This pumpkin french toast casserole is studded with chocolate chips and full of fall flavors. It’s simple to make, feeds a crowd and may be prepped the evening earlier than for a fast breakfast/brunch the subsequent morning.
Take your fall breakfast to the subsequent stage with this pumpkin French toast casserole!
It’s dairy-free, naturally sweetened, loaded with fall flavors and studded with chocolate chips. The combo of pumpkin and chocolate = chef’s kiss!
Not solely is that this French toast casserole scrumptious, nevertheless it’s additionally simple to make and designed to be prepped forward of time! Combine the whole lot collectively at evening, cowl and refrigerate in a single day. Within the morning all you must do is bake. My complete household is obsessive about this dish, I can’t wait so that you can attempt it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to make – With solely 8 easy components this recipe comes collectively shortly!
- Make-ahead – That is the right make-ahead breakfast recipe. Simply prep the whole lot the evening earlier than and within the morning bake and luxuriate in!
- Scrumptious – You’ll be able to’t go incorrect with the combo of pumpkin + chocolate. It’s so good!
- Wholesome – It’s made more healthy than some French toast bakes with maple syrup and almond milk. No butter, heavy cream or white sugar over right here!
- Crowd-pleaser – This pumpkin french toast casserole recipe is assured to be a success at household breakfast, brunch events or vacation meals like Christmas morning brunch.
Components Wanted
- bread – the inspiration of this casserole, providing a hearty texture and a lift of complete grain goodness. I used Dave’s Killer Bread 21 complete grains and seeds, however any bread or model ought to work properly.
- unsweetened vanilla almond milk – brings a refined vanilla taste and a dairy-free creaminess to the custard combination.
- canned pumpkin – the star of the present! Use store-bought or make do-it-yourself pumpkin puree. Simply ensure you’re utilizing pure pumpkin puree with only one ingredient and never pumpkin pie combine.
- maple syrup – the right pure sweetener for this french toast casserole.
- pumpkin pie spice – a mix of fall spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg. USe store-bought or make do-it-yourself pumpkin pie spice.
- pure vanilla extract – the right taste enhancer.
- eggs – the binding agent that holds the whole lot collectively and creates that pleasant custard-like consistency.
- chocolate chips – add a touch of chocolatey goodness that pairs splendidly with the pumpkin and spices. I like to recommend Take pleasure in Life darkish chocolate chips that are allergen-friendly or Lily’s chocolate chips as a result of they’re low in sugar and energy.
Easy methods to Make
Prep the bread – Begin by inserting your bread slices on a big baking sheet. Broil them for 2-3 minutes per facet till they flip golden brown. This provides a pleasant texture to your casserole. As soon as they’re toasted, chop the bread into small chunks.
Combine custard – In a big bowl, whisk collectively the milk, canned pumpkin, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice.
Assemble – Grease a 9×13 baking pan and place the bread chunks in it. Pour the egg and pumpkin combination over the bread, making certain to unfold it round in order that the liquid saturates the bread evenly. For an additional contact of sweetness and taste, sprinkle chocolate chips excessive.
Refrigerate – Cowl the baking dish and place within the fridge. Ideally, let it soak in a single day, as this enables the bread to totally take up the custard for a richer taste. Nonetheless, when you’re brief on time, a 30-minute soak will suffice.
Bake – Once you’re able to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Cowl the casserole with foil and bake for half-hour. Then, take away the foil and proceed to bake for an additional 20 minutes or till the custard combination has set and the highest is golden.
Serve – Serve heat or at room temperature. For an additional indulgent contact, drizzle extra maple syrup over every serving.
Recipe Ideas
- Use a dense, whole-grain bread for the perfect texture. It holds up properly and doesn’t get too soggy.
- Don’t skip toasting the bread! This helps stop it from getting too soggy.
- This can be a nice recipe to make the most of day previous bread!
- Make certain the egg combination is evenly distributed over the bread. Gently press the bread chunks down into the liquid to absorb the goodness.
- For optimum taste infusion and texture, let the casserole soak in a single day. If brief on time, a minimal of half-hour will work.
Substitutions & Variations
- Bread Selections: The recipe requires Dave’s Killer Bread 21 Complete Grains and Seeds, however be happy to make use of what you’ve gotten available. A dense, hearty bread works finest. One thing like an entire wheat or multigrain loaf could be a very good substitute.
- Gluten-Free Model: I haven’t tried utilizing gluten-free bread with this recipe, however I’m certain it will work out simply nice! In the event you resolve to do this for your self, please tell us within the feedback.
- Milk Choices: Unsweetened vanilla almond milk provides a pleasant taste, however any non-dairy milk like soy or oat milk can be utilized. In the event you’re not avoiding dairy, common cow’s milk is simply as efficient.
- Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin offers a stunning autumnal taste, however when you’re feeling adventurous, do-it-yourself pumpkin puree can add a recent twist. Simply keep away from utilizing pumpkin pie filling, because it’s often sweetened and spiced already.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup gives a pure sweetness. In the event you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave nectar are good substitutes.
- Egg-Free Model: Since we’re utilizing 5 eggs to offer this French Toast Casserole its construction, I wouldn’t advocate attempting to make use of a substitute.
What to Serve With Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
In the event you’re serving this pumpkin French toast bake for a weekend brunch or vacation brunch right here’s what I like to recommend serving with it:
Storing & Reheating
Fridge – Retailer any leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as one week.
Freezer – If you wish to retailer for longer than per week, I like to recommend storing within the freezer! Retailer in an hermetic container or freezer bag and retailer for as much as three months.
To reheat – Irrespective of the way you retailer them, the reheating course of is essential! I prefer to warmth particular person slices in my toaster oven, however you would additionally use a standard oven or the microwave when you’re brief on time. For the oven or toaster oven, warmth on 300-350°F till the French toast is heat.
Widespread Breakfast Recipes
Remember to take a look at the complete assortment of breakfast recipes on EBF!
