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- 1 (14 oz) loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 4 large eggs - 2 cups milk For this dish, I love using challah or brioche bread. They soak up the mix well. The canned pumpkin puree adds a smooth texture and rich flavor. Cream cheese brings a creamy touch that balances the spices. Eggs are key for a fluffy bake, and milk adds moisture. - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt The brown sugar gives a deep sweetness. Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create that cozy fall flavor. Salt enhances all the tastes, making each bite pop. - 1/2 cup chopped pecans - Maple syrup, for serving Chopped pecans add crunch and nutty flavor. Drizzling maple syrup on top makes it sweet and delightful. You can skip the pecans if you want a simpler dish. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bake cook evenly. 2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will keep your bake from sticking. 3. Cut the loaf of bread into 1-inch cubes. This size helps the bread soak up the mixture well. 1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. This is key for a creamy texture. 2. Add the canned pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. 3. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy. This mixture brings all the flavors together. 1. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes. Make sure all the bread is coated. 2. Gently toss the bread to mix it with the cream cheese. If you like nuts, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top. 3. In another bowl, whisk together the milk and any remaining eggs with a sprinkle of cinnamon. 4. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread and cream cheese. This adds moisture. 5. Allow the dish to soak for at least 20 minutes. For a richer flavor, refrigerate overnight. 6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This keeps it moist. 7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Look for a golden top and a set center. This step-by-step guide ensures you make the perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast Bake. Enjoy your creation! Soaking the bread is key to a great Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast Bake. You want the bread to absorb all the creamy goodness. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes. This gives the bread time to soak up the flavors. For even better taste, refrigerate it overnight. This helps the flavors blend and deepen. Trust me; it makes a big difference! You can bake this dish in different pans. If you use a smaller dish, adjust the bake time. A smaller pan may need more time to cook through. On the other hand, a larger pan might need less time. Keep an eye on the bake to ensure it cooks evenly. Serve your French toast bake warm. Drizzle it with maple syrup for sweetness. You can also sprinkle extra cinnamon on top. Fresh fruit pairs well too. Consider offering coffee or apple cider on the side. They make great drinks to enjoy with this dish! {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast Bake. Here are two fun ideas: - Adding chocolate chips: Mix in some chocolate chips for a sweet twist. They melt and add a rich flavor that pairs well with pumpkin. - Using different types of nuts: Instead of pecans, try walnuts or almonds. They add crunch and a nutty taste, which makes your bake even better. If you have dietary needs, don't worry! You can modify the recipe as follows: - Gluten-free bread options: Use gluten-free bread to make this dish safe for those with gluten allergies. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. - Dairy-free substitutions for cream cheese and milk: Use dairy-free cream cheese and almond or oat milk for a tasty dairy-free version. These options keep the creaminess without the dairy. Make your French toast bake special for the season! Here are two ideas: - Incorporating cranberries or apple slices: Add fresh cranberries or thin apple slices. They bring a tart flavor that balances the sweet pumpkin. Plus, they look great! - Adapting for different holidays: For a festive touch, add spices like allspice or cloves during holidays. You can also use themed toppings like whipped cream or holiday sprinkles to enhance the fun. To store leftovers, cool the Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast Bake first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps it fresh. If you prefer freezing, slice the bake first. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. This way, you can grab a piece anytime. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Warm each slice for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Keep an eye on it to avoid overheating. In the fridge, the French toast bake lasts about 3-4 days. If you freeze it, it can last for up to 2-3 months. Just remember that the longer it sits, the more the texture may change. So, enjoy it soon for the best taste! Yes, you can easily prepare this dish ahead of time. For best results, soak the bread overnight. After mixing the cream cheese and pumpkin, pour it over the bread cubes. Cover the baking dish and place it in the fridge. This allows the bread to soak up the flavors. Make sure to bake it the next day. If you don’t have challah or brioche, don’t worry. You can use other bread types. French bread or Texas toast works well. They both give a nice texture. Whole grain bread adds a healthy twist. To check if your bake is done, look for a golden brown top. Insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. The center should feel set, not jiggly. You can use fresh pumpkin. It gives a bright flavor. However, fresh pumpkin needs more work. You must cook and puree it first. Canned pumpkin is easy and saves time. It also has a smooth texture right away. Choose what works best for you. This blog post covered how to make a tasty pumpkin cream cheese French toast bake. We explored key ingredients, from challah bread to spices. I shared step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, like soaking time for flavor. You can try different variations for special occasions or dietary needs. In the end, this dish is not only easy to make but also delicious and versatile. Enjoy making it your own every time you bake!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast Bake

Indulge in the ultimate fall comfort food with this delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast Bake! Perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast, this easy recipe combines fluffy bread with creamy pumpkin filling and warm spices. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you'll create a stunning dish that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy the flavors of autumn!
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Ingredients
  

1 (14 oz) loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

8 oz cream cheese, softened

4 large eggs

2 cups milk

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions
 

Prep the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and place the bread cubes evenly in the dish.

    Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix until well combined and creamy.

      Combine and Layer: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring they are evenly coated. Gently toss the bread to incorporate the mixture throughout. If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top.

        Prepare the Egg Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, remaining eggs (if any), and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread and cream cheese mixture.

          Soak: Allow the bake to sit for at least 20 minutes (or refrigerate overnight for a richer flavor). This gives the bread time to soak in the custardy mixture.

            Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

              Serve: Let the bake cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm drizzled with maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

                Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins | Servings: 8-10