Indulge in Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese Filling

As the weather turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, there’s nothing quite like the alluring aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through the kitchen. This Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese Filling is the ultimate fall breakfast indulgence, combining the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin with the rich decadence of a creamy cream cheese swirl. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or simply craving a delightful morning treat, this recipe is sure to delight your senses and satisfy your taste buds.

Table of Contents

Ingredients Breakdown

To create this heavenly Pumpkin French Toast Bake, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pecan Topping:

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• Pinch of salt

For the Pumpkin French Toast:

• 4 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cup milk
• 1 (15-ounces) can pumpkin puree
• 1 (14-ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 loaf Brioche or Challah bread, sliced

For optional toppings, you can add a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the easy-to-follow instructions for creating this delightful Pumpkin French Toast Bake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
3. Prepare Pecan Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
4. Make Pumpkin Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, vanilla extract, milk, pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, and melted butter.
5. Assemble French Toast Bake: Layer half of the bread slices in the prepared dish. Spread the cream cheese filling over the bread, then layer the remaining bread on top. Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly over the top.
6. Add Topping: Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the pumpkin mixture.
7. Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
8. Serve: Allow the Pumpkin French Toast Bake to cool slightly, then drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin French Toast Bake

To ensure your Pumpkin French Toast Bake turns out perfectly, here are a few helpful tips:

• Bread Choice: Brioche and Challah bread work exceptionally well in this recipe, as their rich, soft texture complements the pumpkin and cream cheese flavors beautifully.
• Cream Cheese Filling: Be sure to allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before beating it to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Layering: Carefully layer the bread and cream cheese filling to create distinct layers that will hold their shape when baked.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Taste the pumpkin mixture before pouring it over the bread and adjust the sweetness to your personal preference by adding more or less sweetened condensed milk.
• Serving Suggestions: While the Pumpkin French Toast Bake is delicious on its own, you can also serve it with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this Pumpkin French Toast Bake provides approximately 500 calories, with a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats from the pumpkin, cream cheese, and pecans. It’s a satisfying breakfast that also offers beneficial nutrients like vitamins A and C, fiber, and calcium. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese or opt for a dairy-free alternative.

Variations of Pumpkin French Toast Bake

While this Pumpkin French Toast Bake recipe is a delightful classic, you can also experiment with various twists and variations to suit your tastes:

• Nut Variations: Swap out the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or a mix of your favorite nuts.
• Dried Fruit: Incorporate dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a pop of sweetness and texture.
• Spice It Up: Add a touch of ground nutmeg or ginger to enhance the warm, cozy flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread or a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, such as cashew cream or coconut cream, and use non-dairy milk to create a vegan-friendly version.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Pumpkin French Toast
• Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting
• White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate overnight?

Yes, you can absolutely prepare the Pumpkin French Toast Bake in advance. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply bake as directed. This makes it a great option for hosting brunch or enjoying a stress-free weekend breakfast.

Can I use regular cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative?

You can use regular full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese for the filling. For a dairy-free version, try substituting the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, such as cashew cream or coconut cream.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free or low-carb?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the Brioche or Challah bread for a gluten-free bread option. For a low-carb version, you can use a keto-friendly bread or even substitute the bread with sliced zucchini or eggplant.

Can I adjust the pumpkin spice level or sweetness to taste?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin spice to suit your personal preferences. Similarly, you can add or reduce the sweetened condensed milk to achieve your desired level of sweetness in the pumpkin mixture.

Conclusion

Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with this irresistible Pumpkin French Toast Bake with Cream Cheese Filling. The combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and a rich cream cheese swirl creates a truly indulgent breakfast or brunch that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or enjoy it as a weekend treat, this recipe is a must-try for any pumpkin lover. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the delightful taste of autumn in every bite!

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

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