Awaken your taste buds with a delightful twist on a breakfast classic. This pumpkin french toast bake with cream cheese marries the sweet and savory flavors of pumpkin, sugar, and cream cheese with the crispiness of French bread. A comforting dish that's perfect for fall mornings, brunches, or any time you want to indulge in a little bit of decadence.
Photos of Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese Recipe
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are standard pantry staples, you might need to pick up a few items. Pumpkin puree, for instance, is a seasonal item in some areas but can usually be found in the baking aisle of your supermarket. Similarly, French bread might not be a regular in your pantry but can easily be found in the bread section. If you don't have it, you can replace it with any hearty, crusty bread.
Decadent Ingredients for Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese
French bread: The base of our dish, providing a hearty texture that holds up well to the rich, creamy mixture.
Eggs: Adds structure and richness to the bake.
Milk: Helps create a custard-like consistency.
Pumpkin puree: Gives the dish its unique flavor and moistness.
Heavy cream: Adds an extra layer of creaminess.
Sugar: Balances the flavors and adds sweetness.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the dish.
Vanilla extract: Enhances other flavors and adds a sweet, aromatic note.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note which pairs well with pumpkin.
Nutmeg: Complements the pumpkin and adds depth to the dish.
Flour: Helps thicken the mixture and create a golden-brown crust.
Cloves: Adds a spicy, aromatic note.
Butter: Contributes to the rich, indulgent flavor and helps with browning.
Cream cheese: Adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture.
One reader, Bobby Cowart says:
This pumpkin French toast bake with cream cheese recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the cream cheese adds a delightful creaminess. It's the perfect dish for a cozy fall morning. I highly recommend trying it out for a delicious and satisfying breakfast treat.
Techniques Required for Making Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese
How to prepare the baking pan: Spray a 9 by 13-inch pan with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
How to mix the egg mixture: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until well blended.
How to prepare the topping: In a small bowl or food processor, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the butter with a fork or pulse in the food processor until the mixture is crumbly.
How to assemble the French toast bake: Pour half of the bread and egg mixture into the prepared pan, then add half of the cream cheese chunks. Add the remaining mixture and top with the remaining cream cheese chunks. Evenly cover with the brown sugar-butter topping.
How to bake the French toast: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes at 350 degrees F, or until the top is crispy and the center is no longer wet.
How To Make Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese
This recipe for pumpkin french toasts turns a common breakfast fare into a dessert hybrid, thanks to the added cream cheese flavors.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1loafFrench bread
- 8eggs
- 2cupsmilk
- 15ozpumpkin puree
- ½cupheavy cream,or half and half
- ¼cupsugar
- ½cupbrown sugar
- 1tbspvanilla extract
- 2tspcinnamon
- ¼tspnutmeg
- ½cupflour
- ½cupbrown sugar
- 1tspcinnamon
- ½tspcloves,ground
- ¼tspsalt
- ½cupunsalted butter,cold and cut into small squares
- 8ozcream cheese,cut into little chunks
Instructions
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Spray a 9 by 13-inch pan with cooking spray and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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In a large bowl, add the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
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Chop the bread into ¾ – 1 inch cubes and put it in the bowl with the egg mixture and toss well until all the liquid is absorbed.
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In a small bowl or a food processor add the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt and mix.
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Cut in the butter with a fork or pulse in the food processor for 5 to 10 seconds or until the butter and brown sugar mixture is crumbly.
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Pour half the bread and egg mixture into the pan, dot in half of the cream cheese chunks, add the remaining mixture and then add the rest of the cream cheese chunks.
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Cover evenly with the brown sugar-butter topping and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is crispy and the center is no longer wet.
Nutrition
- Calories: 398.72kcal
- Fat: 22.65g
- Saturated Fat: 12.65g
- Trans Fat: 0.32g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.17g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.57g
- Carbohydrates: 39.78g
- Fiber: 2.10g
- Sugar: 21.42g
- Protein: 9.95g
- Cholesterol: 165.42mg
- Sodium: 336.65mg
- Calcium: 129.61mg
- Potassium: 258.47mg
- Iron: 2.28mg
- Vitamin A: 515.00µg
- Vitamin C: 1.57mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Your Pumpkin French Toast Bake
To ensure your pumpkin French toast bake is moist and flavorful, allow the cubed French bread to soak in the egg and pumpkin puree mixture for at least 15 minutes before baking. This allows the bread to fully absorb the flavors and creates a custard-like texture in the final product. Additionally, when adding the cream cheese, try to distribute it evenly throughout the dish to ensure every bite has a bit of creamy goodness.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Delicious Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the bread and egg mixture the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, all you have to do is assemble and bake.
Use pre-cut bread: Save time by using pre-cut French bread cubes from the bakery section of your grocery store.
Bake in advance: You can bake the French toast bake in advance and reheat it when needed, making it a great time-saver for busy mornings.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather all the ingredients and measure them out. This will streamline the cooking process and save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese Recipe
pumpkin puree - Substitute with butternut squash puree: Butternut squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor to pumpkin and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
french bread - Substitute with challah bread: Challah bread has a similar texture and density to French bread, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese has a creamy texture and mild flavor that can work as a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can add a rich and creamy texture similar to heavy cream, while also providing a hint of coconut flavor to the dish.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to milk, providing a slightly nutty flavor to the dish.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for brown sugar, providing a similar sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor.
cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice contains cinnamon along with other warm spices, adding a flavorful twist to the dish.
nutmeg - Substitute with allspice: Allspice can be used as a substitute for nutmeg, providing a warm and aromatic flavor to the recipe.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract can add a sweet and aromatic flavor similar to vanilla, complementing the other ingredients in the dish.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, providing a subtle coconut flavor to the dish.
