Baked Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast – A Comforting Twist on Classic Breakfast
Introduction:
Baked Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast is a delightful breakfast dish that transforms traditional French toast into something extraordinary. By layering wholesome ingredients and baking them into a casserole, this recipe delivers an irresistible combination of creamy, earthy pumpkin, sweet cinnamon-spiced bread, and the tangy richness of cream cheese. It’s perfect for special occasions, lazy weekend mornings, or even as a festive dessert. This vegetarian dish is a wonderful way to embrace the fall flavors of pumpkin while indulging in a comforting, baked treat.
This dish offers a comforting balance of textures, from the crispy toast to the soft, creamy filling and the crunchy topping. Topped with walnuts for a satisfying crunch, this recipe combines both sweetness and savory elements for an unforgettable breakfast or dessert experience.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Mixture
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Brown Bread, cut into cubes | 6 slices |
| Britannia Cream Cheese | 1 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Kaddu (Parangikai/Pumpkin), pureed | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 3 tablespoons |
| Nutmeg Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
For the Crumb Topping
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1/4 cup |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 1/4 cup |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted Butter, cut into cubes | 1/4 cup |
| Walnuts, chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | A pinch |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pumpkin
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and allow it to heat up for 10 minutes.
- Cook the pumpkin: In a pressure cooker, heat a little oil and add cinnamon sticks, nutmeg powder, and a pinch of salt. Place the pumpkin cubes inside and cook for 2 whistles. Once done, let the pressure release naturally.
- Remove the cinnamon sticks and mash the pumpkin with the back of a fork until it’s coarsely pureed.
- Transfer the mashed pumpkin to a bowl, then add milk and sugar. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until smooth and combined. Set aside.
2. Toast the Bread
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add a dollop of butter.
- Once the butter melts, add the cubed bread slices. Toast the bread until it turns light brown and crispy on all sides. Set the toasted bread cubes aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Crumb Topping
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon powder, and unsalted butter. Use your hands or a fork to mix the ingredients together until you get a crumbly texture.
- Add the chopped walnuts to the mixture and mix until well combined. Set aside.
4. Assemble the Baked Pumpkin French Toast
- Grease a flat casserole dish with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Layer the toasted bread cubes at the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Pour the prepared pumpkin mixture over the bread cubes, spreading it out evenly.
- Add dollops of cream cheese across the pumpkin mixture, spreading it gently with a spoon or spatula.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping mixture evenly over the top.
5. Bake the French Toast
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes at 180°C (350°F). The top should turn golden brown, and the mixture should be set.
6. Serving Suggestions
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
- This Baked Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast can be served warm as a delicious breakfast or as a comforting dessert for a special occasion.
- Pair it with a refreshing Beetroot Carrot Tomato & Ginger Juice for a wholesome, nutritious breakfast that’s both satisfying and energizing.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast:
- Cream Cheese: Use a high-quality cream cheese for the best flavor. You can even opt for flavored cream cheese, like honey or cinnamon, for an extra burst of taste.
- Pumpkin Puree: If you don’t have fresh pumpkin, canned pumpkin puree works just as well. Just make sure to choose one with no added sugar or spices.
- Crispy Crumbs: For extra crunch, you can toast the walnut topping in the oven for a few minutes before sprinkling it over the casserole.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble this dish the night before and refrigerate it. The next morning, simply bake it for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Vegetarian: This recipe is fully vegetarian, making it suitable for all kinds of diets.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Conclusion
Baked Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast offers a unique take on classic French toast, adding depth with its pumpkin base and creamy richness from the cream cheese. This comforting dish, with its mix of warm spices, soft bread, and crunchy topping, is sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation. Whether you’re serving it for a special brunch or just as a cozy weekend breakfast, it’s a recipe that brings both joy and comfort to the table. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, all in one delightful bake.
