Baked Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast – A Delicious Breakfast Bread Pudding
If you’re looking for an irresistible and hearty breakfast to serve at a gathering or indulge in a cozy morning meal, the Baked Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast is a delicious choice that combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and cream cheese into a perfect baked creation. This recipe can easily transition from a luxurious breakfast to a show-stopping dessert, making it versatile for any occasion. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of fresh juice, such as Beetroot Carrot Tomato & Ginger Juice, to start your day on a nutritious note.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Brown Bread (cut into cubes) | 6 slices |
| Britannia Cream Cheese | 1 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Kaddu (Pumpkin, pureed) | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 3 tablespoons |
| Nutmeg Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1/4 cup |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 1/4 cup |
| Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes) | 1/4 cup |
| Walnuts (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | A pinch |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Continental
Course: World Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pumpkin
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and allow it to warm up for about 10 minutes. In the meantime, prepare the pumpkin by cooking it in a pressure cooker. Add a small amount of oil, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg powder, and a pinch of salt to the cooker. Cook the pumpkin for 2 whistles. Once the pressure is released naturally, remove the cinnamon sticks and use a fork to mash the pumpkin coarsely. Transfer this mashed pumpkin into a bowl, add the milk and sugar, and whisk until the mixture is well combined. Set this mixture aside.
Step 2: Toast the Bread
In a pan, melt a dollop of unsalted butter. Add the whole wheat bread cubes and toast them until they are light brown and crisp. Set the toasted bread cubes aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Crumb Topping
For the crumb topping, take a separate bowl and combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon powder, unsalted butter cubes, and chopped walnuts. Mix everything together until you achieve a crumbly texture. Set this mixture aside.
Step 4: Assemble the French Toast
Now it’s time to assemble your French toast. Grease a flat casserole or baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking. Begin by layering the toasted bread cubes at the bottom of the casserole. Pour the prepared pumpkin mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring that it is evenly spread. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese over the pumpkin mixture, and gently spread it to create an even layer. Finally, sprinkle the crumb topping over the entire dish, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes at 180°C. The dish is ready when the top is golden and crispy, and the center has set into a pudding-like consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dish can be enjoyed as a delightful breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert for special occasions. Pair it with a refreshing glass of Beetroot Carrot Tomato & Ginger Juice for a well-rounded and nutritious start to your day.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast
- Pumpkin Puree: If fresh pumpkin is unavailable, you can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience. Just ensure it’s plain and unsweetened.
- Bread Choice: Whole wheat bread gives a nice texture to this dish, but you can also use brioche or challah for a richer flavor and softer texture.
- Adding Spice: If you prefer a more pronounced spice flavor, feel free to adjust the amounts of cinnamon and nutmeg according to your taste.
- For Extra Creaminess: Add an extra dollop of cream cheese in between the layers for an even richer texture.
- Serve Warm: Serve this dish warm for the best taste experience, and drizzle with maple syrup or honey if you desire extra sweetness.
Conclusion
Baked Pumpkin Cream Cheese French Toast is a comforting and decadent dish that’s perfect for fall breakfasts or holiday gatherings. The combination of sweet pumpkin, creamy cheese, and cinnamon-spiced bread offers a warm, indulgent experience that will make your mornings feel extra special. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy it with a cup of your favorite drink, and it’ll soon be the star of any meal!
