitute 1 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. 
• Make sure the custard has completely soaked each cube of bread. This is why the chilling time is important! You don't want any dry bits of bread in your french toast casserole.
• To test if the French Toast is set in the middle, stick a toothpick in the center and remove. It should come out dry! If it is sticky and wet, your casserole may need a few more minutes.

Can You Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

You sure can which is another reason I love baked French Toast! I only call for one hour of chill time to allow the bread to absorb the custard but you can cover and refrigerate overnight if desired. Planning a brunch or breakfast and want to prep this the day before? No problem! 

To serve this delicious Pumpkin French Toast, cut into large squares and top with extra maple syrup. You could also add a dollop of homemade whipped cream if you really want a breakfast treat!

Looking for More Pumpkin Recipes? Try these:

• The Best Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
• Pumpkin Spice Margaritas
• Gooey Pumpkin Oat Bars
• Pumpkin Chicken Enchiladas
• Creamy Pumpkin Soup
• Pumpkin Stuffed Shells

Tastes of the Season: Fall Breakfast Recipes

Delicious Coffee Cake by Ella Claire & Co. | Apple Pie Crepes by Tidy Mom | Apple Cranberry Baked Oatmeal by Inspired by Charm

Baked Pumpkin Maple French Toast by Freutcake | Cinnamon Apple French Toast by anderson + grant | Granola Brunch Baked Apples by Handmade Farmhouse