Pumpkin French Toast Bake
12 English Muffins cut into 1" bits
6 large eggs
2 1/4 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
For the Crumb Topping
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Lightly coat a 7x11 or 9x13 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray. Add the cut up Muffins to the casserole dish and spread into an even layer. Set aside. In a bowl whisk the eggs, then add the milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk to combine. Pour the mixture over the top of the bread, trying to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap, place in fridge over night or let soak for about 15 minutes and bake right away. Before baking make the crumb topping – melt the butter in a small pot over medium-low heat. Add the brown sugar, salt and vanilla and stir just until melted. Remove from heat and stir in the flour. Let the mixture cool before crumbling and sprinkling over the pumpkin French toast bake. Bake in a 350 oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until set in the center. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with fresh whipped cream and maple syrup.
Pumpkin French Toast Bake is a fantastic way to bring warm, comforting flavors into your morning routine, especially during the cozy fall season. Using 12 cut-up English Muffins soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice provides a rich and moist base that absorbs all the delicious flavors perfectly. One of the standout features of this recipe is the crumb topping made with butter, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and all-purpose flour, which adds a delightful crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft French toast beneath. For optimal results, it's recommended to prepare the dish the night before and let it soak overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the muffins to fully absorb the custard mixture, ensuring every bite is flavorful and tender. However, if you're in a hurry, soaking the mixture for at least 15 minutes before baking will still yield tasty results. Baking the casserole at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 to 50 minutes ensures it cooks evenly, with the center set perfectly without drying out the edges. Letting it cool slightly before serving allows the bake to firm up for easier portioning. Top your slices with fresh whipped cream and warm maple syrup to enhance the pumpkin pie flavor and indulge your taste buds. This Pumpkin French Toast Bake is not just a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or weekend brunches but also an excellent way to use up stale English muffins creatively. The combination of warm pumpkin pie spice and the sweet crumb topping makes it a seasonal favorite that everyone will love. To add variety, consider experimenting with different spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg or incorporating chopped nuts in the crumb topping for extra crunch. You can also swap maple syrup for honey or caramel sauce for a twist on sweetness. Overall, this recipe balances simplicity and rich fall flavors, delivering a satisfying breakfast that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.