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Cozy Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Bake

overnight pumpkin French toast bake - featured image

A rich, custardy overnight pumpkin French toast bake made with brioche or challah, pure pumpkin puree, and warm spices. This easy 5-ingredient breakfast requires minimal morning effort and delivers a luxurious, cafรฉ-quality texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (approx. 400-500g), cubed
  • 1 cup (240g) pure pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) real maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Cube the bread into 1-inch pieces and spread on a baking sheet to dry for at least an hour or overnight.
  2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and pack the dried bread cubes tightly into it, mounding them slightly in the center.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth.
  4. Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes. Use a spatula to press down on the bread, ensuring every piece is submerged.
  5. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours) to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
  6. Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes while the oven preheats to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
  7. Bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and puffed, and the center is set (not jiggly).
  8. Let the bake cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

Ensure bread is dry/stale to prevent sogginess. Use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling. For gluten-free, use GF brioche-style bread. For dairy-free, swap cream/milk for coconut milk. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil after 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin french toast, overnight breakfast, brioche french toast, fall breakfast recipe, easy brunch, pumpkin spice, make ahead breakfast