Presentation Ideas for a Delightful Pumpkin French Toast Bake
Elevate the plating: When presenting the pumpkin French toast bake with cream cheese, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean lines and carefully arrange the dish to showcase the layers and textures.
Garnish with finesse: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the dish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh mint leaves. This delicate touch will enhance the visual appeal and add a pop of color to the plate.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Create an artful drizzle of maple syrup on the plate, using a steady hand to add a touch of sweetness and a visually captivating element to the dish.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose fine dining plates or artisanal ceramic dishes to present the pumpkin French toast bake. The right serving ware can elevate the overall dining experience and add a sense of luxury to the presentation.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Pay attention to the placement of the cream cheese chunks and the distribution of the brown sugar-butter topping to ensure a balanced and harmonious presentation that reflects precision and attention to detail.
Consider the negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the dish to stand out while maintaining a sense of elegance and refinement in the overall presentation.
Highlight seasonal elements: Incorporate a subtle nod to the season by adding a small decorative pumpkin-shaped cookie or a sprig of cinnamon stick to evoke the warm, comforting flavors of fall.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious finishing touch, delicately place a few edible gold leaf flakes on the plate to add a hint of opulence and elevate the visual appeal of the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese
- Large bowl: A large container used for mixing ingredients, particularly useful for combining larger quantities of food.
- 9 by 13-inch pan: A baking pan with specific dimensions, commonly used for baking casseroles, bars, and desserts.
- Cooking spray: A non-stick cooking spray used to grease pans and baking dishes to prevent food from sticking.
- Fork: A kitchen utensil with prongs, used for whisking, stirring, and mixing ingredients.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, and pureeing food, often used for making pastry dough or mixing ingredients.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used to accurately measure ingredients for recipes.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and chopping ingredients.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending and mixing ingredients, particularly useful for incorporating air into mixtures.
- Baking dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking a variety of dishes, such as casseroles and desserts.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Pumpkin French Toast Bake
Let the pumpkin french toast bake cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
For freezing, cut the cooled french toast bake into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label the container with the date and contents.
Freeze the portions for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, remove the desired number of portions from the freezer and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat, place the thawed portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the portions in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
If you want to freeze the entire french toast bake, wrap the cooled dish tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Label and date the dish before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
How To Reheat Leftover Pumpkin French Toast Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pumpkin french toast bake in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the top.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a slice of the french toast bake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed to your liking. The microwave method is quicker but may result in a softer texture compared to oven reheating.
For a crispy exterior, you can also reheat the french toast bake in a toaster oven. Cut the leftovers into individual portions and place them on the toaster oven rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the top is crispy and the center is warm.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the pumpkin french toast bake. Cut the leftovers into individual portions and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
To add extra flavor and moisture, drizzle some maple syrup or caramel sauce over the reheated french toast bake. You can also dust it with powdered sugar or sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added texture.
Interesting Trivia About Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese
Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy mornings or special occasions.
Is Making Pumpkin French Toast Bake at Home Cost-Effective?
This pumpkin French toast bake with cream cheese recipe is a budget-friendly option for households. The ingredients, such as pumpkin puree, eggs, and bread, are generally affordable and readily available. The addition of cream cheese may slightly increase the cost, but it adds a delightful richness to the dish. Considering the serving size and the cost of ingredients, this recipe is estimated to cost around $15-$20 for a household of four. The overall verdict for this recipe is 8/10, as it offers a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch option at a reasonable price.
Is Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese Healthy or Unhealthy?
This pumpkin french toast bake with cream cheese recipe is a decadent and indulgent breakfast treat. While it does contain some nutritious ingredients like pumpkin puree and eggs, the overall recipe is quite high in calories, fat, and sugar. The use of heavy cream, butter, and cream cheese contributes to the high fat content, while the sugars and refined carbohydrates from the bread and brown sugar topping add to the calorie count. Consuming this dish regularly may not be the healthiest choice, especially for those watching their weight or managing certain health conditions.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Swap the french bread for a whole grain variety to increase fiber content
- Reduce the amount of sugar and brown sugar used, or replace them with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey
- Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream to cut down on saturated fat
- Opt for reduced-fat cream cheese or replace it with a protein-rich alternative like Greek yogurt
- Incorporate more spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to enhance flavor without adding calories
- Serve the french toast bake with fresh fruit to add vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the meal
Editor's Opinion on the Delightful Pumpkin French Toast Bake
As a culinary expert, I find this Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese recipe to be a delightful combination of seasonal flavors and comforting textures. The use of pumpkin puree and warm spices adds a rich, autumnal essence to the dish, while the incorporation of cream cheese brings a luscious and indulgent element. The method of layering the bread and egg mixture with pockets of cream cheese creates a delightful surprise in every bite. The brown sugar-butter topping adds a satisfying crunch, balancing the creamy interior. Overall, this recipe promises a delightful and satisfying breakfast or brunch option for any fall gathering.
Enhance Your Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Pumpkin French Toast Bake
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Pumpkin French Toast Bake
Why trust this Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful fusion of classic French toast and the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin puree and cinnamon. The addition of cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture, elevating the dish to a whole new level of indulgence. With a perfect balance of sweetness and spices, this bake promises to be a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal choice for a cozy weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast. Trust in the harmonious blend of ingredients and the enticing aroma that will fill your kitchen, creating a memorable dining experience.
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